Saturday 19 October 2013

Kings u21 to play promo/relegation

Robbi Kempson’s men successfully defended the u21 B Division title last week against Boland u21s at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit. The men from Port Elizabeth didn’t have it all their way despite the score line of 59-19 reflecting a rather one sided affair.

The Kings struggled in the 1st half only leading 15-9 at the half way stage, they hit their straps in the 2nd half and produced a good showing, Kuhle Sonkosi particularly a prominent figure, the big man was tireless and would’ve reflected back on a good game. A number of the u21 lads will know what is expected having played here last year and lost narrowly in the same promotion game, the Kings lost 21-15 in a mud bath where the conditions were terrible and not condusive to the Kings game plan on the day.

Robbi Kempson named a strong side with a few changes for the important game. The forward pack is reshuffled for the game, Vukile Sofisa shifts back to loosehead prop following an ankle injury to Brendan Olivier last week. Dane will continue to captain the side from the middle of the front row at hooker. Pieter Stemmet comes back into the starting XV after a few weeks on the bench, he’ll start at tighthead. Kuhle Sonkosi is at 4 in the enforcer role and will be combining with Stefan Willemse who comes in for his 1st appearance of the season for the u21s. Willemse is an impressive physical specimen who will bring good height and bulk to the 2nd row; the former Paarl Gymnasium scholar had a very good season with the senior side and will look to bring good experience in the u21 side. Wayvern Smith is retained at openside flank while Claude Tshibidi will scrum down on the blindside flank, Kevin Kaba gets an opportunity to show what he can do at 8 in Aidon Davis’ absence after a knee injury in last week. The Queen’s College old boy played most of his final year at school in the no.8 jersey and will look to put in an impressive performance.

Dane, Wayvern, Vukile and Kuhle all played in last year’s promo-relegation game.  

The backline has fewer changes with Ace Jho coming in on the left wing for Sphu Msutwana whose problematic hamstring has caught up with him again. The rest of the backline is unchanged with Ivan Ludick and Ruan Allerston continuing as the halfback pairing. Shane Gates will play at inside centre and his experience will be very important in a game of such importance, he links up with Marlou van Niekerk in the centres to form a very good centre pairing. Jho is joined by constant figures in the no.14 and no.15 jerseys in Eben Barnard and Shakes Soyizwapi respectively. This forms a very potent back 3 boasting pace, flair, power and guile and should prove a handful for any side to look after.

Shakes, Eben, Marlou all played in last year’s promo-relegation game.  

The bench sees the return of Encoh Mnyaka to the 22 who hasn’t played since the early rounds to cover prop, the big front rower had an impressive start to his Kings career having already tasted senior action this season. Ruan Roberts cover the hooker from the bench. Brendan Hector also comes in for Stefan Zaayman who had to have stitches after coming off the bench last week in the final. Siphesihle Punguzwa is covering the loose forwards. Magic Majola who had a good cameo off the bench last week will continue to provide cover for scrumhalf, Gavin Hauptfleisch is covering 10 from the bench while young Jaco Bernardo (younger brother of Kings Super Rugby lock, Rynier Bernardo) comes into the match day 22 for the 1st time, the former Framesby inside centre will look to make an impact off the bench on his debut.

Good luck to Robbi, Stick and the lads, last year we fell at the final hurdle, let’s leap over this one with aplomb, best of luck #KingsArmy      

Kings u21:

15: Siviwe Soyizwapi (Dale College)
14: Eben Barnard (Brandwag)
13: Marlou van Niekerk (Marlow Landbou)
12: Shane Gates (Muir College)
11: Andile Jho (Dale College)
10: Ruan Allerston (Port Natal)
09: Ivan Ludick (Oakdale Landbou)
08: Kevin Kaba (Queen’s College)
07: Claude Tshibidi (Potch Boys’ High School)
06: Wayvern Smith (Brandwag)
05: Stefan Willemse (Paarl Gymnasium) 04: Kuhle Sonkosi (Westering High School)
03: Pieter Stemmet (Paul Roos Gymnasium)
02: Dane van der Westhuyzen (St Andrew’s College)
01: Vukile Sofisa (Grey High School, PE)  
Reserves:

16: Ruan Roberts (Daniel Pienaar)
17: Enoch Mnyaka (Dale College)
18: Brendan Hector (Union High School) 19: Siphesihle Punguzwa (Selborne College)
20: Sonwabo Majola (Muir College)
21: Gavin Hauptfleisch (Boishaai)
22: Jaco Bernardo (Framesby High School)  

HEAD COACH: Robbie Kempson ASSISTANT COACH: Mzwandile Stick

Ludumo Nkabi - follow on twitter @ludz19

Kings u19 to play Bulldogs in promotion/relegation

In what was a high scoring affair, the Eastern Province u19 side won the ABSA u19 B Division Competition last week against what was up until that point an unbeaten Valke u19 side. They put 56 points on the board, but would’ve been disappointed with their defensive efforts as they allowed the Valke to score 40 points. 


