The 150th clash between SACS and Bishops – the oldest schools game in South Africa – highlights a Saturday of derbies across the country, including the Cape Winelands match between Paul Roos and Paarl Gymnasium.
On Saturday, 6 May, Bishops will make the short trip to SACS to celebrate 150 years of the oldest schoolboy derby in South Africa.
The first officially recorded game between SACS and Bishops was held in 1873, while the two southern suburbs schools played the first-ever match at Newlands Stadium in April 1890.
The impact of the derby goes above the two schools, as in 1892 SACS donated the blue-and-white hooped jerseys to Western Province that have become the hallmark of the team ever since. Meanwhile, in 1896 South Africa wore the myrtle green shirts for the first time, which their captain, Barry Heatlie, borrowed from his Old Diocesans club (Bishops).
https://t.co/Wam0DIBVDJ@ss_schools @SSRugby @eNCA @Bishops_Rugby pic.twitter.com/Iha2Rvo9SE
— SACS Rugby (@sacsrugby) May 2, 2023
In the previous clash between the two sides, SACS claimed a 15-10 away win at Bishops.
Meanwhile, all roads in the Cape Winelands will lead to the Markotter Field, where Paul Roos host Paarl Gym in a Premier Interschools clash.
The visitors have a score to settle as Paul Roos upset them last year on home turf, and won a closely fought game 26-24. The last ten matches have seen Paarl Gim winning seven, and Paul Roos three, so the home team would like to make it two in a row for 2023. Both teams come into this game with two good wins at the Wildeklawer tournament, and they both seem to hit their straps at the right time.
? @paulroos_gym will host @paarlgim1858 this Saturday 6 May in this massive @sportsmanswarehousez Premier Interschools Boland Rugby Derby.
? Stream all main field games LIVE on @supersportschools app.
? 1st Team game LIVE on @supersportschools, channel 216, @supersporttv 1pm. pic.twitter.com/mj0KyymvON— Premier Interschools (@PremierSchools) May 3, 2023
Over in KwaZulu-Natal, Hilton hosts Durban High, while Maritzburg College takes on Glenwood.
Further north, a Pretoria derby sees Garsfontein face Waterkloof and in Johannesburg, Parktown host KES.
Fixtures (Saturday, 6 May):
Grey College vs Selborne
Hilton vs Durban High
Kearsney vs Michaelhouse
Maritzburg vs Glenwood
Westville vs Jeppe
Bishops vs SACS
Paul Roos vs Paarl Gym
Stellenberg vs Paarl Boys
Milnerton vs Rondebosch
Durbanville vs Drostdy
Grey High vs Wynberg
Daniel Pienaar vs Framesby
Dale vs Cambridge
Garsfontein vs Waterkloof
Monument vs Nelspruit
Helpmekaar vs Menlopark
St Alban’s vs Pretoria Boys
St Stithians vs St Benedict’s
Parktown vs KES
Noordheuewl vs Oos-Moot (NWU Prestige final)
Photo: peter-heeger.com/Gallo Images