Fierce 132 year old Eastern Cape rivalry between Queen’s College and Dale College reignites on Saturday
The Border region’s oldest rugby rivalry is set for its 186th instalment on Saturday when Queen’s College hosts their old foes Dale College in Queenstown.
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Since they first played each other in 1891 there has been very little to separate the two Eastern Cape giants throughout the years.
After beating their opponents in their own backyard in King William’s Town by 21-12 earlier in the season, Queen’s College has the lead with 85 victories to Dale College’s 83 in this age-old fixture.
The Dalians will want to level up the score as soon as possible and get revenge for the loss on their home field earlier in the season.
The home team’s lively little Craven Week scrumhalf, Turshaan Hare, was on top of his game in the earlier meeting this year.
Apart from directing his team’s attack expertly, the opportunistic halfback also snuck in a drop goal at a crucial point in the game to give Queen’s College a buffer to protect.
His fullback, Siya Konki, was also a livewire and will be one to keep an eye on as they are likely to remain true to their brand, letting the backline move freely in space.
Dale College experienced more success through their forwards in the first encounter. Their eighth man, Lindokuhle Xozwa and the big hooker, Libayona Matyana, got over the line for their team in Queenstown earlier in the year, and Dale will be looking to dominate the battle up front again on Saturday.
Both of these schools have a proud history, feeding the Border Youth Week teams every year and even producing a total of 17 Springboks over the years.
Dale’s most recent contribution to the national side was the Springbok flyer, Aphelele Fassi, and though Queen’s College’s last Springbok made his debut in 1999 when Kaya Malotana earned his only cap against Spain in the World Cup of that year, Old Queenians like Lionel Cronje and Simphiwe Matanzima are still representing their Alma Mater in top-flight competition like the URC and Currie Cup.
Malotana is now recognizable as one of SuperSports beloved Xhosa commentators.
The Blitzbokke’s captain, Siviwe Soyizwapi, is another old boy from Dale College who refined his game at the proud institution in King William’s Town.
The teams are:
Queen’s College vs Dale College at 15:00:
Queen’s College: 15 Siya Konki, 14 Jed Stone, 13 Litha Kulashe, 12 Litha Kulashe, 11 Thina Fenako, 10 Turshaan Hare, 9 Ryan Denston, 8 Axola Khatshwa, 7 Mbasa Nda, 6 Sisipho Mpaka, 5 Uyande Mlungwana, 4 Thina Jaxa, 3 Abubele Bolotini, 2 Sbongakonke Mfeya, 1 Kyle Aylwin.
Dale College: 15 Oyama Kuse, 14 Cole van Staden, 13 Athenkosi Msileni, 12 Sokonwabo Ngcete, 11 Owethu Mpondo, 10 Phikolomzi Mtyalela, 9 Linembasa Mayoyo, 8 Lindokuhle Xozwa, 7 Uphendule Ntsomi, 6 Uminathi Ntsomi, 5 Sinovuyo Xuma, 4 Josh Hall, 3 Anda Bukula, 2 Liyabona Matyana, 1 Lwahluma Maki.
