PAARL BOYS COMPLETE STUNNING COMEBACK TO CLAIM WESTERN CAPE CROWN SEAL AND FINALS PLACE

Paarl Boys’ High School produced one of the most remarkable turnarounds of Switch Schools SA20 Phase 2, thrashing neighbours Paarl Gimnasium by 127 runs in the Western Cape Final at Somerset College to book their place at the Volume 2 Finals in Pretoria from 4–7 March 2026.

The Western Cape competition held in Stellenbosch and Somerset West featured elite representation across three unions – Boland (Paarl Gimnasium and Paarl Boys’ High School), South Western Districts (Bridgton Hub and Hoërskool Outeniqua), and Western Province (defending national champions Bishops Diocesan College and Wynberg Boys’ High School). With provincial pride and national qualification on the line, the stage was set for high drama.

Few would have predicted Paarl Boys’ eventual triumph after they lost both their opening day matches (against Bishops and Outeniqua). However, they stormed back into contention with a big win over Wynberg and delivered a statement victory in the semifinal, knocking out defending national champions Bishops by 51 runs. Paarl Gimnasium, meanwhile, earned their final berth by edging Outeniqua by just 8 runs, setting up a blockbuster Boland derby in the decider.

Batting first in the final, Paarl Boys unleashed their full potential, piling up an imposing 170/8 in 20 overs. Star batter Abriam Jacobs led the charge with a commanding 46 off 29 balls (1x4, 5x6), combining timing and power to keep the scoreboard racing. Daniel Francke added 36 off 25 (3x4, 2x6) in a crucial partnership with Jacobs, while Aden Batt’s aggressive 22 off 18 (1x4, 1x6) ensured a strong finish.

Despite disciplined efforts from Wian Munnik (3/36), Derrick Groenewald (2/23) and Kieran Daniels (2/22), Paarl Gim were left chasing a daunting target.

What followed was a ruthless bowling display. Paarl Gim collapsed to 43 all out in just 11.4 overs, unable to withstand the relentless pressure. Derrick Groenewald’s 14 off 12 (2x4) was the only notable resistance as wickets tumbled at regular intervals.

Batt capped a superb all-round performance with devastating figures of 3/5 in 3.4 overs, while Ra-eez Isaacs chipped in with 2/23. Ed Lee Koopman maintained control, conceding just 14 runs in his two overs. Gimmies also didn't help their own cause as five batters were run out.

From early elimination fears to dismantling the champions and overpowering their fiercest rivals, Boishaai now head to the University of Pretoria brimming with confidence as Western Cape champions.

MATCH SUMMARY

Switch Schools SA20 Volume 2 Western Cape Boys Final

Sunday, 25 January 2026 at Somerset College

Paarl Boys 170/8 - 20 overs (Abriam Jacobs 46; Wian Munnik 3/36)

Paarl Gimnasium 43 all out - 11.4 overs (Derrick Groenewald 14; Aden Batt 3/5)

Boys' High win by 127 runs and progress to Switch Schools SA20 Volume 2 Finals