Bishops - Diocesan College

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Bishops show spirit out in the Mud of Boland

Posted on June 5, 2013 by Bishops Rugby

The weather was atrocious; bitingly cold, sodden wet and glum, but none of this seemed to matter to the players as it was obvious that most Bishops boys were having a ball in the Boland mud bath. In fact, it was heartening to see how most of the sides stood up to the elements and simply just got on with the game. There was not lack of courage and commitment, especially on defence. On top of this, the attempts to continue to play an open brand of rugby was perhaps naïve but so what…..they were enjoying the simplicity of the game where so much of the differences in physicality were largely annulled. Playing rugby in the wet while not being for the average spectator is manna from the rugby gods for players – okay, I speak from a forwards perspective.

The 1st XV defended supremely and must be given full credit for their efforts, especially towards the end of the match. The 2nd XVs efforts to score went awry. Luck is most certainly not in their favour as a certain try which would have won them the match was disallowed by the ref who can be forgiven for being unsighted considering the conditions. The 3rds to 6ths were victorious- again! The 5ths won handsomely- again. They have only lost to Paarl Boys. The U16A side were a depleted team with 5 of their stalwarts out, two with spider bites, but they fought gallantly right to the end. The U15 B and D sides won. These are superb results out in the Boland and they deservedly share the team of the week award. The U14s had another really tough outing, but again it was pleasing to see the competiveness of the C and Ds at their level.

How pleasant was the Landbou hospitality? The friendly buzz at the tuckshop was especially noteworthy. It really is a wonderful place to visit.
All things considered, even though it was miserable weather and awful for spectators- it was a success for so many other reasons other than winning- as it should be.

 

This weekend is the Derby Match Weekend against our neighbours, Rondebosch, which has added sting this year as it is being televised live on Supersport on Saturday morning from 11-25am on SS6.

Please also note the following times for Interschools Stories which previews the game and provides historical overviews of both schools and highlights other academic, cultural and sporting achievements.
Wednesday June 5 at 17:15-17:30 SS1
Thursday June 6 at 06:15 – 06:30 SS1
Friday June 7 at 22:45 – 23:00 SS7
Saturday June 8 at 11:15 – 11:25 SS6

Huge crowds are expected, weather permitting, so please know that it is advisable to park outside the school in the parking area off Sandown Road opposite the park. Security has been organized for the cars and the entrance to the top fields which is in the corner of the parking area will be open. This will also allow you easy exit after the 1st XV Match. Please see the map on the webpage if you are not sure about the whereabouts of the parking – under ‘Rondebosch Fixtures’.

Also see the Mutual & Federal Premier Interschools 2013 Press Release which is posted on the EVENTS section of this web. It provides an interesting overview on Bishops and the upcoming fixtures.

We look forward to seeing some of you at the rugby dinner at Kelvin on Friday night.
A learned Geography teacher is convinced that the rain on Saturday will be very light, if at all, as there is a huge anti-cyclone or high pressure system between the front and us and he believes the temperate cyclone will be pushed South thereby having minimal effect! However, teachers do get it wrong sometimes……..

A lovely truish story to finish off on- courtesy of the Principal

A well known headmaster and well known weather guru was umpiring a match in Durban when it began to rain rather heavily. The opposition coach and umpire inquired of the headmaster whether they should call the game off. ‘No’, he replied emphatically,’it is just a passing shower’.

It was Hurricane Domoina!

 

 

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Spell of Bishops Rugby

Posted on June 4, 2013 by Bishops Rugby

 

 

CAPE ARGUS DECEMBER 15, 1926.

WHAT IS THE SPELL OF “BISHOPS”?

What is the “spell of Bishops”? Mr. (Canon) Birt. the Principal of the College, in his annual report read at the prize-giving this afternoon, endeavoured to analyse it and to show how it is that the Diocesan College never lacks support.

“Looking back over the seventy-six years of its history, we may fairly say that Bishops has developed some characteristics of its own,” said Mr. Birt. “There is one in particular, not absent, it is true, from the history of other schools, but prominent in the history of this one to a degree that is quite remarkable. That characteristic is the intense loyalty and, affection, which Bishops has always inspired.
“From the earliest days successive generations of masters and boys – and indeed of parents too – have been touched as by the mysterious influence of a spell! That may seem a fanciful expression, yet it comes very near the truth. That spirit, that influence, that spell, call it what we may or explain it as we may, is a living reality. The Bishops people of old felt it; we feel it in the present generation…”

 

It’s proud, it’s creative, it’s uniquely Bishops. A “good” ball is just that, wherever on the field it is created and it is treated as such. Bishops is proud to play unrestricted rugby, players make their own decisions and are not stunted by convention.