Upon chatting with a couple of lads it seems it was a case of Kings scoring and then the Valke replying immediately, it carried on in this manner until the Kings took it away in the end. That being said the Kings u19s were particularly in fine form on attack with both Selvyn Davids and Khaya Malotana grabbing a hat-trick of tries each. Selvyn being the MVP on the day with 5 conversions and 2 penalties added to his hattrick to take him to a tally of 31 points contributed. 


The Kings won and deservedly qualified for the u19 promotion / relegation game against Border, who they will take on today. Border might have lost all their games, but they are tough side to beat at the BCM Stadium and will have learnt a great deal from their 1st year in the ABSA u19 A Division Competition. The Kings will need to be on their A game today to emerge victorious in a tough encounter away from home. Coaches, Ryan Felix and Rory Duncan named a side with only 1 injury enforced change showing good continuity.  

 

The front row remains unchanged this week as well with St Andrew’s scholar David Murray continuing at loosehead prop. Grey boy JP Jamieson continues at hooker while Matthew Moore will pack down at tighthead prop. Stephan Ebersohn and Gerrit Huisamen have matured into a very good lock pairing, both for Grey and the Kings u19 side and will look to end their final game as a combination on a high by putting in the hard yards in the engine room. John Henry Schmitt is on the openside flanker while big Tyler Paul will pack down on the blindside flank. Erwin Slabbert who along with captain Mathew has played every single game this season completes the loose trio as he’ll line up at no.8. The forward unit is thus unchanged.

 

The backline which was responsible for most of the damage last week from a scoring point of view is also unchanged. Jason Baggott continues at scrumhalf and will form the halfback combination with Alex Banfield who will be entrusted with the no.10 jersey. Luan Nieuwoudt who had a few good breaks last week and linked up well with his outside backs starts again at 12 this week, Selyvn Davids will combine with Luan in the centres and the 2 Nico Malan boys who’ve enjoyed a good season as a combination for both school and province will also want to end their season as a combo on a good note. The back 3 is also unchanged with Sherwin Slater on the left wing, Sergeal continues with his stint with the u19s, a stint he told me in particular that he is enjoying, just playing with his mates and guys his age. Last week’s 3 try hero Khaya Malotana completes the back 3 and he’ll start at fullback for the 10th consecutive game this season making him the only backline player to play in all the games.

 

The 1 change on the bench is Mitchell Turner who comes in for Warren Swarts who was concussed last week. The rest of the bench remains the same, with former Pearson boy Jonathan deputising at hooker for JP Jamieson. Smija Qinelais covering loosehead and Kingswood tighthead prop Mvelo Khumalo completes the front row cover. Bathandwa Cafu is in the no.18 jersey and will primarily cover lock and loose forward while Dewald Meyer will also be deputising for the loose forwards. Francois Nel is covering scrumhalf while Mitchell Turner is a good flyhalf in the no.21 jersey. St Andrew’s schoolboy Ethan Fortuin rounds up the bench with the speed merchant covering outside centre and the back 3.

 

I spoke to Matty to get his finals words ahead of what is possibly their most important game of their season, “It means a lot to our team to play in this game because we know the union and the supporters are behind us, we want to make EP Rugby great again and back to the top, because they’re fighting for us to playing in the senior A division, so we junior sides also want do our part and play in the A Division.” He added, “It’s going to be tough tomorrow with the rain, but we’re up for it. It won’t be easy, but we’ll put everything into winning tomorrow.”

 

Matthew had the final word; all I can say from our side as Kings Supporters is good luck to the coaches and the men who will run out in the black and red tomorrow!!!

 

Kings u19:

 

15: Khaya Malotana (Queen’s College)

14: Sergeal Petersen (Grey High School, PE)

13: Selvyn Davids (Nico Malan)

12: Luan Nieuwoudt (Nico Malan)

11: Sherwin Slater (Andrew Rabie High School)

10: Alex Banfield (Grey High School, PE)

09: Jason Baggott (St Andrew’s College)

08: Erwin Slabbert (Framesby High School)

07: Tyler Paul (St Andrew’s College)

06:  John Henry Schmitt (Oudtshoorn High School)

05: Gerrit Huisamen (Grey High School, PE)

04: Stephan Ebersohn (Grey High School, PE

03: Matthew Moore © (Brandwag)

02: Jean Pierre Jamieson (Grey High School, PE)

01: David Murray (St Andrew’s College)


Reserves:

 

