Posts by Jono Cook
KZN 10 schools weekend rugby wrap
The Hilton College first XV ensured that the Michaelhouse first XV will have to wait a bit longer to secure their 100th win in this generations-old friendly rivalry, winning the 203rd match between the two schools’ first rugby teams 32-17 at Hilton on Saturday.
Michaelhouse’s director of the Old Boys’ Club, Admissions & Marketing, Murray Witherspoon, reports that the occasion was worth the Covid-enforced three-year wait.
“There couldn’t have been a greater sense of occasion on the back of the host’s 150th birthday celebrations, and bonhomie and friendly banter on the banks were as much a feature of the day as the rivalry on the field.”
Murray reports that Hilton started strongly, and proceedings could well have turned into a rout had it not been for excellent Michaelhouse defending. House then scored twice before halftime to stay in the match.
Tracey van den Aardweg feature pic: Kearsney number 8 Cameron Roache’s try makes the game safe for the home side against Northwood.
Hilton scored on two occasions in the second half after House had been on the attack and the brace of tries secured the Hiltonians’ 94th win over Michaelhouse.
The return match at Michaelhouse is on 18 June.
Photo Maritin Ashworth: The action was unrelenting at Gilfillan Field on Saturday in the 203d match between the Hilton College and Michaelhouse first XV’s.
Meanwhile, at Botha’s Hill, home side Kearsney hosted Northwood for their annual FNB Classic Clash in what were ideal playing conditions.
The Kearsney report herewith:
“Kearsney dominated play in the first 25 minutes, enjoying the lion’s share of the territorial battle. The pressure ensured three converted penalties by Matthew Bergset for a 9-0l lead within the first 15 minutes.
“The hosts were rewarded with an unconverted try in the left corner by winger Lihle Maqhugula after some good work by the attacking team and good interplay between the forwards and backs. Maqhugula still had a lot to do after receiving the ball and showed good pace to dive over for a 14-0 lead.
“Northwood kicked too long from the ensuing kick-off and Kearsney used the possession well to get back into the attacking zone. The hosts were awarded another penalty from a breakdown infringement, which Bergset converted for a comfortable and deserved 17-0 lead.
“Kearsney then seemed to lose focus and Northwood found renewed intensity, to eventually find themselves deep in Kearsney territory. The visiting captain elected a scrum from an awarded penalty. The desired outcome was achieved from a well-rehearsed backline attack move, to score close to the upright for a converted try to decrease the deficit to 7-17.
“The last few minutes of the half saw a territorial kicking battle, which did not lead to much and the halftime whistle followed soon after.
[Into the second half and] “Northwood produced a purple patch, scoring two tries from good tactical play and some poor tackling by some of the home team defenders. The first try came from a poor exit kick by Kearsney and hard running by the counter-attack backs.
“From the breakdown close to the Kearsney line the visitors moved the ball to the blind side and dived over for an unconverted try.
“Soon after that, Kearsney launched a superb attack from a lineout from their own 22m and progressed close to the opponents’ 22m, but the ball was turned over at the breakdown.
“Northwood kicked the ball to escape the pressure, and it bounced favourably for the chaser after some poor defence by the Kearsney players. Northwood’s player ran 40m to score an unconverted try to level the scores at 17-17.
“Kearsney regained composure and soon an opportunity was seized by flanker Salu Mqobongo who outsprinted the defence for a good 60m, for Bergset to convert and regain the lead at 24-17.
“Some exciting, although error-ridden, passages of play followed as both teams were motivated to clinch the match. Kearsney used their opportunities better and eventually eighthman Cameron Roache displayed some power work from a breakdown close to the visitors’ line when he picked from the base to dive over. The lead was now extended to 29-17 with only a few minutes left on the clock.
“Northwood didn’t give up and attacked up until the last minute, but the hosts’ defence held and they remained victorious 29-17.
“Outstanding players for the Kearsney team were the inspirational captain Jason Brien, Cameron Roache and Salu Mqobongo.”
The other KZN10 match in KZN saw Westville beat hosts St Charles College 46-17.
