Paarl Boys’ High vs Paarl Gimnasium Historic Overview. The biggest Interschools rugby derby is back in Paarl as Paarl Gimnasium and Paarl Boys’ High prepare to face off at Faure Street Stadium on the 3rd of August. The town will be divided into two passionate camps: the Galpille and the Bloedworse, South vs. North. For an entire week, Paarl buzzes with the intensity of a rivalry that has spanned more than 100 years, culminating in the main rugby match between these two storied schools.

This historic showdown first took place in 1915, when masters, schoolboys, and old boys all played together. This format continued until 1927, after which it was decided that the Interschools matches should only comprise schoolboys. The current format, as we know it today, was officially established in 1929. The only interruptions to this annual derby came in 1928 for reasons lost to time and a forced two-year break in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid.

The intensity of this derby is reflected in the razor-thin average winning margin of just 5 points across over 100 games. There are no easy victories in these fiercely contested matches, where every point is hard-fought, and defense is unyielding. With 11 drawn matches, three of which ended in a 0-0 stalemate—the last in 1986—the commitment and pressure in these games are palpable.

The lead-up to the big game is filled with tradition and camaraderie. The week is marked by functions and reunions, where old friends and rivals reminisce about days gone by. The first skirmish on the rugby field occurs on Wednesday evening as the Old Boy teams engage in a friendly yet fierce contest. Thursday afternoon sees the “Goffels” and “Hommels” (G and H teams) showcase their unique brand of rugby. The excitement ramps up on Friday morning with the Big Brags in the school halls, where the Rugby and Hockey warriors are introduced, and the first teams are capped for Interschools.

Friday afternoon brings a flurry of rugby action at the host schools’ fields, highlighted by the U14A match and the eagerly anticipated “Chiefs” vs. “Chippies” clash between the third teams. The main event on Saturday at Faure Street Stadium features only four matches, starting around 12:00 with the U15A game, followed by the U16A and Seccies, and culminating in the main match at 16:00.

As the clock ticks down to the 3rd of August, anticipation reaches a fever pitch. This is more than a game; it’s a celebration of history, pride, and schoolboy rugby at its finest. Get ready for an epic battle that will leave the town of Paarl buzzing for months to come.

Results through the Years

1915: PBHS won 10-0

1916: Gim won 7-5

1917: Gim won 3-0

1918: Gim won 3-0

1919: Gim won 9-0

1920: Gim won 20-0

1921: Draw 6-6

1922: Draw 3-3

1923: PBHS won 3-0

1924: PBHS won 13-5

1925: PBHS won 7-3

1926: PBHS won 6-5

1927: Gim won 5-3

1928: No match

1929: Draw 3-3

1930: PBHS won 5-3

1931: Gim won 6-0

1932: Gim won 7-3

1933: PBHS won 3-0

1934: PBHS won 5-4

1935: Draw 0-0

1936: Gim won 11-6

1937: Gim won 5-3

1938: Gim won 5-3

1939: Gim won 9-8

1940: Draw 3-3

1941: Gim won 6-0

1942: Draw 0-0

1943: Gim won 9-6

1944: PBHS won 6-0

1945: PBHS won 14-6

1946: Draw 3-3

1947: PBHS won 8-3

1948: Draw 3-3

1949: Gim won 9-3

1950: PBHS won 6-3

1951: PBHS won 6-0

1952: PBHS won 11-0

1953: PBHS won 6-5

1956: Gim won 6-3

1957: Gim won 5-3

1958: Gim won 11-0

1959: PBHS won 11-3

1960: Gim won 9-3

1961: PBHS won 6-0

1962: PBHS won 6-0

1963: PBHS won 8-0

1964: Gim won 9-8

1965: Gim won 11-0

1966: Gim won 8-0

1967: Gim won 8-6

1968: Gim won 3-0

1969: PBHS won 8-5

1970: Gim won 19-8

1971: PBHS won 11-6

1972: PBHS won 6-3

1973: PBHS won 19-6

1974: Gim won 9-3

1975: PBHS won 3-0

1976: Gim won 8-6

1977: PBHS won 15-6

1978: Gim won 13-10

1979: Gim won 12-6

1980: Gim won 9-3

1981: Gim won 12-0

1982: PBHS won 16-15

1983: Gim won 15-6

1984: Gim won 10-4

1985: PBHS won 16-6

1986: Draw 0-0

1987: PBHS won 15-7

1988: Draw 6-6

1989: Gim won 15-4

1990: PBHS won 10-6

1991: PBHS won 8-4

1992: Gim won 20-15

1993: PBHS won 19-17

1994: PBHS won 11-6

1995: PBHS won 17-3

1996: Gim won 18-16

1997: Gim won 13-10

1998: PBHS won 16-5

1999: Gim won 13-6

2000: PBHS won 15-7

2001: PBHS won12-3

2002: Gim won 15-0

2003: PBHS won 25-6

2004: Gim won 13-3

2005: Gim won 22-10

2006: Gim won 23-17

2007: Gim won 10-0

2008: Gim won 35-8

2009: PBHS won 24-12

2010: Draw 19-19

2011: Gim won 22-19
2012: Gim won 16-9

2013: Gim won 37-26

2014: Gim won 16-15

2015: PBHS won 16-12

2016: PBHS won 26-25

2017: PBHS won 18-13

2018: PBHS won 24-21

2019: Gim won 18-17

2022: PBHS won 26-24

2023: Gim won 20-17

Paarl Boys’ 2024 Season:

Paarl Boys’ High has had a challenging season by their own high standards, with 11 wins and 4 losses out of 15 games. They started strong with six consecutive victories but faced a surprising last-minute loss to Wynberg Boys High at home, followed by defeats to Paul Roos and Affies. They bounced back with a thrilling win against DHS and have been steadily building momentum since. Though their pack may not be as formidable as in previous years, their quick back three and excellent loose forwards make them a formidable opponent.

Results to Date:

Paarl Gimnasium 2024 Seaon:

Paarl Gimnasium, on the other hand, has enjoyed a stellar season with 12 wins and only 2 losses in 14 games. Their only setbacks came against strong teams like Paul Roos and Grey College. Building up to Interschools, they have won their last three matches convincingly, scoring over 40 points in each game. With a well-balanced team featuring big, strong forwards and a slick backline, including two outstanding midfield players, Paarl Gim is poised for another great performance.

Results to Date:

Catch all the action live on Saturday the 31 July from 4:00pm on SuperSport Schools channel 216 (DSTV). All other games will be available on SuperSports Schools app

Netball

Paarl Girls High vs Paarl Gimnasium at 16:30 Friday, 2 August, on SuperSport Schools Channel 216