16: Jonathan Ford (Pearson High School)

17: Similile Qinela (Selborne College)

18: Bathandwa Cafu (Grey High School, PE)

19: Dewald Meyer (Otto du Plessis)

20: Francois Nel (Daniel Pienaar)

21: Mitchell Turner (Selborne College)

22: Ethan Fortuin (St Andrew’s College)

23: Mvelo Khumalo (Kingswood College)

HEAD COACH: Ryan Felix

ASSISTANT COACH: Rory Duncan

 


Ludumo Nkabi - follow on twitter @ludz19

 

Friday 18 October 2013

Kings u21 smash Boland in final

The EP Kings u21 side had a fantastic u21 season, easing through their group stages, smashing the Griffons in the semi final and topping it off with 9 unbeaten matches as this years ABSA Under 21 Champions.

The Kings played Boland at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit this past Friday. The opposition was no match for the Kings as they turned a 15 - 9 half time lead to a 59 - 19 final score, scoring 8 tries to 1.

Boland opened the scoring with two penalty kicks through Ashley Esau taking an early 6 - 0 lead. The Kings replyed with a penalty from Ruan Allerston and a try from flanker Cluade Tshidibi, the conversion was missed by Allerston as the Kings took the lead, 8 - 6. Allerston strethed the lead to 5 after he slotted a drop goal with 15 minutes to play till half time. Kings prop, Brendon Olivier, scored their second try with two minutes to go till half time, Allerston added the extra two. There was still enough time for Esau to kick a penalty as first half ended 15 - 9 in favour of the Kings.

The Kings and Boland exchanged penalties at the start of the second half with the Kings kicking two and Boland one. Boland struggled to keep the Kings at bay as they scored 5 unanswered tries, the first through lock Sonkosi Khune, conversion succseful by Allerston. Fullback Siviwe Soyizwape was next to cross the line for the Kings with another successful kick from Allerston. Kings scrumhalf, Ivan Luddick, scored his teams 5th try as the game reached the final quarter, Marlou van Niekerk was unable to add the extra two. Right wing Siphumelele Msutwana ran in his first try of the match with van Niekerk adding the extra two.

The last ten minutes saw three tries scored, two by the Kings and one by Boland. Reserve loose forward, Siphesihle Punguzwa, added his name to the score sheet, with Gavin Hauptfleisch adding the extra two for the Kings. Boland however did manage to score a consolation try through no8, Conway Pretorius, conversion was successful by Esau.

It was a fitting end to the match as Kings Captain, Dane van der Westhuyzen, scored his teams final try, his try was converted by Hauptfleisch, bringing the final score to 59 - 19.

The Kings u21 side will join the u19s in East London this weekend as both will play Border in a promotion / relegation match to gain A Division status for 2014.

Kings u19 too good for Valke in final

The EP Kings u19s are the new ABSA Under 19 Champions, after beating the Valke in their final on Friday. The Kings were 31 - 16 up at half time and outscored the Valke 8 tries to 4, to bring the final score to 56 - 40.

The Kings scored 4 first half tries, the first after just 3 minutes of play. Selvyn Davids scored his teams first try but was unable to convert, as the Kings took an early 5 - 0 lead. Matthys Venter kicked a penalty for the Valke to take the score to 5 - 3, but a try through Kings captain Matthew Moore and a successful conversion from Davids gave the Kings a 12 - 3 lead. Venters accurate boot kept the Valke in the game with a drop goal minutes later followed by a penalty kick, and a successful conversion after a Marthinus Ueckermann try, taking a 16 - 12 lead after 20 minutes.

The Kings shifted into another gear as they scored 3 tries in the last 7 minutes before the half time break. The first try came through fullback Khaya Malotana as he scored the first of his three tries, Davids added the extra two as the Kings regained a 19 - 16  lead. Davids crossed the line for his second try and stretched the lead even further after adding the extra two points. The Kings ended the first half with a try through right wing Sergeal Peterson, ending the half on 31 - 16 after Davids was unsuccessful with the conversion.

Jean-Claude van Zyl was the first to cross the line for the Valke in second half, Venter converted and the Valke closed the gap to 8 points, trailing 23 - 31. Davids  added another penalty to give the Kings an 11 point lead with 20 minutes to go. It was however the Valke that answered back with two converted tries, the first came trough Andries Schutte and the second scored by Francwa Ueckermann. Ueckermanns try was also converted by Venter as the Valke took the lead for the second time in the match. The Kings hit back immediately as Malotana scored his second try of the match, conversion was unsuccessful by Davids as the Kings regained the lead yet again, 41 - 37.