It was a set of tough matches for the three KZN teams at the Wildeklawer Festival in Kimberley with DHS winning the lone match of the six matches played by DHS, Glenwood and Maritzburg College.
Inter-KZN10 results in KZN
Saturday, 30 April 2022
Kearsney 29 Northwood 17
Hilton College 32 Michaelhouse 17
St Charles College 17 Westville 46
KZN results at Wildeklawer Festival in Kimberley
Saturday, 30 April 2022
DHS 31 Menlopark 15
Paarl Boys’ High 38 Maritzburg College 3
Paul Roos 43 Glenwood 20
Monday, 2 May 2022
Helpmekaar 25 Maritzburg College 16
Oakdale 20 DHS 12
Affies 49 Glenwood 14
Much food for thought last Saturday on Goldstones
Looking back at the premier rugby match on Goldstones last Saturday afternoon, the on-song Durban High School (DHS, School) first XV had too much armoury for the Maritzburg College first XV, winning 38-14 – School’s biggest ever winning margin (by 24 points) – after leading 19-7 at halftime.
Saturday, 30 April sees DHS tackling Menlopark at 9.10am, Maritzburg College facing Paarl Boys at 3pm, and Glenwood up against Paul Roos at 6.30pm – all at the 2022 ABSA Wildeklawer Festival in Kimberley.
Also tomorrow, 30 April, Kearsney host Northwood at 3.30pm, St Charles College are at home to Westville at 2.30pm and Hilton College host Michaelhouse at 3pm, while Clifton College have a bye.
On Monday in Kimberley, Maritzburg College face Helpmekaar, DHS meet Oakdale and Glenwood tackle Affies. Kick-off times on Monday still to be determined.
Feature photo caption: Few things sweeter for a DHS rugby first team than to win on Goldstones as the 2022 side did last Saturday.
Back to last Saturday on Goldstones, the outcome also earned DHS the Skonk Nicholson Trophy, which is played for on each occasion the two teams meet.
It was an exciting game to watch, that’s for sure. Sitting where I was, in the Kent Pavilion, gave a panoramic view of the action-packed proceedings.
Six tries to two is an emphatic margin and the boys in Navy Blue and Old Gold were full value for their success, albeit College were their own worst enemies, too many relatively basic errors that played right into the alert visitors’ skilful hands.
In short, the DHS basics were superior on the day, as was their speed of thought. School were very quick to pounce on College mistakes and one had a strong sense that headboy, captain (in 5th form and, now, 6th form) and number 6 flanker Own Morgenrood’s side inherently knew what was required.
As School pointed out on the DHS Facebook page, “Well done to Maritzburg College who won the majority of sporting fixtures. Thank you for hosting us.
“Whilst all local fixtures are of utmost importance, College are by far our biggest rival and we couldn’t be happier with this result!”
DHS had come off the back of the Standard Bank Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival having won the Most Attractive Team Play trophy, while College had a lukewarm St Stithians festival over the same period.
The sizeable crowd engendered a great vibe, the atmosphere and camaraderie in keeping with the unique ethos of KZN 10.com rugby and doing justice to the longstanding shared history between the oldest boys’ high school in KZN (1863) and the oldest boys’ high school in Durban (1866).
College left two tries on the table, thanks to the final pass going astray, while DHS left one on the table – due to the final pass not being gathered.
Three of the six DHS tries came from attacking lineouts and this area was a feature of their play.
I thought experienced referee JP Pretorius had an excellent game, managing the players well and thereby allowing the match to flow.
