Queen’s on the hunt for Reunion glory against Selborne
It has been a tough start to the 2025 hockey season for two of the Border region’s traditional hockey powers, Queen’s College and Selborne College.
They both have relatively young squads this year, and they’ve found the going challenging when participating in festivals.
Those events have, however, allowed them to build up chemistry and, for the younger players, given them an opportunity to adjust to the demands of 1st XI hockey. Now, they’ll shift their focus to their derby showdown at the Chris Harker AstroTurf, on Friday, in Komani, when Queen’s celebrates its 167th Reunion.
Meetings between the schools in recent years have thrilled, entertained, and kept spectators on the edge of their seats. But it has been the boys from East London who have held the upper hand.
In 2024, when Selborne enjoyed a superb season, they met twice. In the first match, in East London, the teams shared a 1-1 draw, which was a shock to the system for Selborne. When they met later in the season, they thumped Queen’s 6-1.
Based on their current form, there’s little to separate the sides. Both were in action at the King Edward VII Easter Hockey Festival last weekend and returned a mixed bag of results.
Queen’s left the happier. Out of the five matches played, coach Michael Baiden’s side mustered two wins, beating St Charles College 3-2 and Hoërskool Waterkloof 2-1. They went down to Maritzburg College, KES, and Jeppe High School for Boys, three teams that are enjoying very good seasons thus far.
Selborne, meanwhile, had a tough time in Johannesburg, and they’ll be eager to bounce back and pick up some momentum before the Hibbert Shield.
They faced a tough lineup of teams and finished with 2-2 draws against Kearsney College and Parktown Boys High, but were beaten in their other three matches.
In past seasons it was almost guaranteed that Selborne was going to run away with it, but this year’s clash is wide open and up for grabs.
It will be a battle of tactics and skill, but, as always, the team that capitalises on its opportunities will win.
Selborne has a powerhouse in skipper Gray van Heerden, along with an experienced campaigner in Thomas Caswell.
Youngsters, Saneze Kweba and Inathi Gxobole, have found the back of the net consistently in recent weeks, and they’ll look to bring their A-game to the clash.
Reid Drake has been a dangerman for coach KJ Friend’s side at the top of the circle, and he’ll be keen to damage the Queen’s challenge
As for the hosts, their encouraging performances at KES will be cause for optimism.
They have some valuable experience in their ranks, including Aiden van Jaarsveld, provincial goalkeeper Rowan Miles, Yibonge Mquqwana, and Mafu Mandaba.
The man to keep an eye on, though, will be Brett Hoffmann, who proved to be a handful at PC time at KES.
The clash takes place under lights and starts at 19:45. It will be LIVE on SuperSport Schools.
While the reunion in Komani takes centre stage, there are other clashes to look forward to around the Eastern Cape.
Grey High, after their astonishing 4-4 draw with Paul Roos Gimnasium earlier this month, will host Dale College at the Rectory AstroTurf, in Gqeberha.
Pearson High welcomes Hoërskool Outeniqua in an exchange derby, while Cambridge High School faces Graeme College.
FIXTURES
Friday, 25 April
15:30 – Cambridge High School vs Graeme College
17:10 – Queen’s College vs Selborne College
17:35 – Grey High School vs Dale College
19:30 – Pearson High vs Outeniqua