With 5 minutes to go the game was still far from over as Venter took 3 points back for the Valke through a drop goal and sneaked closer to the Kings score. It was however the last points the Valke scored as Molatana scored his third try for the Kings, Davids added the extra two and the game seemed pretty much over with four minutes to go. However for Davids there was still enough time to kick a penalty and convert his hat-trick try, which he scored in injury time, to bring his personal contribution to 31 points and to bring the final score to 56 - 40.

The Kings will play the Border Bulldogs this weekend in East London in a once off promotion / relegation match, as they hope to get A Division status for the 2014 season.

Friday 11 October 2013

EP Kings to face Boland in u21 final

The Eastern Province Kings u21 side put in what was probably their worst performance at home, last week against the Griquas u21 in their semi-final of  the u21 Currie Cup B Division Competition. If one had to put it simply, the Kings never even got out of 1st gear on the day and would’ve been disappointed with their performance. The mere fact that they still ran out 44-26 winners is indicative of the quality of this side. 


Wayvern Smith would’ve been particularly happy with his game after scoring 4 tries in the match. The openside flanker deservedly got the man of the match award for his try scoring exploits. The men from Kimberly must be given credit for taking the game to the Kings, they didn’t make things easy for the home side. Robbie Kempson’s men will need to be vastly improved in the final this week as they take on a very strong Boland u21 side at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit. They beat the Boland side in Wellington in the competition, but they will know that the result in the Western Cape counts for nothing when the 2 sides meet in the final. There is good continuity with only a few changes to the squad that contested the semi-final last week.

 

The vastly experienced Brendan Olivier will add his experience to the front row having already played a lot of senior rugby in the Currie Cup. Captain Dane van derWesthuyzen is at hooker and will bring energy in the front row. This will be his 2nd final with the Kings u21 side. Vukile Sofisa anchors the scrum at tighthead to complete an unchanged front row. The dynamic pair of Kevin Kaba and Kuhle Sonkosi is also retained in the 2nd row with both boasting great athleticism. Kevin Kaba will be entrusted with most of the lineout duties while Kuhle Sonkosi does the hard yards and brings some grunt in the tight exchanges. The 4 try hero, Wayvern Smith, will wear the no.6 jersey once again and will hope to prove an inspired selection once again for the Kings. Claude Tshibidi who’s got a great work rate will scrum down on the blinside flank. Aidon Davis who had a few promising runs last week continues at the back of the scrum.

 

The backs also enjoy good continuity with the only change in the backs coming at outside centre, with big Marlou van Niekerk back to bolster the side after sitting out last week’s game with a concussion. Marlou will run outside Shane Gates who will line up at inside centre as the duo form the centre pairing. Ivan Ludick is at scrumhalf and will look to provide flyhalf Zorba Allerston with good, quick ball as they look to get the backline away. They also named a balanced back 3 with the fleet footed Sphu Msutwana on the right wing complementing the big and strong Eben Barnard on the left wing, Shakes Soyizwapi completes the  back 3 and he’s the man with the flair at the back.

 

There are only 2 changes on the bench with Yakha dropping out of the 22 and Ruan Roberts coming in to deputise for Dane van der Westhuyzen having been out with injury for a few weeks. Ace Jho makes way for Marlou van Niekerk and takes his place on the bench, with Lonwabo Ntleki dropping out of the 22. Magic Majola and Gavin Hauptfleisch make up the rest of the back reserves. Pieter Stemmet will cover prop while Stefan Zaayman and Siphesihle Punguzwa cover the 2nd and back rows respectively.

 

I cornered Dane for a quick word ahead of the big game, this is what he had to say, “We just need a good start, stick to the game structure, stay disciplined and do everything to the best of our ability, if we do that I have no doubt that we will win.”

 

All the best to the defending champions for the big game today, the game kicks off at 16:15 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport 8.

 

EP Kings u21:

 

15: Siviwe Soyizwapi (Dale College)

14: Siphumelele Msutwana (Dale College)

13: Marlou van Niekerk (Marlow Landbou)

12: Shane Gates (Muir College)

11: Eben Barnard (Brandwag)

10: Ruan Allerston (Port Natal)

09: Ivan Ludick (Oakdale Landbou)

08: Aidon Davis (Daniel Pienaar)

07: Claude Tshidibi (Potch Boys’ High School)

06Wayvern Smith (Brandwag)

05: Kevin Kaba (Queen’s College)

04: Kuhle Sonkosi (Westering High School)

03: Vukile Sofisa (Grey High School, PE)

02: Dane van der Westhuyzen (St Andrew’s College)

01: Brendan Olivier (Nico Malan)

 

Reserves:


16: Ruan Roberts (Daniel Pienaar)

17: Pieter Stemmet (Paul Roos Gymnasium)

18: Stefan Zaayman (Framesby High School)

