With a mixed bag of results recently, Hudson Park faces a true test of their credentials when they travel to the cauldron of the Rec ground in Komani to tackle a tough Queen’s College outfit on Saturday (15.00).
The East London side has shown flashes of real quality this season, but consistency has proved elusive as they continue to search for the complete performance against the heavyweight schools in the Eastern Cape.
Hudson will know they are walking into one of the most demanding environments in schools’ rugby, with the passionate Queen’s supporters traditionally turning the Victoria Recreation Ground into a fierce arena on match days.
The Komani side has built a reputation for their physicality and resilience, and, despite some setbacks this year, remains a formidable force on home soil. They pushed rivals Dale all the way in a thrilling 31-29 defeat during their reunion weekend and have regularly shown an ability to rise to the occasion in the big clashes.
Hudson’s challenge will be to match Queen’s intensity up front while also taking advantage of the attacking flair they have demonstrated in patches this season. Their forwards will need to lay a solid platform if their dangerous backs are to create scoring opportunities.
The recent history between the teams points to another bruising contest. Queen’s have had the upper hand in recent meetings, winning 18-13 in 2023 and 26-15 in 2022, while Hudson will be desperate to reverse that trend.
In Qonce, another traditional Border derby is set to unfold when Dale College hosts Cambridge High School.
Dale has quietly put together a competitive campaign and will fancy their chances on home ground after some determined recent performances. Their forward pack has again provided the backbone of their game, while their defensive discipline has been a major strength.
Cambridge, however, are seldom easy opponents and will look to play with width and tempo in an effort to unsettle the home side. Dale’s ability to control territory and possession could prove decisive in what promises to be a physical Border showdown.
Meanwhile, Ooskus Gymnasium and Stirling High School should serve up one of the most intriguing clashes of the weekend in East London.
Ooskus have shown plenty of fighting spirit this season and are traditionally difficult opponents when they build momentum through their forwards. Stirling, though, has produced some spirited displays themselves, including a gritty 19-19 draw with Selborne earlier this year.
That result underlined Stirling’s growing confidence and suggests they will head into Saturday believing they can secure another significant scalp.
With several evenly matched contests on the schedule, Eastern Cape rugby supporters can expect another compelling weekend of schoolboy action.
The teams:
Queen’s College vs Hudson Park from 15:00 at the Recreation Ground in Komani:
Queen’s College: 15 Mtholozisi Mbambo, 14 Sinqobile Xhentsa, 16 Zinzolwethu Lali, 12 Azive Mzamo, 11 Ncutu Kepe, 10 Bongo Nyakaza, 9 Akhona Mzamo, 8 Zimi Deleki, 7 Sivuyise Mnyimba, 6 Ayabulela Mbulawa, 5 Ethan Oosthuizen, 4 Lihlume Njokweni, 3 Ahlume Gqetywa (captain), 2 Nande Thiwani, 1 Zeacke Mata
Hudson Park: 15 Zearan Booysen, 14 Cwenga Bityo, 13 Masibulele Kwakwini, 12 Athan Gravett, 11 Bubu Mzamo, 10 Likho Gidi, 9 Zizibele Mtongwana, 8 Yimani Matiwane, 7 Phindokuhle Mdlalana, 6 Sisonke Majola, 5 Hlumelo Gobile (captain), 4 Tadana Gope, 3 Manyano Mpendu, 2 Mesuli Ntama, 1 Lithemba Mpini.
Dale College vs Cambridge from 14:45 at the Graveyard in Qonce:
Dale College: 15 Zingce Poni, 14 Hlakanipha Magenuka, 13 Achumile George, 12 Sophakama Zamile, 11 Yamkela Molose, 10 Sonwabisi Dyani, 9 Lukho Mzingaye, 8 Kungawo Jaca, 7 Sokholo Xaba, 6 Liyabona Mayikana, 5 Xhamla Nyobo, 24 Lihleli Makibi, 3 Sanele Bistoli, 2 Okuhle Fihle (captain), 1 Azole Sodlaka
Cambridge: No team sheet received from Cambridge.
Ooskus Gymnasium vs Stirling from 12:20 in East London:
Ooskus Gymnasium: 15 Xavier Smith, 14 Stefan de Jager, 13 Juju Tantsi, 12 Kwagga Liebenberg, 11 Kellan Muller, 10 Ethan Jansen, 9 Sebastian le Roux, 8 Andrew Deacon, 7 Christiaan Dercksen, 6 Cole van der Merwe, 5 Tenda Saunyama, 4 Zack Stassen, 3 Leon Muller, 2 Tiaan Frazer, 1 Gustaf Brink.
Stirling: 15 Salusiwe Madalane, 14 Lahluma Daniel, 13 Avela Soyizwapi, 12 Lomelelo Fotoyi, 11 Camagu Mtshotane, 10 Khazimla Mbunge, 9 Owethu Khalishwayo, 8 Joshua Pickering (captain), 7 Uyanda Qweleka, 6 Sive Plaatjie, 5 Lungaka Cakata, 4 Lilitha Mayiji, 3 Sinalo Tena, 2 Iyazi Mbhele, 1 Sihle Ndzonda.
