Graeme hosts St Andrew’s College in battle of high-flying teams
Graeme College will be fired up to overturn some recent narrow losses to St Andrew’s College when the first major Makhanda derby of the year takes place at the Somerset Field on Saturday, starting at 15:30.
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The home team was on the end of agonising losses in their last two encounters with St Andrew’s, losing 23-24 in 2023 and 15-17 last year.
Those results were preceded by a Graeme win of 11-5 in 2022, and the impressive run of results of both Eastern Cape teams this season suggests their classic clash could again go down to the wire.
Both coaches, Jonty van der Meulen (Graeme) and Jonny Mallett, have spoken about the massive respect the schools have for each other and, while the competition will be fierce, the match has all the ingredients for an exhilarating showdown.
Graeme has compiled an impressive record in their eight matches this year, losing only to Hilton College at the Standard Bank Grey High Festival. They’re currently on a four-match winning streak.
For Van der Meulen, though, his team still lacks consistency and he will be looking for a more polished all-round display on Saturday.
“We have been really good in certain areas in some matches, but then in the next match those areas aren’t as good, and the areas that were poor seem to improve,” he said. “So, we are looking for more complete performances going forward.
“There is always something special about playing opposition from the same town and both schools have good respect for each other, but are also desperate to put their strongest foot forward on the day.”
With flank Ayola Mali one of their standout players up front, Graeme will also have hard-running backs, centre Erin Nelson and fullback Lucritia Magau, to pile the pressure on the St Andrew’s defence.
The Andreans know they will have to be on point in all aspects of the game if they are to preserve their unbeaten 2025 record, which has brought them seven wins and two draws so far.
They are fresh off a tour of Zimbabwe and that will have prepared them thoroughly for Saturday’s Somerset Field challenge.
Mallett knows Graeme will be desperate to get back on the winning trail and said it would be tough going into their opponents’ backyard.
“At least we don’t have to travel,” he said, “but the Somerset Field has become a bit of a fortress for them and this is always a massive derby.
“There have been some wonderful matches over many years and we know Graeme will be chomping at the bit, so we are geared up for a tough challenge.”
With players such as Matthew Harvey and Aphindile Ngcuka leading from the front, the St Andrew’s mentor said his side’s focus would be on playing as a team.
“Everyone knows what job they have to do and if we can stick to that, we will be able to play the type of rugby that suits our style,” he said.
TEAMS
Graeme College: 15 Lucritia Magau, 14 Masi Maboza, 13 Erin Nelson, 12 Inathi Planga, 11 Elgin Fanton, 10 Alden Waters, 9 Luke Doyle, 8 Ayamila Bill, 7 Ayola Mali, 6 Lwandle Dlamini, 5 Mikhulu Yolani, 4 Akho Tonjeni, 3 Athi Bonga, 2 Lebo Mahasele, 1 Bagcine Njengele.
St Andrew’s College: 15 Will Stevens, 14 Asante Chivere, 13 Ali de Kock, 12 Aphindile Ngcuka, 11 Qhawe Madikizela, 10 Oli Johns, 9 David Chorley, 8 Joshua van Zyl, 7 Luca Nigrini, 6 Coel Trollip, 5 Matthew Harvey, 4 William Beamish, 3 Sivatho Mjali, 2 Adam Nurse, 1 Jake Jackson.
