Grey High and Framesby will set the tone for a final month of intense action when the Eastern Province schools rugby programme resumes on Saturday.
Perennially the strongest rugby schools in Port Elizabeth, the rivals will clash on Grey’s Philip field at 2.30pm, looking for the sort of start which could be a catalyst for a notable final few weeks of the season.
The home team have built up a decent record against Framesby since losing in 2011, being unbeaten in their last five encounters, with the 2015 match washed out by rain.
It is a winning streak they will be particularly keen to extend after suffering setbacks against Wynberg and St Andrew’s in the second term.
The Grey team will also be looking to find their rhythm quickly as they come up against a formidable Grey College outfit in PE next weekend.
Framesby, however, have had a decent season and their chances of causing an upset must not be written off.
Despatch have strung together some notable performances this season, including a win over Daniel Pienaar.
But they face arguably their biggest test of the year when they tackle Brandwag in Uitenhage on Saturday.
The home side are tough opponents and, on their home turf, it will take a special effort by the visitors to go home with the spoils.
Another big derby takes place in Makhanda, where the exciting St Andrew’s side will be out to subdue the challenge of Cradock rivals Marlow.
The visitors have had a mixed set of results this year and their defensive system will be well tested by the Andreans’ willingness to spread the ball.
Graeme College travel to Port Elizabeth for a clash with Pearson.
Pearson have won just one of their last five matches, but the third term presents a fresh start and they will be motivated to pick up their game.
Even at home, though, it will not be easy against a Graeme team who put together a good run towards the end of the second term, and will be looking to bounce back after some recent losses during a holiday festival.
After defeats to Despatch and Kingswood, Woodridge are another team aiming to regain their winning touch when they host Muir, while Westering will be well tested by visiting East London side Cambridge.
Fixtures: (subject to change, home teams first)
Alexander Road v Cillie (12.30pm),
Andrew Rabie v Newton Tech (11.15am),
Daniel Pienaar v Port Rex (12.30pm),
Otto du Plessis v DF Malherbe (11.30am),
Grey High v Framesby (2.30pm),
Humansdorp v Uitenhage, John Walton v Solomon Mahlangu, Kingswood v Nico Malan (2.30pm),
St Andrew’s v Marlow (2.30pm),
Ndzondelelo v Gelvandale, Westering v Cambridge, Woodridge v Muir (11.45am),
Brandwag v Despatch (1pm),
Pearson v Graeme (2pm)