TEAMS
Maritzburg College
15 Luyanda Kunene
14 Ezra Everton
13 Lithelihle Bester
12 Liam Prinsloo
11 Kuhann van den Berg
10 Spha Ngcobo
9 AJ Knoetze (capt)
8 Sasha Kadira
7 Keagan Goddard
6 Kyle Wilken
5 Kuhle Mtimkhulu
4 Sphepelo Mbonambi
3 Pieter Brits
2 Elbie Mouton
1 Diego Antoniades
Head coach: Tim Orchard
DHS
15 Minenhle Ngcamu
14 Hopewell Nthsangase
13 Tholithemba Sibisi
12 Dwight Pietersen
11 Maurice Willemse
10 Deano Boesak
9 Zak Smith
8 Siseko Mani
7 Connor Carson
6 Owen Morgenrood (capt)
5 Weilhrich Basson
4 Sybrand Erwee
3 Lwandile Mshengu
2 Christian Everitt
1 Simphiwe Ngobese
Head coach: Peter Engledow
Maritzburg College (7) 14
Tries: Luyanda Kunene, Keagan Goddard
Conversions: AJ Knoetze (2)
Durban High School (19) 38
Tries: Maurice Willemse (2), Christian Everitt (2), Tholithemba Sibisi, Deano Boesak
Conversions: Deano Boesak (4)
#MaritzburgCollege
#RedBlackWhite #CollegeSport #GoCollege #DHS #School #Horsefly #BlueTyphoon
#InCaseYouMissedThem
KZN10.com Schools’ 1st XV Results (23April 2022)
(Home teams first)
Maritzburg College 14 DHS 38
Hilton College 66 St Charles College 3
Jeppe 0 Westville 15
Michaelhouse 38 Northwood 18
Glenwood 31 Kearsney College 10
St Andrews School Bloemfontein 7 Clifton College 40
And what a thrill for DHS U14A to beat their College counterparts 26-0 on Snows.
Red Army edge DHS in high-quality hockey thriller
The Maritzburg College first hockey team shaded Durban High School (DHS) firsts 2-1 in an exciting contest played out in front of an appreciative crowd at Papes Astro on Saturday morning (23 April 2022).
The final scoreline could have just as easily been 5-4 either way or 5-5 such were the quantity and quality of openings carved out by the protagonists – and the at times exceptional saves made by the respective goalkeepers.
Feature photo caption: DHS director of hockey and first team coach Michael Baker is the leading light in the hockey resurgence at Durban High School.
The opening 10 or so minutes saw DHS (School) establish the lion’s share of possession and territory, transferring the ball smoothly left and right, probing for the requisite space to free up the receiver or create an extra man. The Red Black and White defence was composed and patient in absorbing this pressure, leaving School with little that was tangible on the electronic scoreboard.
in the 13th minute Maritzburg College (MC, College, Red Army) suddenly accelerated and it looked to me that it was C Fulton who found space in the attacking third, his pass left just evading the outstretched stick of R Graham in the six-yard box.
A minute later College again poured through all-to freely in a manner that DHS would not have been altogether pleased, and it was the prolific striker Cameron van der Vliet, lurking expectantly inside the six-yard box, who deftly slid the ball past the keeper’s left for the opening goal (MC 1 DHS 0).
DHS came back strongly and captain O Ndondo made a telling inroad through the left channel that placed the School skipper inside the strike zone, and it took a no-nonsense tackle from strongly-built Red Army defender A Carter to repel the threat.
So absorbed I was in the game, it felt as if the first 25 minutes of this match went by in a flash, a sure sign that the hockey contest on show was a compelling spectacle for the sizeable crowd.
In a development that held much promise in the 32nd minute, College centre back and captain Matthew Ponter unfurled a big aerial ball from deep that found L Seshemane but School’s left-side defender was up to speed in containing the danger.
Given the quality and threat posed by College, who continued pressing for that elusive 2-goal advantage, the boys in Oxford Blue and Old Gold were under extreme pressure at times. The Red Army’s left-side striker skilfully stole along the baseline to earn a penalty corner. A neat variation left ensued from the set-piece, A Styan’s shot well-saved by DHS keeper K Henry.
Literally seconds from the hooter, DHS conjured up a great goalshot chance inside the six-yard box, only for the College defence to deal with the danger in collective fashion, successfully scrambling the ball away.
Into the second half and School’s elegant centre back slideruled a defence-splitting left-right diagonal to B Gqweta whose interchange with S Zondi brought the latter oh-so close to equalising matters on the scoresheet.
Seven minutes into the second half, DHS’s incessant pressure finally brought reward, experienced umpire Ian Griffiths having no hesitation in award School a penalty corner at the Princess Margaret Drive End, and DHS captain O Ndondo made no mistake with a solid drag-flick (1-1).