19: Siphesihle Punguzwa (Selborne College)

20: Sonwabo Majola (Muir College)

21: Andile Jho (Dale College)

22: Gavin Hauptfleisch (Boishaai)

 

HEAD COACH: Robbie Kempson

ASSISTANT COACH: Mzwandile Stick  

 


 Ludumo Nkabi - follow on twitter @ludz19

 

EP Kings u19s are ready for the final

Ryan Felix’s young u19 side travelled to Wellington for a very tough semi-final against Boland u19s. The game was always going to be tough with Port Elizabeth youngsters having already lost there in the league stages. Things this time were to be a little different, firstly, this time they were coming off a morale boosting victory away from home unlike when they went there on the back of a loss to SWD in Port Elizabeth. 


The return of Sergeal Petersen was also a timely boost as he justified his selection dotting down twice for the Kings as they recorded an impressive 45-30 victory to advance to the final. The backs scored all the tries with Khaya MolatanaSelvyn DavidsJuandre Fourie and Alex Banfield all adding 5 pointers of their own for a tally of 6 tries for the side. This for me is indicative of how well the pack must’ve done on the day. I’m sure Matt and his men did really well up front to ensure the backs ran in the tries


This week presents a new challenge with the men heading up to Nelspruit for the final against the unbeaten Valke u19s. It’s a daunting task for the men, but I understand there were a lot of positives taken from the narrow loss to Valke a few weeks ago at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. 


The coaches named a largely unchanged side for the final. The pack of forward will for the 1st time this season be unchanged, with the 8 starters from last week lining up exactly as they did last week. David Murray is on the loosehead side of the scrum with Jean Pierre Jamieson at hooker. Matthew Moore anchors the scrum at tighthead and will continue in his capacity as captain of the side. The Grey duo of Stephan Ebersohn and Gerrit Huisamen will complete the tight 5, coming in behind the front row as a combination in the 2nd row. They’ve proven to be a good combination with the more athletic Gerrit Huisamen assuming the lineout kingpin role and the bruising Stephan Ebersohn going about his role as the enforcer. John Henry Schmitt will wear the no.6 jersey and will hopefully provide the team with impetus at the breakdown. Tyler Paul continues on the blindside flank and he’ll be 1 of the primary ball carriers in the side. Erwin Slabbert rounds up the forwards at the back of the scrum.

 

The halfback combo is also unchanged with St Andrew’s scholar Jason Baggott in the no.9 jersey and Alex Banfield pulling the strings from flyhalf. The centres compromise of the Nico Malan duo of Luan Nieuwoudt at inside centre and the slippery Selvyn Davids, who has also taken over as the primary goal-kicker of the side, at 13. The 1 change in the starting XV comes in the back 3 with Juandre Fourie missing out due to an injury, Juandre along with fullback Khaya Malotana were the only 2 backline players to have started all the games. Juandre missing out this week means Khaya is the only backline player to have started all the games throughout the season, with Khaya at fullback and Sergeal on the right wing. Sherwin Slater is the man that comes in on the vacant left wing berth. The Andrew Rabie High former scholar has played mostly at outside centre, he’ll relish having a bit more space in which he can use his pace on the wing.

 

The bench is also largely unchanged with only Warren Swarts coming onto the bench for Sherwin Slater. Mvelo Khumalo retains his spot on the bench as the reserve tighthead prop with Smija Qinela covering loosehead. Jonathan Ford deputises for JP Jamieson. Bathandwa Cafu and Dewald Meyer continue as the utility forwards on the bench giving the coaches good options. Francois Nel is the reserve scrumhalf while Ethan Fortuin is the utility back covering a few positions from the bench.


I spoke to Matthew to get his thoughts on today’s big final, “There is a strong brotherhood in the team, we’re much closer now than we were at the beginning of the competition. There is a strong will to play in promotion relegation against Border.” “We’re up for it and when we go onto the field, it’s out of the coaches hands, we’re ready and we’ll do the job.”

 

It has all been said, all that’s left to say is good luck to Ryan, Rory and the boys in Nelspruit. The match kicks off at 14:20 at the Mbombela Stadium.  

