EP RUGBY SCHOOLS PREVIEW FOR AUGUST 8

Aug 5 • General News, Super Rugby • 1886 Views • Comments Off on EP RUGBY SCHOOLS PREVIEW FOR AUGUST 8

ALTHOUGH it is a long weekend, resulting in a shortened EP schools programme, there are several interesting fixtures on the schedule from Wednesday (August 5) to Saturday (August 8).

One of the major showdowns will take place in Humansdorp when home team Nico Malan take on Uitenhage powerhouse Brandwag, who will be keen to show they can also produce the goods at away venues. They are unbeaten in their last 14 matches at home and now have a chance to prove themselves in any conditions.

After a shaky first half to the season, Brandwag have gelled into a highly effective unit and will be taking an eight-match winning streak into Saturday’s encounter. This sort of momentum probably makes them the starting favourites, but Nico Malan will be fired up for this encounter as they strive for a strong finish to the season. Their programme ends with an away clash against Pearson next weekend.

There are two intriguing fixtures in PE. DF Malherbe celebrate their 60th anniversary with a varied sporting programme against Despatch at DFM, culminating in the rugby match at 15.30 between the first XVs.

Across the valley, in Framesby, the hosts entertain KwaZulu-Natal school Glenwood, whose attacking style of play will test the PE lads. Glenwood have slipped this year from their normal high standards as they have often been the leading KZN outfit, yet they will be sure to provide the home team with a massive challenge.

Framesby have struggled at times this year but will be looking for a big performance this weekend, especially as they gear up for a tough game against Oakdale next Saturday (August 15).

At Westering on Wednesday (August 5), the home side will be looking to bounce back after losing to Woodridge at the weekend when they take on Alexander Road, while Cillie will host an Ithembelihle-Linkside combination on Thursday (August 6).

The fixtures are (home teams first, 11.30am start unless stated):

Wednesday: Westering v Alexander Road (16.15).

Thursday: Cillie v Ithembelihle-Linkside.

Saturday: Nico Malan v Brandwag (11.50), Bertram v John Walton, DF Malherbe v Despatch (15.30), Framesby v Glenwood (13.00), Humansdorp v Newton Tech, Molly Blackburn v Ndzondelelo, Otto du Plessis v Pearson, Ukhanyo v Solomon Mahlangu.