The big interschool derbies just keep rolling on, and on the 10th of August, we’re treated to the much-anticipated agricultural clash between Boland Landbou from Paarl and Oakdale from Riversdale. These two schools, renowned for producing teams of outstanding quality from a small player pool, embody the spirit of dedication and commitment to their teams and their schools. Rarely out of the top 20 rankings, they have consistently contributed numerous Craven Week players to their respective provinces.

While they faced off sporadically before 1992, Boland Landbou and Oakdale have been battling it out annually since then, marking this year as their 29th encounter. The early matches were nail-biters, with home-ground advantage playing a crucial role. It wasn’t until 2001 that an away team claimed victory when Boland Landbou, led by the talented Derick Hougaard, triumphed 15-0 in Riversdale. For the next eight years, Boland dominated the derby, with Oakdale managing only one win in 2005 in a gritty 8-6 showdown in Riversdale. Currently, Boland holds the overall upper hand with 18 wins to Oakdale’s 10, and one draw.

Scores through the years:

1992:  Landbou 15 Oakdale 6

1993:  Landbou 6 Oakdale 26

1994:  Landbou 18 Oakdale 11

1995:  Landbou 18 Oakdale 19

1996:  Landbou 26 Oakdale 0

1997:  Landbou 22 Oakdale 26

1998:  Landbou 16 Oakdale 12

1999:  Landbou 23 Oakdale 23

2000:  Landbou 31 Oakdale 7

2001:  Landbou 15 Oakdale 0

2002:  Landbou 14 Oakdale 5

2003:  Landbou 20 Oakdale 12

2004:  Landbou 11 Oakdale 7

2005:  Landbou 6 Oakdale 8

2006:  Landbou 17 Oakdale 0

2007:  Landbou 27 Oakdale 19

2008:  Landbou 16 Oakdale 8

2009:  DNP

2010:  Landbou 0 Oakdale 3

2011:  Landbou 3 Oakdale 34

2012:  Landbou 38 Oakdale 19

2013:  Landbou 10 Oakdale 29

2014:  Landbou  13 Oakdale 7

2015:  Landbou  19 Oakdale 21

2016:  Landbou  27  Oakdale 22

2017:  Landbou 12 Oakdale 14

2018:  Landbou 56 Oakdale 19

2019:  Landbou 26 Oakdale 23

2022: Landbou  17 Oakdale 26

2023: Landbou  17 Oakdale 11

Boland Landbou 2024 Season So Far:

Boland Landbou is experiencing an up-and-down season by their lofty standards. They’ve secured impressive victories against Outeniqua, Maritzburg College, and Bishops but have also suffered unexpected losses. With 16 games under their belt, they boast 10 wins and 6 losses.

Oakdale 2024 Season So Far:

Oakdale has played 13 games this season, winning 8 and losing 5. While it’s not their best season, they’ve clinched notable victories against Garsfontein, Stellenberg, and Framesby. They pushed Grey College to the brink, holding their own until the last 10 minutes. This team has plenty of fight left in them.

As the teams prepare to go to war, the anticipation is palpable. Both Boland Landbou and Oakdale are determined to prove their mettle, making this matchup a thrilling spectacle. Fans can expect an intense battle filled with passion, grit, and unwavering school spirit. Who will emerge victorious in this storied rivalry? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – it’s going to be an unforgettable showdown on the 10th of August.

Kick-off is at 14h00 on SuperSport Schools Channel 216 (DSTV) and the SuperSport Schools App.