 

Kings u19:

 

15: Khaya Malotana (Queen’s College)

14: Sergeal Petersen (Grey High School, PE)

13: Selvyn Davids (Nico Malan)

12: Luan Niewoudt (Nico Malan)

11: Sherwin Slater (Andrew Rabie High School)

10: Alex Banfield (Grey High School, PE)

09: Jason Baggott (St Andrew’s College)

08: Erwin Slabbert (Framesby High School)

07: Tyler Paul (St Andrew’s College)

06: JH Schmitt (Oudtshoorn High School)

05: Gerrit Huisamen (Grey High School, PE)

04: Stefan Ebersohn (Grey High School, PE)

03: Matthew Moore (Brandwag)

02: JP Jamieson (Grey High School, PE)

01: David Murray (St Andrew’s College)


Reserves:

 

16: Jonathan Ford (Pearson High School)

17: Similile Qinela (Selborne College)

18: Bathandwa Cafu (Grey High School)

19: Dewald Meyer (Otto du Plessis)

20: Francois Nel (Daniel Pienaar)

21: Ethan Fortuin (St Andrew’s College)

22: Warren Swarts (Stirling High School)

23: Mvelo Khumalo (Kingswood College)  

 

HEAD COACH: Ryan Felix

ASSISTANT COACH: Rory Duncan

 


Ludumo Nkabi - follow on twitter @ludz19

 

Monday 7 October 2013

One more game left

The ABSA Currie Cup 1st Division reached it penultimate round last Friday as the top of the log Pumas hosted the forth placed SWD Eagles in Nelspruit and the second placed EP Kings played the third placed Leopards at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.

 The Pumas was first up against the Eagles in a 6 try to 3 victory at the Mbombela Stadium. Despite losing to the Pumas it was however the Eagles that scored the first try after just 5 minutes. After the Pumas and Eagles exchaged penalties to bring the score to 10 - 3 in favour of the Eagles, the Pumas scored two converted tries and one penalty with the Eagles adding one penalty before the half time break. 

At the start of the second half the Pumas had a slender 4 point lead as the Eagles were trailing 16 - 20. The Eagles started the second half pretty much the same as the first half with a converted try after just 5 minutes. The Pumas added a penalty to bring the score back to level terms on 23 all, but it wasn't long before the Eagles took the lead yet again through a converted try. The Pumas answered with a converted try of their own before the Eagles took another penalty kick and a three point lead with 20 minutes to go. 

Former Eastern Province player RW Kember added his name to the score card as the Pumas started to take control of the game as play went into the last quarter. The Pumas scored two more converted tries and a penalty to bring the final score to 52 - 33. The Pumas have been exceptional the entire 1st Division campaign, going through unbeaten and by finishing top of the log will have an opportunity to play a promotion / relegation match against the bottom of the log finisher in the Premier Division.

Scorers:
Pumas - Tries: Christo Le Roux, Coenie van Wyk, Corne Steenkamp, Renaldo Bothma, RW Kember, Stefan Watermeyer.
Conversions: Carl Bezuidenhout (6)
Penalties: Carl Bezuidenhout (5)

SWD Eagles - Tries: Alshaun Bock, Anver Venter, Clinton Wagman
Conversions: Justin van Staden (3)
Penalties: Justin van Staden (4)

The match in Port Elizabeth went beyond the regular stopage time when the game ended 22 all after the 80 minutes. Both teams scored 2 converted tries, but it was the boot of Scott van Breda that decided the out come the match as he kicked a vital penatly in extra time.

The teams exchanged penalties throughout the first half but it was the Leopards that scored the first try just on half time to take a 16 - 9 lead into the half time break. The Kings leveled the score 15 minutes into the second half through a van Breda penalty. The Leopards drew level in the 74th minute as time was running out and the game was still anyones for the taking. With three minutes to go Scott van Breda took the lead yet again through a penalty kick, but with time up on the clock the Leopards were given a penalty and wasnt going to miss from right infront. Scores were level at 22 all as the hooter went off in the back ground. 

The Kings kicked a penalty and scored a converted try as the Griquas could only manage a try at the end of the extra 20 minutes. Griquas missed a penalty kick during the first 10 minutes of extra time which could have level the scores, but it wasnt meant to be as the game ended 32 - 29 in favour of the Kings.

Scorers:
EP Kings - Tries: Kayle van Zyl, Tim Agaba
Conversions: Scott van Breda (2)
Penalties: Scott van Breda (6)

Leopards - Tries: Edmar Marais, Tiaan Dorfling
Conversions: Adriaan Engelbreght (2)
Penalties: Adriaan Engelbreght (5)

In many ways it is a repeat of last years 1st Division, as the Kings went through the season unbeaten, only drawing to the Pumas during their round robin matches. Last year the Pumas traveled to Port Elizabeth to face the Kings, this year the Kings need to travel to Nelspruit.

This weekend matches sees the EP Kings u19 taking on the Valke in the ABSA Under 19 Final in Kempton Park, the EP Kings u21 hosting Boland in the ABSA Under 21 Final and the EP Kings travel to Nelspruit to face the Pumas in the ABSA Currie 1st Division Final.

