In the heart of the Boland, thousands of spectators flock to witness the biggest inter-school derby in South Africa and possibly the world. The clash between Paarl Gimnasium and Paarl Boys' High takes place annually in Faure Street Stadium in Paarl.

 

The first inter-school derby was in 1929 and Paarl Gimnasium, often referred to as ‘Gimmies’, has won the contest 42 times over Paarl Boys High’s 33. The Gimmies, who are the defending champions, are also going into the match with three consecutive victories against their ancient foes.

 

The two schools have moulded many international rugby players, including Springbok and Stormers stars Schalk Burger and Jean De Villiers.

 

The green and gold worn by Paarl Gimnasium and the blue and white worn by Paarl Boys High acknowledge the tradition that has been instilled over the years. Pride flows through the veins of both competing schools as Paarl Boys High chant ‘My blood is blue’ while the Gimmies reply ‘My blood is green’.

 

Hundreds of ‘old’ boys and girls return to Paarl each year to celebrate this long-standing rivalry with various traditions and events taking place at each school in the build-up to the big game. Havoc ensues in the streets of Paarl as the enthusiastic crowd start flocking towards Faure Street Stadium for the epic clash of the titans.

 

As the sun sets, choreographed performances dazzle the crowd as skydivers hover over the field, displaying the colours of the two teams. As per custom, the teams are led out by their cheerleaders and lined up to sing their school anthems and battle cry (Paarl Gimnasium players perform their infamous ‘Haka’).

 

Kick-off arrives and the ball speeds across the field after a turnover by the Gimmies that leads to the first try of the game by eventual ‘Man of the Match’ Grant Hermanus. The Gimmies score three consecutive tries in the first half as place-kicker Hermanus stretches the lead with his accurate goal-kicking display.

 

Paarl Boys High fight back valiantly by scoring four tries, two by Ferlin Vers, in the second half. However time is running out for the men in blue as they struggle to get their hands on the ball and through the Gimmies’ strong defence. The final whistle blows with Paarl Gimnasium securing a ‘comfortable’ victory of 37-26.

 

Both teams are physically and mentally drained and cheers drown the arena as Gimmie spectators dash to the centre of the field to congratulate the winning team. Huddled in a circle, the victorious team, surrounded by thousands of Gimmie supporters, belt out a battlecry to honour their victory and school. As the celebrations start to dwindle, the supporters being heading back home, some disappointed and others ecstatic about the result.

 

The delayed transmission is broadcast on SuperSport 1 and an estimated audience of 16 000 or more spectators are gathered in the stands. A big game like this is changing schools rugby at a rapid pace. Schools rugby is becoming a business as franchises buy players if the player has the potential to be qualified to play professional rugby. This is a stepping stone for amateur players, who aspire to follow their dreams of representing South Africa one day.