As umpire Griffith told KZN10.com afterwards: “In the second half the tempo and quality picked up another notch.”
Summing up a satisfactory outing from an official’s perspective, Griffiths said, “This was an attractive and relatively easy game to manage.”
Seven minutes left in the third chukka and College came close to edging in front on the scoreboard once again as play continued to open up across all corners of the playing surface.
As the clock ticked down, both sides carved out a couple of excellent chances. The Red Army’s I Mosupye forced a penalty corner, from which a double slip-left emerged, only for DHS shot-stopper K Henry to pull off a remarkable reflex save.
School finished the third chukka in convincing fashion, N Ndonga forcing a pair of outstanding saves from the in-form College keeper Roan Marais, the second of which demanded a stunning diving effort low to his right.
With eight minutes left in the match, the Red Army’s G Winlock, I Mosupye and (it looked like) L Seshemane combined beautifully to unpick the DHS defence and Cameron van der Vliet duly delivered his second, and matchwinning, goal (2-1).
College forced another penalty corner soon after; DHS survived and raced away to win a penalty corner at the Ron Jury Sports Centre End. With a small matter of bare minutes and seconds left, it was crunch time, but once again the Red Army defenders were up for the challenge, to leave the final score reading Maritzburg College 2 DHS 1.
DHS captain O Zondo summed it up for his team-mates in saying to KZN10.com: “We are pretty happy with the way we played, but we should have converted our many chances better.”
Red Army head coach Kyle Emerson: “It was an exciting game with end-to-end action between two tactically good teams that played structured hockey.”
*****
As I understand it, this DHS first hockey team principally consists of grade 11 boys who have come through four school years under the overarching guidance of director of hockey Michael Baker.
With Michael Baker at the helm, DHS hockey is undoubtedly on the right track, and we can look forward to the rest of this season and the 2023 year with much enthusiasm.
The politeness and well-groomed attire of the DHS boys who passed my way was also most noticeable and a pleasure to see.
Well done, School!
Skonk Nicholson U14 and U16 rugby festival on at Maritzburg College
Then Skonk Nicholson U14 and U16 Rugby Festival returns to MaritzburgCollege today (Wednesday) after a long and frustrating interlude caused by the pandemic, much to the joy of many a young schoolboy rugby player, parent and spectator.
There is another round of matches tomorrow (Thursday) and Saturday.
Feature image caption: What every Maritzburg College U14A and U16A rugby player dreams of happening to them one day soon… the Basher Ridge faithful on Goldstones showing their appreciation for another Maritzburg College first XV try.
The wonderful programme for the festival, including the fixtures, can be found on the Maritzburg College website at https://maritzburgcollege.co.za/…/uploads/2022/03/SNRF.pdf which includes, among other enlightening historical pieces on #RedBlackWhite rugby, a host of fascinating details about the indomitable doyen of schoolboy rugby coaching, JM “Skonk” Nicholson, as well as an address from acting headmaster of Maritzburg College, Matthew Marwick, and a message from director of rugby Hein Kriek that encapsulates the fresh new hope after 30 months of inactivity-born frustration.
The Maritzburg College media release says that all the fixtures and results will be on the College Sport App, which can be downloaded for free from your favourite App Store.
Further, Maritzburg College is excited to be partnering with SuperSport Schools who will be live-streaming the games. To access the matches, download and register on the SuperSport School app to enjoy all the action.
Maritzburg College wishes all the teams the very best for the festival and trust that all the games will be played and watched in a spirit of camaraderie and good sportsmanship.
Remembering one of Durban High School’s finest rugby teams
Who, who watched them play, could forget the scintillating and successful rugby delivered by the 2018 Durban High School first XV.
Head coach Scott Mathie, forwards coach Ronnie Uys and manager Lyle Matthysen were gifted with a remarkably talented, enthusiastic and dedicated group of DHS rugby boys, but their guidance was surely the catalyst that set up the consistently high quality of play through the season.
Here are just some of the milestones I gleaned from the DHS archives of the compilation by Mr Matthysen.
The DHS 1st XV was unbeaten at home in 2018, the first time since 2003 that a DHS 1st XV was unbeaten on Van Heerdens.
