Paul Roos ready to test their mettle against Grey High in Gqeberha
The last two meetings between Grey High School and Paul Roos Gimnasium (PRG) have delivered entertaining hockey, cracking goals and dramatic moments, and both went down to the wire.
On Friday, there’s a good chance more of the same could be in store when the schools clash in their annual derby in Gqeberha.
The Edgars Friday Nite Lights encounter will be broadcast live on DSTV Channel 216, as well as on the SuperSport Schools App from 18:20.
Paul Roos, under coach Michael Baker, will aim to emulate their 2024 derby performance in the Windy City.
That year, PRG pulled off a remarkable comeback to win the match 3-2 at a buzzing Rectory AstroTurf. They trailed 0-2 at the break but showed strong character to come from behind and claim a heart-pounding victory.
When the sides met in Stellenbosch in 2025, they again produced a thriller. It was end-to-end stuff in front of a jam-packed crowd at the Maties’ Astroturf, which was a sea of maroon and shades of light blue.
The battle raged down to the final whistle and, when it sounded, the scoreboard reflected a 4-4 draw.
That night, James Chree introduced himself to first-team hockey with a hat-trick of goals, while Tylor Carter and Logan Lackay were on the scoresheet for PRG, and all three will be in action on Friday.
Grey High will be desperate to get one over one of the Western Cape’s powerhouses. Coach Andrew Beynon‘s troops began the season in style at the Tony Godding Festival and upped the ante at the Nomads Hockey Festival in Pretoria last month.
There, the Azzurri played five matches, won four and lost one against Jeppe High School for Boys on the second day.
Last weekend, they toured Cape Town and faced South African College High School (SACS) in a high-profile clash. It ended 3-1 in favour of SACS after Grey conceded two goals late in the final chukka.
They bounced back in style the following day, though, romping to a 6-0 win over Reddam House Constantia.
They face a Paul Roos side that has quietly gone about its business early in the season.
Coach Baker’s charges were last in competitive action during the Belgotex Sport Coastal Cup in Durban at the end of March because last weekend’s derby against Stellenberg was called off.
At the Coastal Cup, they suffered their first loss of the season against Durban High School (DHS), but they won against Michaelhouse, Westville Boys’ High and Pretoria’s St Alban’s College.
While the competition in the midfield will be crucial, previous meetings between the teams have highlighted the importance of set pieces and of converting opportunities inside the circle.
The derby also provides both teams with a competitive run-out before the Hibbert Shield, which will be hosted by Grey High from 24 to 27 April.
Other matches
While Gqeberha hosts Grey High versus PRG, that’s not the sole tasty treat scheduled in the Eastern Cape.
In Komani, Queen’s College renews its rivalry with Dale College on Friday afternoon during Queen’s 168th Reunion. Both sides lost last weekend, being beaten by Stirling High and Victoria Park, respectively. Nothing would be a better salve for either team than a win over their arch-rival.
Pearson High, who are currently flying and unbeaten in their past five matches, will travel to George to take on York High.
FIXTURES
Friday, 17 April
17:10 – Queen’s College vs Dale College
18:20 – Grey High vs Paul Roos Gimnasium
Saturday, 18 April
13:15 – York High vs Pearson
