Craven Week spots still up for grabs

THERE are still plenty of spots up for grabs this weekend when the Griqualand West Rugby Union host their final round of Coca-Cola Craven Week trials at Diamantveld High School on Saturday. This is according to head coach Ezzard Alexander.

The Province has already put the top school players through their paces on a few occasions this season, but Saturday’s match-time scenario is what will really count.

Two weeks ago selectors reduced the number of hopefuls to 44 while also selecting a Griqualand West Under-19 team. These players are all likely tourists when the youth weeks kick off towards the end of June, with Craven Week taking place in Polokwane, while Durban will host the Academy Week. However, which players will be go- ing where is a question that is only likely to be answered on Saturday afternoon.

“The teams are definitely not finalised yet and our players will be subjected to another round of trials,” Alexander told the DFA. “These will come in the form of games against the Platteland (Griqualand West Country Districts) sides who I believe have already been decided.

“These matches will offer us a chance to make our decision for the (Griqualand West) central teams and there are definitely spots on offer and plenty of potential to choose from.

“After this weekend we will be able to make some crucial decisions with regard to game plan and we will also be able to gauge exactly where our strengths and weaknesses lie as we still have a few warm-up fixtures before the youth weeks kick off.”

The Griqua Craven Week team will have somewhat of an easy opener to their tournament in Polokwane, where they take on Zimbabwe in their first game. With the week working on a strength vs strength policy, the winner of this match will receive a massive boost of confidence, but they will face an even greater challenge two days later.

“The teams are rated on last year’s performance, and with Griquas struggling somewhat (last year) we come up against the neighbouring country. We are hoping to get our competition off to a good start. This should see us face the winner between Namibia and Border and if we can impress in that match we will be in a good position to make a clean sweep of our outings,” said Alexander.

“We are really aiming to excel but there is still plenty to do before the youth weeks begin.”