Queen’s visits The Fortress for Selborne showdown

Queen’s College has built up an outstanding record this season, with just two defeats and a draw in their 16 matches, but they know that will count for little if they don’t maintain their high standard for the remainder of the season.

As the schools programme moves into its final month of the year, the challenge that looms for the Komani side is Selborne College, whom they face at 15:00 in East London on Saturday (15.00).

While they already beat Selborne 40-22 at home earlier in the season, Queen’s coach Clinton Loest knows his side cannot rest on their laurels. “Playing Selborne at The Fortress is always a massive challenge for Queen’s College,” he said. “They have had a very good run, and we know they will be keen to keep their proud home record intact.”

Under astute coach Allan Miles, Selborne has hit their straps lately, establishing themselves as the top guns in East London, while they have also scored notable wins over Marlow, Pearson and Dale College.

It has not been a great season for Selborne, but their massive rugby tradition means that they’re a team that can never be underestimated. They will fight until the final whistle.

They warmed up for Saturday’s huge showdown with an 83-0 demolition of Ooskus Gymnasium on Wednesday afternoon.

Loest has not lost sight of the end goal for Queen’s. “We are proud of how the team has performed this season to date, but we are very aware that there are many challenges that still lie ahead for us, for which we need to prepare well.,” he said.

The Queen’s mentor is not wrong. Following Saturday’s game, Queen’s faces a tough challenge against Graeme College in Makhanda (9 August), followed by a match against Cambridge High in Komani (16 August) and a big derby against Dale, also in Komani (23 August).

In Qonce, Graeme College will be tested by Dale College, despite the home side having suffered a number of defeats this season. Most notably, they went down to Stirling last weekend, but that should only make them more determined to get back on the winning trail on Saturday.

Port Rex will also be smarting after suffering a loss to Ooskus Gymnasium and Cambridge could feel the backlash in their showdown at Port Rex. The home side will also want to celebrate their Founders’ weekend in style.

Teams:

Selborne College: 15 Bungqina Nuku, 14 Oliver Schmidt, 13 Njongo Mbanga, 12 Armand van Rooyen, 11 Iviwe Kabale, 10 Samuel Jacobsen, 9 Aaron Senekal, 8 Uviwe Jikwana, 7 Dominic Stegmann, 6 Travis Enslin, 5 Luca Liebenberg, 4 Matthew Beän, 3 Zothando Mrara, 2 Liam Hansen (captain), 1 Robert John-Osunkwo.

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

Dale College: 15 Inga Mafanga, 14 Yamkele Molose, 13 Milani Madide, 12 Phikolomzi Mtyalela, 11 Mahle Mehlomane, 10 Soso Dyani, 9 Onikwa Boniwe, 8 Kamva Sithole (captain), 7 Liyabona Mayikana, 6 Linamandla Peter, 5 Kungawo Jaca, 24 Ebenezer Sarpong, 3 Sanele Bistoli, 2 Lakhanya Mbewu, 1 Azole Sodlaka.

Graeme College: 15 Lucritia Magau, 14 Alden Walters, 13 Erin Nelson, 12 Torres Fourie, 11 Elgin Fanton, 10 Ethan Bokbaard, 9 Luke Doyle, 8 Ayamile Bill, 7 Ayola Mali, 6 Lwandle Dlamini, 5 Mikhulu Yolani, 4 Akho Tonjeni, 3 Athi Bonga, 2 Lebo Mahasele, 1 Bagcine Njengele.

Port Rex: 15 Phumelela Sheleni, 14 Deano Snyman, 13 Siyo Dubula, 12 Owam Nqweniso, 11 Hlalumi Tisane, 10 Mivuyo Kongela, 9 Lluthando Maseti, 8 Lonwabo Mtwapi (captain), 7 Lutho Majavu, 6 Kwakhanya George, 5 Zuko Badji, 4 Ethan Schoeman, 3 Liam Botha, 2 Mlibo Makupula, 1 Siyema Mdyogolo.

Cambridge: 15 Lithemba Mpikwa, 14 Lisakhanya Magoxo, 13 Liqhame Mkanzana, 12 Somili Pityi, 11 Imange Roto, 10 Sivuyise Salman, 9 Manga Mlonyeni, 8 Somila Mooi, 7 Othandwayo Mtotoba, 6 Hlonipha Zweni, 5 Nakwesi Masiso, 4 Luxolo Mashaba, 3 Lwandle Rasi, 2 Kwakhanya Nweba, 1 Iviwe Mzingayi.

Stirling: to be confirmed.

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 Sange Gwarube, 3 Tyrique Peters, 2 Kwakokuhle Pasha, 1 Manyano Mpendu.