Selborne faces Cambridge, Hudson hosts Stirling in East London derbies
After a decisive defeat at the hands of Graeme College last week, a wounded Stirling High will be aiming to get their season back on track in their derby against Hudson Park, at Hudson, in East London, on Saturday.
The other match in the Border region this weekend takes place on Friday when Selborne College hosts Cambridge High.
Stirling went down 10-45 to the high-flying Graemian team and they face another tough examination against the combative Hudsonians.
With the Gidi brothers, Landile and Likho, partnering at halfback for Hudson, the visiting Stirling side will need to be on point when on defence, as that pair is capable of exploiting the smallest of gaps to their advantage.
Prior to last weekend, Stirling produced a solid performance in a 24-17 win over Cambridge, and they will have to show similar organisation and attacking intent to put one across Hudson Park.
By way of comparison, Hudson Park held Graeme College to 22-27 result in their meeting and despite being on the losing end, they demonstrated their grit and determination.
Hudson was not in action last weekend, and they will have been working hard to ensure they are in the right frame of mind to tackle opponents who cannot be taken lightly.
With No 8 Sibabalwe Mtshini a powerful factor up front, the home side will be keen to take control early on, allowing the Gidis to dictate the pattern of play.
Another tough challenge looms for Cambridge after they leaked 70 points against St Andrew’s College last week. The plus factor for Cambridge is that they worked extremely hard to stay in the fight and scored five tries of their own against the Makhanda outfit.
Those attacking qualities and a determination not to let any team trample over them means Selborne will have to perform with efficiency and precision to register a win.
The home team also possess many attacking qualities and a strong effort in the forwards, led by prop and captain Robert John-Osunkwo, could pave the way for them to finish the term on a high note.
Teams
Selborne College: 15 Sam Jacobsen, 14 Iviwe Kabale, 13 Njongo Mbanga, 12 Armand van Rooyen, 11 Chad Weimann, 10 Bungqina Nuku, 9 Aaron Senekal, 8 Uviwe Jikwana, 7 Dominic Stegmann, 6 Lwandle Bacela, 5 Travis Enslin, 4 Matthew Beän, 3 Zothando Mrara, 2 Liam Hansen, 1 Robert John-Osunkwo (captain)
Cambridge: 15 Lithemba Mpikwa, 14 Lisakhanya Magoxo, 13 Liqhame Mkanzana, 12 Somili Pityi, 11 Imange Roto, 10 Sivuyise Salman, 9 Manga Mlonyeni, 8 Somila Mooi, 7 Joshua Adjei-Frimpong, 6 Bonga Maseko, 5 Nakwesi Masiso, 4 Luxolo Mashaba, 3 Kendon Nass, 2 Luphumzo Magqabeni, 1 Iviwe Mzingayi.
Hudson Park: 15 Mahle Zinto, 14 Bahlumile Mavusa, 13 Ukhona Kama, 12 Lunathi Dolo, 11 Masibulele Kwakwini, 10 Likho Gidi, 9 Landile Gidi, 8 Sibabalwe Mtshini, 7 Likhanye Mandila, 6 Phindokuhle Mdlalana, 5 Sange Gwarube, 4 Tautenda Saunyama, 3 Tyrique Peters, 2 Kwakokuhle Pasha, 1 Manyano Mpendu.
Stirling: N/A