Friday 4 October 2013

Kings u19 to face Boland in semi final

The Kings u19s got back to winning ways with a good win over the Limpopo Blue Bulls u19 side in Grobersdal, recording a 26-17 win. They broke a 3 match losing streak, the juniors were due a victory as they lost marginally in 2 of the 3 games. Their victory however was only good enough to secure them the 3rd spot on the log and they will now face the 2nd placed Boland in Wellington. They lost to Boland by 26 points to 24 in the round 5 fixture which was also in Wellington. This time they go there in a much better mental space coming off a victory. Ryan Felix named a settled side to take on the Boland u19 side.

 

The front 5 sees no changes with David Murray set to continue at loosehead prop. JP Jamieson is at hooker once again. Matthew Moore who celebrated his 19th birthday yesterday will lead the side from tighthead prop. The inspirational skipper is a well respected young man in the Kings set-up and looks like a man with a big future in the game. The combination of Grey schoolboys has developed with both Gerrit Huisamen and Stephan Ebersohn playing very important roles in the engine room. The only change in the pack is John-Henry Schmitt coming in on the openside, the Oudtshoorn High School old boy played there in the 1st few games before returning to his favoured hooker position. Tyler Paul is retained at 7 and will look to add his bulk as a ball carrier and be an additional lineout option in the back row. Erwin Slabbert is another consistent player who’s enjoyed a good season at 8. The hardworking no.8 is a robust ball carrier and puts in the big hits on defence.

 

The Kings Fraternity were buoyed by the news that Port Elizabeth’s favourite son, Sergeal Petersen, was fit to play again. The gifted young winger has been struggling with a hamstring problem since May while he was still playing Super Rugby. I applaud the management for excellent management as they have decided that it’s best to play Sergeal with the u19s. It is very important that the supporters realise that Sergeal is still very young and needs to be carefully managed in order to avoid any serious injuries early in his career. Sergeal will run on the right wing and will be on debut for Ryan Felix’s u19 side and will bring a lot of experience to the side


There are a few more changes to the backline with Jason Baggott shifting back to scrumhalf this week after playing flyhalf in Alex Banfield’s absence last week. Alex returns to assume the pivot role. The last change is the return of Selvyn Davids at outside centre after sitting out last week with a knock to the knee, Sherwin Slater drops to the bench. Luan Niewoudt retains the inside centre berth and will resume the partnership with schoolboy partner SelvynSergeal will form part of a potent back 3 with Juandre Fourie on the left wing and Khaya Malotana at fullback.

 

The bench has 3 more new debutants this week, Jonathan Ford comes into the no.16 jersey, the hooker is a former Pearson High School boy who represented Eastern Province as a schoolboy in that position at Craven Weeks. The other 2 are current schoolboys with St Andrew’s deputy headboy, Ethan Fortuin set to make his debut off the bench, the young man has got deceptive pace, and he’s got great feet and can cover outside centre, wing and fullback. The last debutant is Kingswood tighthead prop Mvelo Khumalo, the mobile tighthead prop did most of his schooling at Maritzburg College in KZN and has represented the KZN Craven Week side last year. He had a good season with the Kingswood College 1st XV. Bathandwa Cafu who makes way for JH Schmitt will look to make an impact off the bench. Francois Nel also reverts back to the bench with Alex Banfield returning to the run on side. Simile QinelaDewald Meyer and Sherwin Slater make up the rest of the bench.

 

Matthew was very excited ahead of today’s clash with Boland when I spoke with him last night, “Well I think our captain’s run today was the best we’ve had this season, the team is looking very good and really positive ahead of the semi tomorrow.” He added, “We’re very excited to have Sergeal and Selvyn back. The boys are ready and we just want to do our best for everyone who is behind us and our Eastern Province Rugby Union and coaching staff.”

 

The Kings Army is behind you, all the best for the tough game. The game kicks off at 2pm in Wellington.

 

Kings u19

 

15: Khaya Malotana (Queen’s College)

14: Sergeal Petersen (Grey High School, PE)

13: Selvyn Davids (Nico Malan)

12: Luan Niewoudt (Nico Malan)

11: Juandre Fourie (Gill College)

10: Alex Banfield (Grey High School, PE)

09: Jason Baggott (St Andrew’s College)

08: Erwin Slabbert (Framesby High School)

07: Tyler Paul (St Andrew’s College)

06: JH Schmitt (Oudtshoorn High School)

05: Gerrit Huisamen (Grey High School, PE)

04: Stefan Ebersohn (Grey High School, PE)

03: Matthew Moore (Brandwag)

02: JP Jamieson (Grey High School, PE)

01: David Murray (St Andrew’s College)


Reserves

 

16: Jonathan Ford (Pearson High School)

17: Similile Qinela (Selborne College)

18: Bathandwa Cafu (Grey High School)

19: Dewald Meyer (Otto du Plessis)

