Local derbies on the card in East London

Having successfully seen off the challenge of Stirling High last week, Hudson Park will be aiming to finish their second term programme on a high note when they host Port Rex in East London at 14.30 on Saturday.

Their derby clash continues a fascinating rivalry between the schools. Both teams will be fired up to ensure it’s an afternoon of celebration for their supporters.

A comparative look at their results suggests that Hudson Park will start as strong favourites.

Port Rex and Stirling drew 17-17, while Hudson cruised to a 41-7 triumph last Saturday.

Against Queen’s College, Port Rex ran out of steam after a fighting display in the first half to leak 30 points in the second, going down 10-57 at The Rec, in Komani. Hudson, on the other hand, albeit playing at home, put in a stronger performance to lose 18-32 to Queen’s.

Nonetheless, both sides know that past results will count for nothing when the ref’s whistle signals the start of their match on Saturday.

Port Rex wasn’t in action last weekend so they will have to find their rhythm against a team who were impressive in dismantling the Stirling defence, with outside centre Lunathi Dolo their standout player.

Bustling No 8 Sibabalwe Mtshini crossed for two tries in that game and he will again be one to watch, while the halfback combination of Likho and Landile Gidi have a close understanding, which could give them the edge.

In the other match in East London, Stirling hosts Selborne College at 13:30. They will need to lift their game to match the visitors.

The Selbornians were solid in defence against Cambridge High last Friday, and equally efficient on attack, running in six tries in a 42-0 victory.

It would be a surprise if they were not able to build on that against Stirling. Allan Miles is an astute coach, and he will keep his Selborne side grounded for the showdown.

Teams

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 Hlumelo Gobile, 3 Tyrique Peters, 2 Kwakokuhle Pasha, 1 Manyano Mpendu.

Port Rex: 15 Phumelela Sheleni, 14 Deano Snyman, 13 Mivuyo Kongela, 12 Owam Nqweniso, 11 Hlalumi Tisane, 10 Ndimphiwe Songqwaba, 9 Lluthando Maseti, 8 Lonwabo Mntwapi (capt), 7 Lutho Majavu, 6 Siyo Dubula, 5 Kwakhanya George, 4 Ethan Schoeman, 3 Liam Botha, 2 Mlibo Makupula, 1 Siyema Mdyogolo.