Standard Bank St Stithians Easter Festival still a highlight on the schoolboy rugby calendar
History and prestige go hand-in-hand with sports, and rugby is no stranger to this rich tradition here in South Africa.
The Standard Bank St Stithians Easter Festival was founded in 1984 and has only grown stronger each year. The 2023 line up has some really interesting pairings and few favourites to look out for this season.
Michaelhouse recently defeated Maritzburg in a 27-20 victory. This is no small feat, and is evidence of their strength. Unfortunately, they will not face off this year, as Maritzburg is absent from the festival. It would’ve made for great viewing, but this line up will definitely not disappoint.
Michaelhouse is set for a rematch against St Alban’s, and a bit of rivalry always turns up the heat. In the 2022 fest, St Alban’s received an absolute thrashing from Michaelhouse as their game ended at 37-9. Will it be revenge or a winning streak? Only time will tell.
The Western Cape boys certainly made their presence known last year, and will surely come ready to play, once again. Wynberg taught Clifton a lesson and beat them 41-0, but lets see if the Highveld can hold them off; as Helpmekaar takes on Wynberg for the last game of day one.
This has the makings of a great game, if the Helpies can play aggressively, focus on running their backline with quick hands and utilizing their defence. Wynberg played great rugby last year but should also not underestimate the boys from Jozi.
Bishops did not miss opportunities last year, especially against Grey High, when an intercepted pass from Grey let them score an excellent try, this performance ultimately won them the game at 31-20. Bishops open the festival against the hosts on day one, so Saint’s will want to make this a good first game to set the tone.
From the first game, to the last, a festival of this magnitude will only serve up the very best of what rugby has to offer. If you miss it, you miss out.
It’s. That. Simple.
Fixtures
Thursday, 6th April 2023
11:00 St Stithians vs Bishops
12:15 Kingswood vs Clifton
13:30 St John’s vs St Albans
14:45 St Andrew’s vs Michaelhouse
16:00 Wynberg vs Helpmekaar
Saturday, 8th April 2023
11:00 St Alban’s vs Wynberg
12:15 St John’s vs St Andrews
13:30 Clifton vs Michaelhouse
14:45 Helpmekaar vs Bishops
16:30 St Stithians vs Kingswood
Monday, 10th April 2023
11:00 Bishops vs Clifton
12:15 Wynberg vs Northcliff
13:30 Michaelhouse vs St Alban’s
14:45 Kingswood vs Helpmekaar
16:00 St Stithians vs St John’s