The 60-10 victory over Westville was the first time that a DHS 1st XV had scored 60 points against Westville; this also resulted in the greatest winning margin (50 points) since this particular inter-school match began.
The 2018 “Double” was achieved over Westville; the last time back-to-back victories were recorded against the Westville 1st XV was in the 2002 and 2003 seasons.
Extreme right Scott Mathie DHS 1st XV head coach with forwards coach in white shirt Ronnie Uys
The 50-27 victory over Northwood was the first time a DHS 1st XV scored 50 points on Northwood’s main rugby field, Reece-Edwards.
The 2017 season was the first time a DHS 1st XV had scored more than 40 points against Maritzburg College – and this was achieved on Goldstones. The 2018 season saw another win for DHS – and on this occasion it was the first time that a DHS 1st XV had scored more than 40 points on Van Heerdens against a Maritzburg College 1st XV.
Although DHS no longer play College twice a year, the 2-17 and 2018 victories ensured the first back-to-back victories against College since 1999
The 41-34 win over Kearsney College 1st XV in 2018 was the first time that a DHS 1st XV had scored over 40 points against Kearsney. The victories over Kearsney in 2017 and 2018 made it the first back-to-back victories over Kearsney since the 1999 and 2000 seasons.
The two victories over Michaelhouse in 2017 and 2018 also ensured the first back-to-back victories since 2010 and 2011.
The DHS 1st XV was unbeaten at the Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival, winning their games against Selborne College, Queens College and Dale College.
This was the first time since 1995 that a DHS 1st XV were unbeaten at an Easter Rugby Festival, and only the second DHS 1st XV to do so. They 2018 side were also the first DHS 1st XV to beat Selborne since 1996.
The boys of School, in their Old Gold and Oxford Blue colours… a mighty long way since modest beginnings with 7 boys in 2 classrooms in Smith Street back in 1866.
Spha Ngcobo the quicksilver as Maritzburg College shine on Goldstones
The Red Black and White’s Spha Ngcobo provided the magic touch as Maritzburg College first XV outplayed a game St Charles College 45-7 in front of a packed Goldstones crowd that showed its appreciation at being allowed to attend in numbers for the first time in 30 months.
A good few thousand spectators were treated to the quick thinking, ingenuity and innate ability of the electric-heeled fullback Ngcobo to spot an opportunity and spark something out of nothing (or, at best, a half-chance) from anywhere inside the white lines on the lush green fields of Maritzburg College’s home of rugby.
Justin Waldman Sports Photography feature photo caption: Outstanding Maritzburg College fullback Spah Ngcobo’s delight in spashdown over the tryline whitewash versus St Charles on Goldstones.
*You can contact this superb photographer and check out his website for a host of stunning images at https://pix.jjd.co.za/index.php
Couple this with a dominant, efficient pack of forwards, the consistency and game management of scrumhalf and captain AJ Knoetze. The direct power of big centres Liam Prinsloo and Litelihle Bester – whose ability to punch holes through the midfield and offload (if needs be) is another major feature of the Maritzburg College makeup.
Unfortunately, circumstances prevented me from being there but – thanks to the SuperSport Schools feed – picked up on the action at a later stage. It was a match permeated with unforced errors but that is understandable considering the relative zero matches over the Covid period. In the ensuing weeks we are likely to see fewer soft mistakes and more constructive, coherent rugby that doesn’t encourage the referee’s whistle too often.
See link below for the SuperSport Schools recording of the action at Maritzburg College, the first XV match is from 6:40 onward.
The Maritzburg College lineouts didn’t always work out but this time it’s clean ball for lock forward Kuhle Mthimkhulu. Justin Waldman Sports Photography
What hasn’t changed is the passion and endeavour in playing for your school and your schoolmates. The spectators on Goldstones, too, have certainly retained their enthusiasm over the lean 30 months of inaction.
Check this 29-second @Maritzcollege tweet of the RBW boys on Basher Ridge.
The good 3 thousand-plus spectators embraced Saturday’s bumper programme of 24 Red Black and White matches against the against Saints (11 matches) and their fellow Derby Day PMB schools Voortrekker (5 matches), Linpark (3) and from a little further afield, Howick (4) and Westville (1).
