Stellenberg’s season continues to soar whilst Framesby fall to local rivals Grey High - 25 July Weekend Wrap
From the Western Cape, to the Eastern Cape and to Gauteng, the KP Derby Series returned with enticing derbies to kickstart the term
(The Affies XV partaking in their school song with the traveling Affies students - Credit affies_1920_ on Instagram)
As the third term of 2026 begins, so the rugby action rolls on. With a wide range of fixtures from multiple provinces. In the Eastern Cape, the King Price Derby Series returned with Framesby hosting Grey High in a highly anticipated rivalry. Before this, the Western Cape saw Southern Suburb side Wynberg and Bellville big-hitters Stellenberg return to take center stage all while the Wit Bulle of Affies traveled to Pietermaritzburg to face off against Maritzburg College.
Beginning in Gqerberha, where Framesby took on Grey High. The hosts were not even in the top 60 in the country and winless in their last five, however, the adage of a derby meant that form simply did not matter. Fired up by the rivalry, the home fans were in good voice as the two XVs took to the field. The aspect of the clash being a derby and the difficulty playing away was well understood by Grey coach, Matt King, as he spoke to Supersport Schools. He labeled the upcoming venue as a ‘‘cauldron’’ and mentioned how his team would need to ‘‘manage the emotional demands of the occasion” against “Grey High’s biggest local rivals”. With this in mind, his team managed to weather an early try to hit back with two of their own. Overcoming an early yellow as well without major point damage. Framesby would however respond with a try by David Matyani to pull things back. 14-apiece. A further Grey try past the half hour point meant the match was delicately in the hands of the visitors. As the second half motored on, the first of two major momentum swings struck as the home crowd erupted in voice after their XV would score two unanswered tries in the first half of the second 35. Backs against the wall, facing a crucible of a Framesby crowd, Grey had to dig deep if they were to claw back a result. And dig deep they did. In heartbreaking fashion for Framesby who had their eyes on a major derby day upset, the light blue machine grinded out two late tries. Sibo Stuurman in the final 5 minutes before a very late winner came from Daniel Naude. Clinching a dramatic and hard fought derby dub. 35-28 as the final whistle blew.
Switching focus now to the capital powerhouse, established now as a top five regular in the country, Affies had undertaken the lengthy 7 hour car trip to Pietermaritzburg to play against Maritzburg. Unlike their Pretoria rivals, their clash was very well marshaled. A tough College side could not be taken lightly, and Affies was intent on not doing that. Taking a 12-5 lead into the break, the Wit Bulle had soaken up all College’s offense and had weathered their attempts to dent the scoreboard. Entering Goldstone’s for the second half ready to unleash an onslaught. Four tries, Ruben Smith converting all four, later and the away side had very successfully dismantled the hosts. A mature and deadly second half from the heavy hitters, seeing them claim a 40-12 victory to begin their third term.
In the Western Cape, the standout sensation from the first half of 2026, Stellenberg looked to add another scalp to their growing and incredibly impressive collection from the season. From beating powerhouse Grey College in the Noord Suid tournament back in March, the side have grown from strength to strength. Finishing last term with commanding victories over Boland and Bishops (48-24 and 59-5 respectively), 16th ranked Outeniqua would pose a tricky start to the third term despite the team’s towering form. Traveling to Bellville, Outeniqua had tasted defeat only three times in their past eleven fixtures. As things got underway, the Jade Brigade would take a dominant stand early on. Going 12 up within the first 10 minutes of play to give the home fans much to sing about. Despite this, Outeniqua would respond well in the further first 35. Scoring two of their own either side of a Daniel Steffen try for the hosts. As the second period started playing out, the hosts would be in for quite a scare as Outeniqua would jot down their third and take their first lead in the match. 21-19 down, Stellenberg were spurred into action and before long would reclaim their lead through a Daniel Mongie five pointer. Once more converted by their star flyhalf Ethan van Biljon. A player who had recently been picked for the SA schools side. 26-21 it would end, with Stellenberg fending off an underdog story and continuing their fantastic season. Their season now boasts 11 victories.
Elsewhere in the province, Wynberg had a very impressive 42-26 victory over Boland. Putting them 18th in the country as they chase down Bosch to be the best ranked Southern Suburb team. The Berg boys began the third term as they left off the second after beating rivals SACS, with another dominant display.
Rounding up all the action, the following results took place around the nation:
DHS and Jeppe played out an entertaining 21-21 draw,
Northwood smashed Glenwood 82-23,
SACS rattled Roos to the point of a near nineteen year streak of losing being ended, Roos in the end escaping thanks to a last-play winning try. 38-34.
Menlopark beat Noordheuwel 45-42 ,
while both Paarl sides recorded easy Southern Suburbs wins (Gimmies beating Bosch 52-24 and Boishaai beating Bishops 56-7).
Finally, shock winners of the weekend were HTS Drostdy beating Oakdale 31-24.
