Arch rivals clash in exciting night series semis

THE great township schools rugby rivalry between Ndzondelelo and Ithembelihle will continue in the Nelson Mandela High Schools Night Series when the semifinals are played at the Adcock Stadium today. The teams secured their spots in the semifinals after solid wins in Wednesday's quarterfinals, while Arcadia will take on Bertram in the other semifinal. Ithembe and Ndzondelelo meet at 7.10pm, followed by Arcadia-Bertram at 8.20pm. The Night Series final will be played tomorrow. Ndzondelelo and Ithembe have had a fascinating rugby rivalry over the years and it should be another thrilling showdown today. After suffering seven losses in a row in their FNB Classic clashes since 2006, Ndzondelelo restored their pride with a narrow 14-13 win last year. They will be hoping to build on that, although Ithembe showed good form in winning the Mzwandile Mali Memorial tournament over the Easter weekend and they will be keen to maintain that momentum. Arcadia and Bertram both had good wins in Wednesday's quarterfinals, Arcadia defeating Motherwell 24-7 and Bertram overcoming Vulumzi 14-7. Earlier this year, Bertram won the Northern Areas High Schools Rugby Festival and that should install them as favourites, but Arcadia will be fired up to prove their credentials. Today's programme at the Adcock Stadium will get under way at 1pm. The programme is: 1pm: Ndzondelelo v Kwezi Lomso (U16 girls sevens); 1:25: Mzontsundu v Hillside (U17 boys); 2.35: Walmer v Ndzondelelo (U19 girls sevens); 4.10pm: Mzontsundu v KwaMagxaki (U16 girls sevens); 4.35: Ndzondelelo v Bertram (U17 boys); 5.45: Kwezi Lomso v KwaMagxaki (U19 girls sevens); 7:10: Ithembelihle v Ndzondelelo (U19 boys); 8.10: Arcadia v Bertram (U19 boys). Todays results: Arcadia 24 Motherwell 7 Bertram 14 Vulumzi 7 Ndzondelelo 36 lwazilwethu 0 Itembelihle 19 Hillside 3 - Neale Emslie