Most modern sides fear losing so much that they have forgotten how to score tries in their obsession with defence and structure. Defence is as important as attack is but not more important. Structure, too, is necessary but when it becomes stricture, as it inevitably does, then the game becomes forgettable and educationally sterile.

Sport and other extra-mural activities are as important a part of education as classroom activity. We at Bishops always believed that; we also claim to “inspire individuals”; do we? When it comes to rugby, are our lads “individuals” or are they part of a standardised herd?

Certainly on the rugby field we have always encouraged initiative, at times making outrageous choices in our play, choices that unsettle our opponents. Our game although unusual is also shrewd. Our rugby has that stamp – we are different. It is that penchant for the different game that distinguishes Bishops’ rugby from the mundane, stereotypical, boredom that so many other sides are churning out. We have been proud to be recognised pretty much throughout the rugby world for our style of play. Its success lies in the self-belief, possibly even a certain arrogance, of all our players. You see, they believe absolutely that a chance often taken is no longer a chance – it becomes a custom! There is a wonderful refusal to be cowed either by the fear of losing or by our opponents.

It is very comfortable to be ordinary, to follow the trend – much more risky and difficult to be extraordinary, and so much more fulfilling! The modern game has gone overboard on structure to the detriment of flair, individualism and initiative. Perhaps it is no longer a game for schoolboys because it stunts and does not stimulate growth (apart from the physical kind) at all. Present day rugby is “rote” rugby, little kind can be said about it. Structures are so drilled into players that they become inhibited; initiative is taboo: the swallow’s wings are clipped. The game has become obvious, dull, repetitive and even crude and boring – except at Bishops? Ours is not an easy game to play, demanding as it does good basics, sharp reflexes, high skill levels and a cool head.

The Bishops way can still unlock the suffocating defensive gates of the modern game because predictability is a flaw.

Most sides now use a pick ’n drive based approach – obvious and extremely physical, it needs big men and leads us to wonder if rugby is no longer a sport suited to players of all shapes and sizes(especially schoolboys). Teams slow the game down to enable those big men to fall into their set positions in defence or attack (pick ‘n bash).

But such predictable defences can be undone by speeding up the game: seeking the earth only when there is no other option; releasing players from consistent “pod” play to support and run as ball carriers; passing in or before contact then supporting the man who receives the pass.

Rugby should be an adventure, win or lose – make it one and if you do lose, do so as though you have won, leaving the field proud of the way you have played the game.

Courtesy of Basil Bey (1st XV Coach 1972 to 1998)

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Bishops’ Western Province Representatives

Posted on May 29, 2013 by Bishops Rugby

 

 

Congratulations to the following two boys who have been selected to represent Western Province Teams in the June/July holidays. Good luck boys and well done.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Bishops Rugby Feature on TV this week

Posted on May 28, 2013 by Bishops Rugby

Watch School Sports News this week for  a feature on Bishops Rugby as a build up for the up and coming Live Rondebosch Derby Coverage  on Supersport next Saturday.

 

 

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No Whining after Wynberg

Posted on May 28, 2013 by Bishops Rugby

 

How symbolic that after Bishops’ mostly dismal performances on Saturday, the rain has set in. A brief glance at the results will certainly show you that Wynberg got the better of Bishops on Saturday, by a fair margin.

Our 1st/2nds ,15A/B and 14A/B lost on Saturday. Once again, it was the U16 and lower opens who brought some respectability to our results despite a spate of injuries in the U16 A side!

Kevin Musikanth (Wynberg Director of Rugby) talks about pride in an article he wrote on Wynberg’s facebook site ‘Rugby is an unbelievably character building sport. As much as individual ability counts, individuals do not win games, teams do. Individual buy in is super important for team success.’

It was very obvious that the Wynberg team, Kevin refers to, was bigger than the individual, or the team- all their teams gave me the impression that they were playing for Wynberg. Many would have heard individuals or teams brandishing their motto ‘ Supera Moras’ – overcome difficulties. They certainly did.

There is no time to whine, but to take it on the chin and get back into the ring for a new round starting this weekend against Boland Landbou. It is time for Bishops to play, not just for themselves, or just their team, but most importantly for their SCHOOL .

 

 

 

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Under the mountain….

Posted on May 23, 2013 by Bishops Rugby

 

We have been blessed with the most stunning of Autumns and no more so than at rugby last Saturday.  How long can this weather last? Not long it seems.

