Milestone magic, massive moments and major match-ups
A weekend full of magnificent matches, the King Price Derby Series returned with a double header in both KZN and the Western Cape while Stellenbosch’s star reached stardom.
The Bosch boys running out in front of their home crowd on Friday during their King Price Derby Series match vs Berg - Photo: https://www.instagram.com/markblake_photography/
A four match round-up from the derby-series that has already yielded numerous engaging games; sees Berg travel to Bosch, current invincibles Westville host Kearsney, Outeniqua play Oakdale and Northwood’s 1st XV fire up the school’s reunion week against Hilton College. All while the Markotter saw Keenan Stoffels reach 50 caps.
On an overcast outlook this past Friday, the season’s fourth Southern Suburb derby took place. On the iconic Tienie Heyns Field; Bosch were looking to extend an incredible run in the ‘SS4’ derby-days, with their last loss against a major rival coming in June 2023. 10 derbies since, the side are yet to crack. However, one of the stronger Berg sides in years
gone past, arrived ready to break the home side’s dominance. Impressive victories against Grey High and a terrific try-laden game against hot-shots Paarl Boys’, saw the side keen to notch another eye-catching performance. Both coming off of a two week hiatus after victories respectively, the teams were equally well rested and hunting a derby-day dub. Despite the formidable form, the home side began the affair the slower of the sides. A flurry of tries after 15 minutes on clock, saw Berg jump into the lead, 14-7, before a Achmat Behardien try and a third Yaqeen Ahmed conversion saw Wynberg lead 21-7 after just 20 minutes on the clock. Bosch would however, turn it on in the final 10 minutes of the half as Joshua Neill and Caleb Bell each scored for their team. Turning the tide in favour of Bosch at the break. In the midst of which, an incredible linebreak from Wynberg’s Kunene Gadu would see the centre grab a second, and despite Rondebosch’s strong finish, made sure his side kept a 7 point gap after the first 35. Things remained tight as things got under way once more, with the first points of the second coming after 51 minutes. A brilliant Bell dummy seeing the Bosch boy score his second and maintain the side’s momentum coming off the first 35. Helping even things on the scoreboard. For the first time in the match, the home support saw their side take the lead soon after as Matthew Galbin crashed over. Time dwindled down as Berg bustled and searched for answers against the stubborn Bosch defense, waiting for their chance to regain parity. Answers would finally come with 8 minutes left, a powerful maul seeing Noah Gila bundled over before Behardien converted in stunning fashion. 33-33.
Yet, the action wasn’t over… A penalty had been awarded to Berg in the final three minutes, and a moment of magic saw Morne Noble quick tap and sprint a 40-metre dash to score the winning try. Concluding a high octane encounter, with Wynberg ending a 2 year derby-day unbeaten streak of Bosch and taking their first major step to being crowned the best Southern Suburb side of 2025.
Over in Paarl, around the same time Friday, Paul Roos players of old and current came together to celebrate a magical individual accolade. Keenan Stoffels; the quick-stepper, ‘Twinkle-Toes’, achieving the big number 50 against Stellenberg. Joining a group of only 8 players to have brought up the title of 50 first team caps for Roos. One of the stalwart sides in South African school boy rugby, Stoffels writes his name in the history books as one of the all timers in the school arena. What a player he’s been for 3 years now for the maroon machine, and a thoroughly deserved accolade to top it off. And still, Stoffels has a term or so to continue shining. His next showing to come against the high-fliers, Wynberg.
Sticking in the Cape, Outeniqua and Oakdale battled things out in what became a run over for the traveling 15. Half a century of points later, Oakdale toppled their hosts 50-7. Avenging a disappointing showing last week as they went down to Paarl Gim 29-9. Nonetheless, seven tries and fifteen Jandrian Goosen point performance later, the Riversdale side grabbed the comprehensive win.
Whilst the Western Cape saw action, KZN saw likewise. A double derby saw Northwood and Westville host Hilton and Kearsney respectively. The first of which, seeing the Knights host on their Old Boys’ Day. The physical forward pack of the home side, proudly holding four Craven Week players, looking to reap further rewards this season. Unfazed by the occasion though, Hilton College would light up the Reece-Edwards Field, extinguishing the fiery atmosphere of the home support. Liyema Nela once again orchestrated a victory for Hilton. The flyhalf played with his usual skill and precision to see his side spoil the occasion. 35-22 this one would end. While Hilton won, Westville continued their invincible 2025 run against Kearsney. Neighbours Kearsney, ended up as the Griffin’s fourth derby victory. After beating close-by challengers DHS, Hilton and Northwood previously. In what is becoming a dream campaign, Westville once again performed. Jadrien Afrikaner with an early brace for the hosts was joined by an early second half score, to see Afrikaner grab a hat trick as Westville eased in the end to a 33-15 win.