In terms of outcomes it was a day of note for the home school as 19 matches were won in the “like vs like” (A team vs A team, B team vs B team etc) fixtures with 5 losses in the “stagger” matches (College 6th team vs Howick 1sts etc).
The Maritzburg College age-group A teams enjoyed a trio of convincing win over their Saints counterparts; the Red Black White (RBW) U16A trumping 75-7, the U15As 33-0 and the U14As 56-14.
Maritzburg College first XV match report by head coach Tim Orchard:
The multifaceted Maritzburg College first XV head coach Tim Orchard.
Over to Tim:
“On Saturday Maritzburg College played host to St Charles for the first home game of the season in front of a packed crowd on Goldstones.”
Tim says Saturday was an auspicious occasion as it marked the first time in two years since the Maritzburg College 1st XV last ran out in front of a jam-packed Goldstones crowd. The Red Black and White’s skipper and scrumhalf AJ Knoetze had the singular honour of breaking that long drought.
“The match started off in a relatively sedentary manner as both sides sought to feel each other out in the first quarter of the match,” says Tim. “Litelihle Bester provided the spark that the match needed when he executed a move off the training paddock to score a relatively easy try, with the conversion coming from AJ Knoetze to give College the lead 7-0.
Maritzburg College’s powerful centre Litelihle Bester is over for 1 of his 3 Goldstones tries on Saturday. Justin Waldman Sports Photography
“College began to find some rhythm on attack and after waves of pressure, Knoetze kicked over a penalty to lengthen the lead to 10-0.
“St Charles began to find some purchase on attack and made a rare entry into the College 22-metre area, but a spilt pass allowed Spha Ngcobo to showcase what he can do in broken play. With some sublime footwork and electric acceleration, he raced away to score an awe-inspiring individual try. The resulting conversion was calmly knocked over by Knoetze which took the score to 17-0.
“Further College attacks were thwarted by the final pass going astray and the score remained the same until the referee brought an end to the half.
Maritzburg College captain and scrumhalf AJ Knoetze, who scored a faultless 15 points with the boot and adds even more value during game time, is worth so much to the team. Justin Waldman Sports Photography
“The second half also started very slowly with numerous unforced errors from both sides preventing any real momentum. College slowly began to exert their dominance at lineout time, with a series of powerful lineout drives allowing the team to work its way deep into the St Charles half.
“From the resulting breakdown after a powerful carry from Liam Prinsloo, Litelihle Bester again walked over the tryline for a well-deserved try. The conversion lengthened College’s lead to 24 -0. Shortly afterwards Kuhann van den Berg finished off a well worked backline move to score in the lefthand corner, again duly converted to make the score 31-0.
The sheer exhilaration of touching down for a try on Goldstones is reflected by Maritzburg College left wing Kuhann van den Berg. Justin Waldman Sports Photography
“The game began to open up, but College were let down by numerous unforced errors when on the attack as they now camped in the St Charles half. From a scrum on the right-hand side of the St Charles half, Lithelihle Bester made a trademark break, through the midfield to score his third try of the match. The score stood at 38-0 after the conversion was slotted by Knoetze.
“With some slick interplay in broken play, Spha Ngcobo finished off a well worked team try to put the score at 45-0 after Knoetze once again kicked the conversion.
“St Charles did not give up and scored a consolation try right at the death, making the score 45-7 at the final whistle.”
Thanks Tim, much appreciated.
