Grey-Muir clash pick of schools matches

WITH much focus on the Meyer Sauerman tournament in Graaff- Reinet this weekend, there is a shortened programme of schools rugby matches.

While several games have been cancelled, there are still a number of interesting clashes.

At Alexander Road, the home side will be aiming to get back on to the winning trail and should be too strong for Woodridge.

Last week, Woodridge were outplayed by York, while Alex were competitive despite losing 29-15 to Pearson. With No8 Seth Frieslaar and flyhalf Dylan Walters likely to call the shots, Alex will start as favourites.

Westering suffered a deflating one-point loss to DF Malherbe last week, ending a five-match winning streak, and they face another big challenge against Union High in Graaff-Reinet. Although the Karoo team have suffered some losses this season, they are capable of testing the visitors.

In Port Elizabeth, Grey High and Muir renew their rivalry after a break of several years, although both teams will lose players to the Meyer Sauerman event.

It will probably be a combination of first and second teams, but it should nonetheless be a good contest, with Muir eager to prove a point.

Grey suffered a bad loss to Queen's last weekend, but hit back to trounce Graeme 50-21 in Grahamstown on Wednesday and there will be plenty of pride at stake tomorrow.

The major clash in the Border area takes place in King William's Town when Dale celebrate their reunion weekend against arch rivals Queen's.

Since their first meeting in 1891, there have been many memorable clashes between these schools and the tightness of the contests is reflected in the overall record – played 171, Dale 75 wins, Queen's 80 wins, 16 draws.

After a shaky start to the season, last week's win over Grey will have lifted the Queenians' spirits. But Dale are on a three-match losing streak against Queen's and there will be plenty of fire in their bellies to set the record straight in front of their home supporters tomorrow.

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

Alexander Road v Woodridge, Gill v Cillie, Grey High v Muir, John Walton v Molly Blackburn, Bergsig v McCarthy Street, Otto v Uitenhage, Union High v Westering (12.15), Arcadia v Gamble, Dale v Queen's (3.30pm). - Neale Emslie