Some of the top local schools rugby talent got their chance to show their skills in the Western Province Rugby Football Union (WPRFU) DHL Newlands Schools Day on Tuesday.
There were seven games of 20 minute halves held amidst a festival atmosphere in a packed grandstand at DHL Newlands, as each team had their first competitive run of the year.
Each game showcased the encouraging level of skill and commitment in the schools rugby game, with the crowd treated to a fine display of running rugby, with no goalkicks or conversions attempted.
In the first game, Collegians RFC scored a try in each half to see off a determined Busy Bees RFC side that never stopped pushing them.
Parel Vallei pulled away in the second half against Kasselsvlei High, after the two sides had dueld out a scoreless first half. Once the gaps started opening up, Parel Vallei ran in five tries and conceded just one, to prevail 25-5.
Milnerton High were forced to work hard for their 5-0 win against Brackenfell, with their solitary try coming in the first half. That was enough to edge past Brackenfell in a close game.
Wynberg Boys took a 5-0 lead into half-time against Bellville High and scored two further tries in the second half to wrap up a 15-0 win, with their defence standing firm under pressure from Bellville.
SACS were too strong for Stellenberg, scoring three tries in the first half and two more in the second to claim a 25-10 win. To their credit, Stellenberg fought back bravely in the second half which saw both teams score twice, but it was not enough to overcome an impressive SACS team.
Rondebosch and Boland Landbou shared the spoils as they fought out an entertaining 10-10 draw. Rondebosch seemed to have the upper hand and scored first, but Boland Landbou hit back just before half-time.
The second half was similar, with Rondebosch striking first and then Boland Landbou finding a way to score and level matters once again.
The final match saw Paarl Boys go up against Paul Roos, with both schools bringing a huge contingent of boys, which created a fantastic atmosphere.
The rugby was just as intense as both teams gave absolutely everything in a hugely physical encounter.
Paul Roos managed to get some territory in the first half and bulldozed their way over from close quarters for what would be the only try of the match.
They took a slender 5-0 advantage into the break and defended it in the second half, despite being down to 13 as the result of two late yellow cards.
DHL Newlands Schools Day results:
Collegians 0-10 Busy Bees
Parel Vallei 25-5 Kasselsvlei
Milnerton 5-0 Breackenfell
Wynberg 15-0 Bellville
SACS 25-10 Stellenberg
Rondebosch 10-10 Boland Landbou
Paul Roos 5-0 Paarl Boys