 

 

 

 

 

Quick roundup of last week……...

Once again we faced another mammoth rugby school, Paarl Gym, last weekend. Mammoth in that it was obvious that these lads were at times spectacularly bigger than our lads.

However, there is no doubt that the ‘fear factor’ is dwindling, although Bishops lost most of the matches, they were far more competitive. We played 17; won 4; drew 1, lost 13. That at a glance seems dismal, but if one looks more closely, it does not appear too sad at all.  The U19s, again, were very competitive as the scorelines suggest.  The 5ths won again- they are rapidly turning out to be top candidates for ‘ Team of Year ‘.  I know manager, Dean Sudding, and coach, Paul Cohen,OD, will take no glory, but something is clearly happening in the 5ths. Perhaps its time to send the scouts up to the Avenue to see  hwat they are hiding. Many will be wondering what happened to the 2nds this week? ‘Things fell apart!’ exclaimed  the manager. From a 70-10 win against Sacs to a 50 point loss this week is amazing. The U16s only lost 1 match at D team. The U15 A and B sides would have achieved a bonus point in Super Rugby! The U14As were far more competitive and were able to play some good rugby. The U14Cs won their match by 40 points! Incredible effort and deservedly the team of the day.

The 1st XV put up a very brave effort and would count themselves unlucky not to have scored at least a try. They certainly deserved to. After the previous week’s dismal performance against Sacs, the 1st XV were up for the challenge and showed great tenacity and some flourishes of brilliance. If they can take the confidence and form from this game into this week’s fixture against Wynberg, we will be in for a great game of rugby.

Some excerpts from an article on the game by Tony Stoops(OD 1970)

“Not only that, but they proved that they too were brimful of ideas, often turning defensive situations into probing attacks, with centre Mike Mynhardt and full-back Gerard Pieterse particularly prominent. Several devoted Gimmie supporters graciously even conceded that, had the willowy Pieterse, whose creative flair won him the Man of the Match award, been on their side, he would, in all likelihood, have scored several tries.”

“The home side were never disgraced and will be encouraged by the return of Saud Abrahams in the latter stages. Early on, the backline looked a bit static, but, as soon as nippy scrumhalf Sean van Rensburg and Wills had established an understanding, they contributed enormously to a rousing spectacle” – TONY STOOPS – you can read more and get great info. on schools rugby in the Western Cape at http://www.stoopstats.co.za

 

 

 

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Gim and tonic

Posted on May 16, 2013 by Bishops Rugby

The Gim……

Bishops played 20 matches over the weekend but more importantly won 12. Our A sides only lost one match which was the one that detracts from all other superb performances- a great pity it has to be this way.

I am sure I was not alone in being bitterly disappointed in the 1st Team’s loss to Sacs last weekend, but remember how happy we were a few weeks back when the 1sts drew with Paul Roos and lost by the narrowest margins to Paarl Boys to bring back credibility and pride to a almost all the disappointed that day. In both of those games the 1st XV deserved to win! Last week the 1st XV had a rancid day on attack and defense while Sacs fortified their lines like Trojans and did the basics very well. Even a predatory loan shark would have snuffed at Bishops’ efforts to gain credit from this match. One thing is certain, the players will be feeling a whole lot worse than any of their supporters.

Having to play Paarl Gymnasium, arguably rated the top side in the country, is going to require something extraordinary from the team. The manner in which they practiced during the week suggests their intent to make amends. My prediction – call me a deluded optimist -I believe we are in for a surprise!

It really was heartening to see how many teams were playing a very exciting and skillful brand of rugby last Saturday. As a result some massive scores were posted. The 2nd XV certainly showed the way with a massive 73-10 victory! In fact, the whole senior section posted some very high scores. It certainly has been a number of years since we have dominated to such an extent -overall- against Sacs.

We are now midway through the 1st terms rugby with four matches left, but we still have a few juggernauts to tackle with the largest and arguably toughest upon us this weekend.

I always remember a coach at school, a Pom, who tried to psyche us up before the Paarl Gym match. He told us Gym was a co-ed school and most of the boys wore frilly knickers. Of course we didn’t believe him, perhaps the front row did, but all we could think off when their colossal team took to the field was their frilly knickers under their Judrons.

They weren’t so big anymore. I am not sure who won, but we played some grand rugby that morning!

and the tonic…..courtesy of Mr Andre Jacobs

At half time, the coach called one of his 14 year-old players aside and asked, ‘Do you understand what cooperation is? What a team is?’ The Little boy nodded in the affirmative. ‘Do you understand that it does not matter if we win or lose- we’re together as a team and that is what keeps us strong?’

