Dale hosts Marlow, targets eighth successive win
Dale College and Hoër Landbouskool Marlow are bracing for a high-octane thriller when they clash at The Graveyard in Qonce on Saturday at 14:00.
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The teams approach the encounter from contrasting positions. Dale is riding a seven-match winning streak, while Marlow has struggled to hit top gear, suffering two defeats and a draw in their last three outings.
Yet it is precisely those difficult results which could make the Wolramme from Cradock especially dangerous opponents against a confident Dale side at their home fortress.
St Andrew’s College edged out Marlow in a high-scoring thriller before the Wolramme were left frustrated last weekend when a late conversion attempt to beat Nico Malan drifted wide in Cradock.
There were still positives to take from the 25-25 draw, although Marlow will know they cannot afford the defensive lapses which allowed Nico Malan to recover after the hosts had raced into a 14-0 lead.
Those are issues the Marlow management team will be desperate to correct against a Dale outfit capable of overwhelming opponents with their expansive running game once momentum swings in their favour.
Dale will also be determined to protect their proud record at The Graveyard this season after a string of impressive victories, including a dominant 59-7 triumph over Cambridge High in their most recent home fixture.
With the influential Caleb Smith returning at fullback and Sonwabisi Dyani controlling matters at flyhalf, the hosts possess the firepower to extend their winning run.
They know, however, that underestimating the Wolramme would be a serious mistake.
Meanwhile, an outbreak of swine flu at Grey College in Bloemfontein has resulted in the cancellation of their annual derby against Selborne College in East London.
There are still two intriguing fixtures on the Border weekend programme.
On Friday at 17.30, Port Rex will be desperate to bounce back from consecutive heavy defeats when they host Ooskus Gimnasium.
Cambridge, who have also endured a difficult spell, will aim to restore some confidence when they take on Stirling at home on Saturday at 13:45.
TEAMS
Dale College: 15 Caleb Smith, 14 Hlakanipha Magenuka, 13 Achumile George, 12 Siyamthanda Jezile, 11 Yamkela Molose, 10 Sonwabisi Dyani, 9 Lukho Mzingaye, 8 Kungawo Jaca, 7 Sokholo Xaba, 6 Liyabona Mayikana, 5 Xhamla Nyobo, 24 Lihleli Makibi, 3 Sanele Bistoli, 2 Okuhle Fihle (captain), 1 Imivuyo Mzana.
Marlow Agricultural: 15 Herlu Schoeman, 14 Ockert du Preez, 13 Matthew Lieberum, 12 Johannes Schoombee, 11 Charles Marais, 10 Cole Hurter, 9 Logan van Vuuren, 8 GD Jordaan, 7 AC du Toit, 6 CJ Botha, 5 JG de Lange, 4 Sinqobile Siyengo, 3 AJ Raubenheimer, 2 Herman le Roux, 1 Marcus September.
