Boishaai are Kings of Paarl after interschools win over Paarl Gim
“This is a special group” – Those were the words of Paarl Boys’ High captain, AJ Mostert, after leading his side to a famous 2-1 victory over Paarl Gimnasium on Saturday.
In front of a packed crowd, the teams reignited their long-standing rivalry in a highly anticipated interschools clash at Paarl Gim’s Top AstroTurf.
For the first time in six years, it was difficult to predict a winner after both teams had produced strong seasons under the tutelage of Jacques Grobler (Paarl Gim) and Rowan McLachlan (Paarl Boys’ High) respectively.
Before Saturday’s big game, though, Paarl Gim had enjoyed the better of the derby. In 2019, they won 2-1 before picking up a 2-1 win in 2023 and a 2-0 victory in 2024. The teams also shared a 2-2 draw in 2022, while the meetings in 2020 and 2021 were disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Given the recent past, Paarl Gim was the favoured team, but Boishaai had other ideas, and their motivation to pull off an upset was high.
It was a serious battle between the rivals in the first half, with nothing to separate them after 30 minutes. Both had their fair share of opportunities, but the defensive units stood firm until the third chukka, when the visitors broke the deadlock.
With four minutes remaining in the quarter, Mijan Heroldt found himself in space inside the circle, and his well-directed touch landed in the back of the net for the opener.
Boishaai kept the lead until the fourth chukka, when Paarl Gim responded through their captain, Juan Swanepoel.
The clash appeared to be heading for a 1-1 draw, but captain Mostert was presented with an opportunity to steal a victory when his side was awarded a penalty corner with 36 seconds left.
Instead of going for a direct drag flick, Boishaai played a variation to Mostert, on the left of the castle. He slapped the ball goalwards, and it rocketed between the legs of the Paarl Gim goalie for a dramatic last-gasp winner.
There was no time to restart, and the umpires called the game, resulting in Boishaai beating Paarl Gim for the first time since 2018.
It was an extra special outing for Mostert, who also made his 100th appearance for the team.
“This is a game I will remember for the rest of my life,” he told SuperSport Schools Plus after securing an emotional win.
“It was a tight game, but the whole team stuck to the process, and we fought hard. Scoring the winning goal in the last minute was very special.”
Mostert also explained what went through his mind at the set piece that won it.
“I just stayed calm,” he said. “It’s a PC move we trusted in most.
“Everyone was confident about it, and we knew it was going to work.”
Mostert also had a final word for his coaches and teammates: “I will forever be thankful for the whole team and the coaches who have coached me since I was in grade eight.
“This is a special team because I have never felt such unity in a team.”
Western Cape results
Paarl Boys’ High 2-1 Paarl Gimnasium
SACS 5-2 Paul Roos Gimnasium
Bishops 4-1 DF Malan
Rondebosch Boys’ High 4-1 Durbanville
Reddam House Constantia 4-2 Somerset College
Outeniqua 5-0 Worcester Gimnasium
Fairmont High 11-0 The Settlers
Parel Vallei 2-2 Wynberg Boys’ High
York High 12-1 Oakhill