The little boy nodded, ‘Yes!’.
‘So,’ the coach continued, ‘I’m sure you know, when a knock-on is called, you shouldn’t argue, swear, verbally attack the ref by calling him a moron, blind idiot or %@F*%$! . Do you understand all that? ‘
The little boy nodded ‘yes’ again.
He continued, ‘And when I substitute you so another boy gets a chance to play too, it’s not good sportsmanship to call your coach ” a lily livered worm or S#$@!” is it?’
The little boy shook his head ‘NO’.
‘GOOD’, said the coach . . .

‘Now go over there and explain all that to your grandmother!’

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Bishops vs Gym Brief History

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Bishops Rugby

Bishops first played Paarl Gymnasium in 1929. Of the games between Gym and us between 1929 and 1989, we have at hand these stats :
Highest score for Bishops 32-4 in 1930.
Highest score for Gym 0-30 in 1983
Bishops’ greatest margin of victory 28 points (32-4 in 1930)
Gym’s greatest margin of victory 30 points (0-30, 1983)
Most points in a game 37 (Bishops 14, Gym 23 in 1976).

There was a period when feelings between the two schools ran high and the fixture was scrapped, but, sensibly, peace was made, since when there has been better self-control exhibited by players (and spectators) of both sides.

Last year Bishops 1st XV was walloped by 57 to 3 (a record) but in 2011 Bishops did beat Gym by 11 to 0 and in 2010 Bishops narrowly lost by 32 points to 34. The contest between Bishops and Gym has usually been been tough, hard fought and close.

The fixture this year between Gym and Paul Roos turned out to be a close affair won by Gym. Indeed, Gym is considered to be the strongest school side in the country at the moment – and they are playing good, constructive rugby in which the ball is moved about the field. However, the fact that Bishops could hold Paul Roos to a draw at Stellenbosch does suggest that we could give Gym a run for their money on Saturday, were we to hit good form. – Basil Bey

 

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Now for SACS…..

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Bishops Rugby

 

After two weeks of rugby played away and against schools unable to accommodate all our sides, it is an absolute pleasure to be able to host our oldest rivals and mountainside neighbours, SACS.

We are well aware that the rivalry between the pupils of the two schools has become immense over the past few years, especially with Sacs’s victories in the last three 1st XV fixtures. We strongly encourage the players and spectators to adopt a positive attitude towards playing and supporting of the matches on Saturday. The fixture deserves to be treated with dignity especially when considering the heritage associated with it.

Graeme Wepener, the Sacs 1st XV Coach,  has appealed to all supporters to be kind to the referees on Saturdays.  For the most at Bishops, this is certainly the case, but certainly his comments strike true. Simply,  let the boys play their game, let the coaches do the coaching, allow the refs the space to focus on their refereeing and the game will benefit wholly.

Click on the link below for the full article.

http://sacsrugby.com/2013/05/walking-the-line/

Please also have a look at the following article on rugby 365 which gives a great synopsis and build up for the game on Saturday.

http://www.rugby365.com/article/53757-bragging-rights-up-for-grabs

The Invite above is for all parents and old boys for the up coming rugby dinner.  Tables are selling rapidly so if you do not want to be disappointed, book your seat now. The dinner is a  Bishops 150 Rugby Development Committee Fundraiser so your support certainly helps us develop and maintain our game here at Bishops and it promises to be a whole lot of fun.

Take care

 

 

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Post Paarl Parlance

Posted on April 26, 2013 by Bishops Rugby

Fearing the monster…

I watched most of the junior sides on Saturday and it was obvious that they were completely outmatched physically and athletically. I also believe a lot of the U14s had written the game off subconsciously before they even played. It is like a child’s fear of the colossal ghoul in the cupboard or under the bed. Everyone tells the boy there is nothing to fear. The boy knows deep down there is nothing under the bed – sort of. No matter how brave the boy tries to be when he goes to bed…..he is not getting out of bed!

Alas, the fear passes, never completely, over time as he grows in self-confidence, size, pace and skill. This was certainly evident for the most in the senior ranks.

 

The margins between winning and losing in most of the senior sides were minimal. Our U16A side beat Paarl on Saturday where their record in previous years against the same opposition had always been poor. As U14s, the senior division and the u16As were beaten comfortably by Paarl which is nothing unusual. So what happens to Bishops Boys that they can be competitive at U19 level against these professional and much bigger schools? It is all part of the process…… of maturing into Bishops Rugby Players. They do arrive.

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