Queen’s hosts Dale, Graeme visits Selborne in big Eastern Cape clashes
The first of two clashes this season in one of Border’s most famous rivalries unfolds on the Rec Ground in Komani on Saturday when Queen’s College puts their reputation on the line against their old foes from Qonce, Dale College.
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The match, which falls on Queen’s College’s 168th Reunion, could give a strong indication of who will reign in the region this year, with the home side aiming to continue a streak that saw them emerge as the best Eastern Cape team of 2025.
They have a number of players back from that side, so it will be a case of trying to quickly find their rhythm against a Dale team, which has been highly competitive thus far in 2026, recording four wins and two losses in their six matches.
The visitors, too, will be hurting after going down 12-24 at home to Grey High last weekend. Saturday’s showdown in Komani offers them the perfect opportunity to jump back onto the winning horse.
One thing is certain, though: there is no easy path to victory at the Rec, a venue of pain for many visiting teams over the years.
Queen’s enjoyed an unbeaten run at their home ground last year, and the school’s rugby legacy will ensure they remain committed in defence of that proud record.
Another blockbuster takes place in East London when Selborne College hosts Graeme College, the Eastern Cape’s top-performing side this year.
Under the captaincy of Erin Nelson and featuring the predatory instincts of fullback Lucritia Magau, the Makhanda side has produced some thrilling rugby, winning their six matches thus far. Last weekend, they underlined their attacking nature with a 48-10 demolition of Port Rex.
They return to East London for a clash against a perennially tough team in Selborne, who, despite some off-field drama swirling around their heads this week, will be fully motivated to show they can produce where it matters most – on the field.
Although it has not been a successful season for Selborne so far, Graeme’s coach, Jonty van der Meulen, is far too astute to see that as a factor. There’s no such thing as a weak Selborne side, and the Graemians will have to be on point in all facets to return home with another victory.
Hudson Park travels to Cradock for a showdown with Marlow Agricultural in a clash which could go down to the wire.
The Hudsonians were a bit slow out of the blocks against Cambridge last weekend, and if they give the Wolramme that sort of latitude, it could be a tough afternoon in the Karoo.
TEAMS
Queen’s College vs Dale College at 15:30 in Komani.
Queen’s College: 15 Bongo Nyakaza, 14 Sinqobile Xhentsa, 16 Mthokozisi Mbambo, 12 Tyler von Cullwitz, 11 Ncutu Kepe, 10 Inga Mnunu (vice-captain), 9 Akhona Mzamo, 8 Zimi Deleki, 7 Ethan Oosthuizen, 6 Sivuyise Mnyimba, 5 Carlo Davids, 4 Lihlume Njokweni, 3 Ahlume Gqetywa (captain), 2 Ntsika Boya, 1 Zeacke Mata
Selborne College vs Graeme College at 14:00 in East London.
Dale College: 15 Caleb Smith, 14 Zingce Poni, 13 Achumile George (vice-captain), 12 Sophakama Zamile, 11 Hlakanipha Magenuka, 10 Sonwabisi Dyani, 9 Lukho Mzingaye, 8 Kungawo Jaca, 7 Ulikhaya Stuurman, 6 Liyabona Mayikana, 5 Xhamla Nyobo, 24 Lihleli Makibi, 3 Sanele Bistoli, 2 Okuhle Fihle (captain), 1 Azole Sodlaka
Selborne College: 15 Edward Malinzi, 14 Daniel van Biljon, 13 Iviwe Kabale, 12 Aaron James, 11 Sabelo Vuso, 10 Riley Hansel (captain), 9 Connor Fowles, 8 Mbono Gqoboko, 7 Daniel Rushmere, 6 Hlumelo Molosi, 5 Travis Enslin, 4 Mozesh van der Byl, 3 Daniel Naude, 2 Josh McKay, 1 Luthango Ngese
Graeme College: 15 Lucritia Magau, 14 Asakhe Ranuga, 13 Erin Nelson, 12 Torres Fourie, 11 Selunathi Mfundisi, 10 Ibenathi Kondile, 9 Luke Doyle, 8 Lidwala Maliti, 7 Akho Ntonjeni, 6 Iviwe Mshubeki, 5 Andrew Muir, 4 Ben-Francois du Toit, 3 Luyolo Mpalala, 2 Athi Manyati, 1 Bagcine Njengele.
Marlow Landbou vs Hudson Park at 14:00, in Cradock.
Marlow Agricultural: 15 Herlu Schoeman, 14 Charles Marais, 13 Matthew Lieberum, 12 Ockert du Preez, 11 Jurgens van Staden, 10 Cole Hurter, 9 Logan van Vuuren, 8 GD Jordaan (vice-captain), 7 AC du Toit, 6 CJ Botha, 5 JG de Lange, 4 Sinqobile Siyengo, 3 AJ Raubenheimer, 2 Herman le Roux, 1 Marcus September.
Hudson Park: 15 Zearan Booysen, 14 Cwenga Bityo, 13 Masibulele Kwakwini, 12 Athan Gravett, 11 Bubu Mzamo, 10 Likho Gidi, 9 Zizibele Mtongwana, 8 Yimani Matiwane, 7 Ivile Mkhohlakali, 6 Phindokuhle Mdlalana, 5 Hlumelo Gobile (captain), 4 Tadana Gope, 3 Lithemba Mpini, 2 Avela Magcoba, 1 Manyano Mpendu.