20: Francois Nel (Daniel Pienaar)

21: Sherwin Slater (Andrew Rabie High School)

22: Ethan Fortuin (St Andrew’s College)

23: Mvelo Khumalo (Kingswood collegw)  

 

HEAD COACH: Ryan Felix

ASSISTANT COACH: Rory Duncan

 


Ludumo Nkabi - follow on twitter @ludz19


 

 

 


Thursday 3 October 2013

"We just need to play as a team"

Dane van der Westhuizen led the Eastern Province u21 side to well-earned victory in Grobersdal, Limpopo, triumphing 37-33 in a very tough away encounter. The win secured the top spot for the Kings ahead of the play-offs ending the league stage with 35 log points, 5 clear of the 2nd placed Boland side. Robbie Kempson’s men will take on the 4th placed Griquas u21s at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in one semi-final. The men from Port Elizabeth won their round 3 league encounter 53-0 at GWK Park in Kimberly. This time however will be completely different as the play-offs always prove much closer games. The Kings named a strong side with good consistency for the semi-final with minimal changes from last week’s side.

 

There is consistency in the forward combinations with only one change in the pack of forwards. The front row remains the same as Brendan Olivier retains the loosehead berth, captain and hooker is retained in the middle of the front row. 20 year old Mzuvukile Sofisa gets another chance to anchor the scrum at tighthead prop. Kuhle Sonkosi and Kevin Kaba also continue as a combination in the 2nd row to complete an unchanged tight 5. Wayvern comes in at openside in the only change in the pack. Claude Tshibidi will pack down on the blinside flank and will be an additional lineout option in the back row. Aidon Davis will be at the back of the scrum, the big no.8, just 19 years old, has been in good form and has been starting at no.8 in all the games.  

 

There are two changes in the backline with SiphumelelMsutwana coming back into the starting XV on the left wing for Ofentse Boloko, after missing out last week with a hamstring strain. Marlou van Niekerk came off early in the 2nd half last week with yet another concussion and will probably be out for the rest of the season. The smaller, quicker and more elusive Andile Jho comes in for bigger, hard running Marlou, his physicality will be missed in midfield. Joining Sphu Msutwana in the back three is the consistent, big, strong and quick Eben Barnard on the right wing and mesmerizing Shakes Soyizwapi at fullback. Shane Gates will partner Ace Jho in the centres as they look direct play in the midfield. The halfbacks are unchanged once again with Ivan Ludick starting at 9 and Zorba Allerston running the game from the pivot.

 

The bench is mostly unchanged with Selborne College old boy Yakha Qinela continuing to deputise for Dane, while Pieter Stemmet will also look to make an impact in the front row later on in the game. Brendan Hector drops out of the 22 man squad with Stefan Zaayman coming back after a few weeks sidelined with injury. Stefan will wear the no.18 jersey and will be eased back into action. Siphesihle Punguzwa also plays off the bench this week after making way for Wayvern Smith in the run on side. Magic Majola continues as cover for Ivan Ludik at scrumhalf. Gavin Hauptfleisch and Lonwabo Ntleki make up the rest of the backline replacements.

 

Dane had very few words for us as I asked for his thought ahead of the important semi-final, “There is nothing much to say, it’s simple, we just need to play as a team and then everything else will take care of itself”

Good luck to all the u21s and the coaches ahead of the most important game for this campaign thus far. The match kicks off at 4:30pm and will be the curtain raiser to the senior semi-final.

 

Kings u21


15: Siviwe Soyizwapi (Dale College)

14: Eben Barnard (Brandwag)

13: Andile Jho (Dale College)

12: Shane Gates (Muir College)

11: Siphumelele Msutwana (Dale College)

10: Ruan Allerston (Port Natal)

09: Ivan Ludick (Oakdale Landbou)

08: Aidon Davis (Daniel Pienaar)

07: Claude Tshibidi (Potch Boys’ High School)

06: Wayvern Smith (Brandwag)

05: Kevin Kaba (Queen’s College)

04: Kuhle Sonkosi (Westering High School)

03: Vukile Sofisa (Grey High School, PE)

02: Dane van der Westhuyzen (St Andrew’s College)

01: Brendan Olivier (Nico Malan)

 

Reserves


16: Yakha Qinela (Selborne College)

17: Pieter Stemmet (Paul Roos Gymnasium)

18: Stefan Zaayman (Framesby High School)

19: Siphesihle Punguzwa (Selborne College)

20: Sonwabo Majola (Muir College)

21: Gavin Hauptfleisch (Boishaai)

22: Lonwabo Ntleki (KES)

 

HEAD COACH: Robbie Kempson

ASSISTANT COACH: Mzwandile Stick


 

Ludumo Nkabi - follow on twitter @ludz19