The 1st XV of Grey College returned to winning form last week with back-to-back victories at the 2025 Wildeklawer Festival in Kimberley.
Following their recent 43–31 upset and loss to Paarl Gim, which ended their eight-year home winning streak in Bloemfontein, Grey responded in style with two clinical, dominant performances. They beat Helpmekaar Kollege (Johannesburg) and Hoërskool Garsfontein (Pretoria) to get back in the saddle and build momentum for the rest of the season.
On Thursday, Grey faced the relatively unknown Helpmekaar side and ran out 56–14 winners, having led 28–7 at half-time at Hoërskool Diamantveld.
Flyhalf Darius Erwee was Grey’s standout player, contributing 21 points. He not only scored a try but also slotted eight conversions.
Try-scorers on the day included Prestan Bennett, Eddie Mabena, AJ Hendriks, AJ Booysen, Alexi Tyropolis, Steven Müller, and AJ Meyer – all crossing the whitewash in what was a one-sided affair to round off day two of Africa’s biggest school sports festival.
What mattered most for Grey, however, was to back up their performance against Helpmekaar with a strong showing against Garsfontein – always a tougher and more physical encounter.
Grey didn’t disappoint, beating Garsfontein 45–29 after leading 24–15 at the break. Fleet-footed fullback and multi-talented sportsman Lamla Mgedezi dazzled with a brace of tries, while powerful outside centre Ethan “Tank” Adams also impressed.
Erwee was once again key to Grey’s success, scoring a try and adding six conversions and a penalty for a personal haul of 20 points – bringing his tournament tally to 41. Captain and flanker Xander Smit also crossed the line, while Adam Nieuwoudt added his name to the scoresheet as well.
Erwee is certainly a player to keep an eye on going forward. He started the season playing for the Cherries (Grey 2nd team), and he certainly is becoming a strong contender to wear the SA Schools number 10 jersey this year.
It was the perfect response from Grey, who now travel to the Cape to face another Paarl powerhouse – Paarl Boys’ High (Boishaai). Boishaai were in top form at Wildeklawer themselves, thrashing Hoërskool Monument 85–0 and comfortably beating Hoërskool Noordheuwel 42–14.
Saturday’s 1st XV clash between Boishaai and Grey kicks off at 14:00 at Brugstraat and promises to be a classic. – MORGAN PIEK
