Selborne visits Hudson aiming for East London clean sweep

Hudson Park High could hardly have chosen tougher opponents as they attempt to halt a harrowing spell of defeats when they host East London rivals Selborne College on Saturday at 14.30.

Coach Onke Dubase‘s Hudson team has suffered five defeats in their last six matches, including an agonizing 24-31 loss to Port Rex in their last encounter in which they conceded a try in the closing stages.

It will be a real test of their character to regain that winning feeling against a Selborne team which is aiming to establish itself as East London’s best this season.

While they have not had the best year, Selborne have shown themselves to be a cut above the rest in the Buffalo City metro so far. Hudson Park looms as the last side with a chance to inflict a defeat on them.

Powerful Hudson No 8 Sibabalwe Mtshini will have to lead from the front to give his team a chance of a positive result, while the halfback pairing of Landile and Likho Gidi will need to quickly find their rhythm to unleash their backs.

Selborne prop and captain Robert John-Osunkwo has been a significant factor in their success this year and with support from his forwards, including hardworking flank Dominic Stegmann, will aim to set the platform to continue their winning ways against East London opposition.

In other matches, Dale College will be looking to get back to winning ways when they travel to East London to face Stirling High (13.40).

Both teams have struggled at times this season, but there is enough pride and passion in the two schools’ rugby tradition to ensure a tough fight for supremacy until the final whistle.

Meanwhile, Port Rex will be eager to build on their notable win over Hudson Park when they play the return fixture against Ooskus Gymnasium at the Ooskus ground in a morning game (10.40).

The second term clash was comfortably won 43-10 by Port Rex and it will take a massive effort by the home side to reverse that result.

Teams:

Hudson Park vs Selborne College in East London at 14:30

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 Tautenda Saunyama, 3 Tyrique Peters, 2 Kwakokuhle Pasha, 1 Manyano Mpendu.

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

Stirling High vs Dale College in East London at 13:40

Dale College: 15 Inga Mafanga, 14 Achumile George, 13 Milani Madide, 12 Nxande Ngcaba, 11 Amahle Mehlomane, 10 Soso Dyani, 9 Wethumtha Malawana, 8 Kamva Sithole, 7 Liyabona Mayikana, 6 Linamandla Peter, 5 Liyabonga Mqingwana, 24 Ebenezer Sarpong, 3 Phawu Ludwaba, 2 Oluhle Fihla, 1 Azole Sodlaka.

Stirling: N/A

Port Rex vs Ooskus Gym at 10:40 in East London

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

Ooskus Gym: N/A