Front-row units like few things more than ball in hand and a bit of space to run. RedBlackWhite loosehead Diego Mandela Antoniades in possession with his tighthead Peter John Brits in support. Justin Waldman Sports Photography
Summary of Saturday’s Maritzburg College scores
Team Opposition Venue Result
1st St Charles Goldstones won 45-7
2nd St Charles Goldstones won 21-10
3rd Voortrekker 1st Goldstones won 7-0
4th Linpark 1st Goldstones won 31-5
5th St Charles 3rd Goldstones won 19-12
6th Howick 1st Goldstones lost 5-8
7th St Charles 4th Lamonds lost 17-22
8th Voortrekker 2nd Lamonds lost 7-32
16A St Charles Goldstones won 75-7
16B Voortrekker A Snows won 60-0
16C Howick A Nicholsons 1 won 36-6
16D St Charles B Nicholsons 1 won 31-0
16E Westville D CANCELLED
Maritzburg College’s unselfish flyhalf Ayrton van der Linde was the perfect foil to the attacking weapons that are centres Liam Prinsloo and hat-trick hero Litelihle Bester. Justin Waldman Sports Photography
15A St Charles Snows won 33-0
15B Voortrekker A Snows won 29-5
15C Linpark A Nicholsons 1 won 43-5
15D St Charles B Nicholsons 1 won 14-5
15E Howick A Nicholsons 2 lost 0-43
15F Westville E Away (Westville) lost 0-50
14A St Charles Snows won 56-14
14B Voortrekker A Snows won 45-7
14C Linpark A Leaches won 22-10
14D St Charles B Nicholsons 2 won 38-29
14E Howick A Nicholsons 2 won 43-18
14F St Charles C Leaches won 29-20
Nothing quite like the feeling of a plan that comes together: RBW fullback Spha Ngcobo conjured up some sublime moments in front of an appreciative Goldstones crowd. Justin Waldman Sports Photography
Kearsney U16A basketball winners at Michaelhouse & St Stithians tourneys
A belated but undiluted congratulations to the Kearsney College U16A basketball team, who won all 7 of their matches on their way to winning the U16 Tournament held at Michaelhouse last month before clinching yet another prestigious tournament a week later.
Feature photo caption: The victorious Kearsney College U16A basketball team at the Michaelhouse tourney.
The following weekend, the Kearsney College U16A side repeated the winning process in Johannesburg.
The St Stithians College U16 basketball tournament saw the Kearsney U16A basketballers beating St Alban’s College of Pretoria 41-35 in the final.
The Kearsney U16A basketball team beat St Stithians College, St Benedict’s, the International School of SA, Westville, St John’s College and Michaelhouse on their way to the finals.
It has been an outstanding first term for the Kearsney U16A basketballers, recording the following results:
21 Jan vs St Charles won 38-13
22 Jan vs Hilton won 38-30
29 Jan vs Claremont won 45-28
The members of the Kearsney U16A team that won the tournament at Michaelhouse were Tshepiso Mokoena, Reabetswe Sithole, Ntsika Mfayela, Matthew Shepherd, Connor Grenfell, Motheo Ramoriting, Gareth Fly, Kemani Mabaso, Luca Borrageiro, Gregor Campbell, Ayanda Jackson and Iviwe Shongwe.
30 Jan vs DHS won 21-18
30 Jan vs Michaelhouse U16B won 29-13
30 Jan vs Maritzburg College drew 23-23
30 Jan vs St Charles won 28-9
30 Jan vs Hilton won 25-12
30 Jan vs Northwood won 23-15
30 Jan vs Maritzburg College won 29-25 (Michaelhouse tournament final)
30 Jan vs Libros Northern Combined won 69-5
5 Feb lost 35-32 to Northwood
The victorious Kearsney U16A basketballers at the St Stithians College tournament were once again Tshepiso Mokoena, Reabetswe Sithole, Ntsika Mfayela, Matthew Shepherd, Connor Grenfell, Motheo Ramoriting, Gareth Fly, Kemani Mabaso, Ayanda Jackson, Luca Borrageiro (capt), Gregor Campbell and Iviwe Shongwe.
11 Feb lost 22-18 to St Stithians
11 Feb vs St Benedict’s won 29-12
12 Feb vs International School of South Africa won 32-15
12 Feb vs Westville won 36-15
12 Feb vs St John’s College won 32-24 (quarter-final)
13 Feb vs Michaelhouse won 33-21 (semi-final)
13 Feb vs St Albans won 41-35 (St Stithians tournament final)
26 Feb vs Westville won 31-19
And one game to go in the first term, at 2.30pm Thursday, 3 March 2022 against Clifton away at Riverside.
