Grey College to assert its dominance against Selborne College
Grey College return from the long weekend’s Absa Wildeklawer action triumphant, having added two more big names to the list of schools to have fallen short against the Bloemfontein powerhouse this season, after beating Garsfontein (23-9) and Stellenberg (33-8).
They play host to their old rivals from East London, Selborne, this weekend and will look to assert their dominance even further in their first home game of the season.
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Selborne was also in action this past weekend at the Grey High Rugby Festival in Gqeberha where they beat Brandwag 32-0 and their match against Jeppe ended equal 34-34.
Daniel Larkan, their flyhalf, has stood out because of his exceptional work rate on defence and ability to guide their attack.
Much like the old Selbornian, Brent Russel, what he lacks in size he more than makes up for in athleticism, skill and passion.
He and his team will have their work cut out for them though, as they try to defend against the likes of Vincent Wolhuter (fullback), Hayden Tolmay (winger), Benito Goeda (centre) and Pieter van der Merwe (centre) who have been slicing through teams, playing off their general, Ian van der Merwe (flyhalf).
This is, of course, only possible because of the work of the forwards and captain, JJ Theron (no. 8), Keegan Scholtz (flanker) and Jean-Henri Smit (flanker) have been excellent at powering over the advantage line when carrying, and providing good, clean ball for their scrumhalf.
They are without their other big carrier, Jean Erasmus (prop), for this fixture.
Josh Carr (lock), Jordan Luck (hooker) and captain, Grant Day (flanker), have stood out among the Selborne forwards but it will take an exceptional effort to outgun the Grey pack in Bloemfontein.
Grey College are still to play Paarl Boys’ High, Affies, Monument, Grey High, Oakdale and Paul Roos after Selborne this season, and one wonders if their schedule against this calibre of opponents might cause them to trip up at some point, but judging on the form they’re in it looks like it might be another perfect season for Grey Bloem.
The teams:
Grey College: 15 Vincent Wolhuter, 14 Hayden Tolmay, 13 Benito Goeda, 12 Pieter van der Merwe, 11 Martin Botha, 10 Ian van der Merwe, 9 Christiaan van der Westhuizen, 8 JJ Theron, 7 Keegan Scholtz, 6 Jean-Henri Smit, 5 Juan Venter, 4 Schalk du Plessis, 3 Danie Kruger, 2 Liam van Wyk, 1 Ranon Fouché.
Selborne: 15 Siya Sakhela, 14 Thomas Braun, 13 Cole Schonknecht, 12 Chad de Beyer, 11 Anjolauluwa Sogbanmu, 10 Daniel Larkan, 9 Armani Somane, 8 Dewan du Preez, 7 Grant Day, 6 Gcina Puzi, 5 Josh Carr, 4 Zuko Poswa, 3 Nathi Nthuli, 2 Jordan Luck, 1 Sandi Msengana.
Other fixtures, 6 May:
11:15 – Staatspresident Swart vs President Steyn; 13:15 – Hentie Cilliers vs Witteberg.
