The 2008 Moor Cup champions House of Paint College Rovers got their 2009 House of Paint Premier Division campaign off to a positive start when they comprehensively beat ChemSpec Jaguars 42-15 on the Mighty Cats' home turf in Sydenham last week. Trailing 12-5 at the break after some bad handling errors in the opening session, Rovers came from behind to outscore their hosts by seven tries to two in the end.

Rovers scored their tries through Olaf Eggers (2), Braden Ferreira (2), TC Khoza, Matt de Beer and Nick Jackson.

Acer Durban Collegians showed that they are going to be a side to watch this year when they hosted Evirosan Old Boys, squaring matters 24-24 after trailing at halftime. With home ground advantage they came back from being 24-10 down at the interval to draw their game showing that some of that true old fashioned Collegians spirit that they were renowned for in days gone by has certainly been found once again. What must have been particularly pleasing for the club on the night was their second team result, beating their hosts 21-12.

Collegians' points came from tries scored by wing Kyle Hartley, lock Wikus Postma and scrumhalf and skipper Rudi Dames who also kicked three conversions and a penalty while Oldies replied with tries by Quinton Crocker, Deon Stow and Wesley Dunlop who was also successful with three conversions and a penalty.

In the other games, Jonsson Crusaders beat Maritzburg Varsity 32-6 getting their bonus point try right at the end, making it a good win for them in the Capital and Thanda Zululand Rhinos eked out a good away win edging out Durban Harlequins Airtron Coastal 16-10 out on the Bluff.

In the First Division, Amanzimtoti kept on track with their winning ways thumping Durban Varsity 39-6 while in the other South Section games Hillcrest hammered Gestetner Maritburg Collegians at Woodburn and Wentworth got their fist win of the season beating Maritzburg Waratahs 29-24.

In the Frank Norris Under 20 ‘A’ league, Rovers flyer Roscoe Speckman collected another three tries in his sides 107-9 winning romp over Jaguars. Mark Richards and Francois Robertse crossed for two each with the others going to Craig Kolerick, Angus Kramer, Arno van Zyl, Henrik Hogenboegen, Gerhard Fourie, Monde Hadebe, Nick Pearson who also slotted five conversions and Patrick Lambie who was successful with eight conversions and a penalty.

In the other games, Old Boys beat Durban Collegians 23-3 and Midlands accounted for Crusaders 44-33.

After the Easter recess, the Premier Division gets back into full swing this weekend and sees Durban Collegians up against 2008 Murray Cup champions Zululand Rhinos in the curtain raiser to the Super 14 clash against the Sharks and the fast-improving Crusaders from New Zealand at The Absa Stadium Durban on Saturday afternoon while on Friday evening Rovers host Maritzburg Varsity at Reebok Park (KP 3), Old Boys entertain Quins at the Riverside Sports Club and Crusaders host Jaguars out at their Ranleigh Crescent home grounds in Durban North.

- Jos Robson - The Mercury