Kearsney U16A team vs Clifton
Tshepiso Mokoena, Reabetswe Sithole, Ntsika Mfayela, Matthew Shepherd, Connor Grenfell, Motheo Ramoriting, Gareth Fly, Kemani Mabaso
Coach: A Ntshingila
Well done to the Kearsney U16A basketball players and their coaches.
… and did it again at the St Stithians tournament in Johannesburg a week later.
Maritzburg College canoeing and golf news
After an excellent run of results in the recent Dusi canoe marathon, seven Maritzburg College K2 teams took part in the Interschool Upper Umgeni K2 river race this past weekend, securing podium places in the U18 category, and Ross Finnie and partner Roo Ross coming first in the under-23 section.
Summary of results:
U14
Joshua Craig & Dylan Gademan – 4th
U16
Jack Odell & Simon Norton – 6th
Scott Adie & James Gotte – 12 th
U18
Joshua Glyn-Cuthbert & James Sharpe – 2nd
Ian Hemingway & James Goble – 3rd
Callum Ollerhead & Brody Ollerhead – 25th
U23
Ross Finnie and Roo Ross – 1st
Meanwhile, the Maritzburg College first and second team golfers played against St Charles College, winning both matches; the College 1st team won 7-1 and the 2nd team won 3-0.
Water polo: DHS and Hilton get the better of Maritzburg College firsts
The weekend’s water polo fixtures saw the Maritzburg College 1st to 4th teams and some of the junior teams taking on Hilton and DHS at Durban High School.
Maritzburg College director of aquatics Darren Sherriff reports that the 1st team’s encounter with the DHS 1st team had plenty in the way of excitement.
The game started with DHS taking an early lead and managing to extend it to 3-0 at one stage. College fought hard and brought the game back, both teams were neck-and-neck until the final chukka, where it was DHS who were able to pull away in the end to take the match 12-10.
The College 1st team later played Hilton, for the second time this season. After going down by a big margin in the match played at Hilton, the College 1st team was determined to better their performance.
They did just that, fought hard and scored some great goals. Halfway through the 3rd chukka Hilton had a slight edge of 8-6 until College were penalised.
With a player being excluded from the game and having to play a man down for 4 minutes, Hilton capitalised and extended their lead. By the time the College player could return, the damage had already been done and the final result was Hilton College 14 Maritzburg College 6.
Meanwhile, the Maritzburg College U15A team took part in the Dallas Hutton tournament, finishing 9th overall having played 5 matches, winning 3 and losing 2.
Maritzburg College results summary
1st vs DHS lost 10-12
1st vs Hilton lost 6-14
2nd vs DHS won 11-4
2nd vs Hilton lost 2-16
3rd vs Hilton lost 4-5
3rd vs DHS won 23-2
4th vs Hilton lost 1-7
U15B vs Hilton lost 2-8
U14A vs DHS won 15-5
U14A vs Hilton lost 2-16
U14B vs DHS won 9-2
Winning weekend for Maritzburg College basketball
There were 22 Maritzburg College basketball teams in action over the weekend, with most of the matches being played on the Maritzburg College campus against Northwood.
The Maritzburg College 1st team played away against Durban High School and achieved an excellent victory by 70 points to 42.
Feature pic: The splendid basketball venue at Durban High School.
It was a most successful weekend across the board for Maritzburg College basketball with 19 victories out of the 22 matches played.
RESULTS
1st vs DHS won 70-42
2nd vs Northwood won 38-17
3rd vs Northwood lost 27-31
4th vs Northwood won 22-17
5th vs Northwood lost 27-35
U16A vs Northwood won 43-32
U16B vs Northwood won 22-14
U16C vs Northwood won 22-21
U16D vs Northwood won 42-6
U15A vs Northwood won 50-18
U15B vs Northwood won 54-19
U15C vs Northwood won 17-7
U15D vs Northwood won 18-3
U15E vs Northwood lost 6-12
U14A vs Northwood won 32-27
U14B vs Northwood won 18-9
U14C vs Northwood won 34-4
U14D vs Northwood won 15-2
U14E vs Northwood won 24-5
U14F vs Northwood won 24-0
U14G vs Northwood won 23-0
U14H vs Northwood won 12-0