Queen’s eye memorable finish, Dale aim for redemption in King Price Derby Series battle

Eastern Cape’s top guns Queen’s College are primed for a sizzling finish to their season when they take on fierce Qonce rivals Dale College at the Rec field in Komani on Friday (15:30).

Despite contrasting records this season, the two sides are on a serious collision course in a Border derby which has captured the imagination down the years, with no quarter asked for or given.

The Dalians come into the match on the back of two close defeats against Graeme College and Hudson Park in the sort of performances which mirrored their 2025 programme.

They have seldom been bullied off the field, yet when it has come to the crunch, they have just been unable to get over the line, creating a sense of frustration they will be fired up to erase in Komani.

Under captain Kamva Sithole, Dale showed what they can do with a 19-15 win over Selborne recently, and that’s the sort of sign of which Queen’s coaches Clinton Loest and Tyrone Rankin will be only too well aware.

Despite losses to Pearson and Graeme among their Eastern Cape opponents, Queen’s have set the standard with a series of outstanding wins this season.

In contrast to Dale, they have been able to find a way to win the crucial moments in many of their matches, leading to a record which has been the envy of many.

But all that will fade into nothing when the teams run out on Friday afternoon, when the only objective will be to put some sort of gloss on the 2025 season.

For Queen’s, it would be the culmination of a memorable year, while for the Dalians it would give hope for the future and a sense of satisfaction that they remain a competitive unit.

Their previous encounter – 15-13 to Queen’s – says it all in terms how close these matches can be and of the pride these teams show when they square up in the sporting arena.

In East London, Hudson Park will also be looking for a stirring finish to their season as they entertain Cambridge at 13.40.

The home team will be the heavy favourites and will want to make it a reunion weekend to remember, but Cambridge will scrap every inch of the way as they look to rain on Hudson’s
parade.

The remaining game on the programme sees Port Rex at home to Kariega outfit Bergsig.

The squads are:

Queen’s College: 15 Mveli Mqulo, 14 Ayathanda Mtyando, 16 Thina Fenako, 12 Sbabalwe Magwebu, 11 Ncutu Kepe, 10 Inganathi Mnunu, 9 Ayola Somhlahlo, 8 Acwenga Saul, 7 Sivuyise Mnyimba, 6 Jeffrey Niland (captain), 5 Sambesiwe Vetman, 4 Zeacke Mata, 3 Ahlume Gqetywa, 2 Bulumko Manqina, 1 Amyoli Ngxongwana.

Dale College: 15 Milani Madide, 14 Yamkele Molose, 13 Phikolomzi Mtyalela, 12 Nxande Ngcaba, 11 Mahle Mehlomane, 10 Soso Dyani, 9 Wethumtha Malawana, 8 Kamva Sithole (captain), 7 Liyabona Mayikana, 6 Linamandla Peter, 5 Kungawo Jaca, 4 Ebenezer Sarpong, 3 Sanele Bistoli, 2 Lakhanya Mbewu, 1 Azole Sodlaka.

Hudson Park: 15 Mahle Zinto, 14 Bahlumile Mavuso, 13 Ukhona Kama, 12 Lunathi Dolo, 11 Masibulele Kwakwini, 10 Likho Gidi, 9 Landile Gidi, 8 Sibabalwe Mtshini, 7 Likhanye Mandila, 6 Phindokuhle Mdlalana, 5 Hlumelo Gobile, 4 Tenda Saunyama, 3 Tyrique Peters, 2 Kwakokuhle Pasha, 1 Manyano Mpundu.