Posts by Jono Cook
Kearsney College Easter Rugby Fest Day 1: Glenwood top the KZN10 charts
A thrilling 1-point Glenwood first XV win highlighted the KZN10.com action. The Green Machine prevailed 27-26 over Dr EG Jansen in scoring the match-clincher in the dying seconds.
The two other KZN10 teams Durban High School and Kearsney gave their opponents a thing or three to think about but came up on the wrong side of the points’ margin.
Feature image Travis Nightingale: Flyhalf vs Flyhalf – Glenwood’s matchwinner JordaHendrikse and EG Jansen’s Kyle Potgieter.
GLENWOOD (7) 27 EG JANSEN (14) 26
It was a bruising battle between the EG Jansen boys from Boksburg and their Durban counterparts. In the match-deciding last quarter, Glenwood went into a 1-point lead for a brief period before EG Jansen snatched it back. Glenwood did not give up and scored in the final seconds to win the nail-biter.
The first half was 3 minutes old when EG Jansen centre Duane Bloem burst through. Flyhalf Kyle Potgieter’s conversion put the Boksburg Bombers 7-0 up. EG extended their lead midway through the half when Potgieter carved open the defence for his converted try (14-0).
Glenwood hit back in the last seconds of the half when centre Lehlohonolo Litabe flew over, converted by number 10 Jordan Hendrikse for a 7-14 score at half-time.
The game was played at a fast pace, and the tackles ferocious, which led to handling mistakes. A kick-ahead by EG Jansen led to an error in the red zone and 125kg prop forward Brandon Pienaar powered over (19-7).
Glenwood employed quick hands for centre Martino van Wyk to breach the whitewash. Hendrikse added the conversion and struck a penalty goal soon after to ensure that EG Jansen’s healthy 12-point lead was suddenly whittled down to a shaky 2.
And Hendrikse was not done yet. A 40-metre penalty goal put Glenwood into a 20-19 lead. It was the first time the never-say-never Green Machine had taken the lead – and with just 5 minutes remaining.
EG Jansen came storming back when hooker Kyle Pepler ran 40m down the touchline to score a converted try in the corner, and with that the lead changed back to EG Jansen 26-20.
With time up on the clock the Green Machine fed the ball left and Steven Gibb went over in the corner. The BMT that is Jordan Hendrikse threaded the needle from the touchline to give the game to Glenwood 27-26 win in an intense, super-charged finish.
Point scorers:
EG Jansen: Potgieter (11), Pepler (5), Pienaar (5), Bloem (5)
Glenwood: Van Wyk (5), Litabe (5), Gibb (5), Hendrikse (12)
KEARSNEY COLLEGE (11) 11 PRETORIA BOYS HIGH (12) 27
Kearsney traditionally open their Standard Bank Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival and this year, the 12th, it was against Pretoria Boys. Kearsney had the better of the first half, but it was all PBHS in the second half for a 27-11 win.
Kearsney lock Max Immelman looks to find a hole in the PBHS defence. Photo Travis Nightingale
It was Pretoria who scored first when winger Tim Glatthaar beat the cover defence to score in the corner (5-0).
The Kearsney forwards began dominating and after 17 minutes it was prop forward Bradley Taylor who opened their scoring with a try, after the forwards had advanced 15m with pick-and-go driving. 5-5 became 8-5 when KC scrummie Jordan Bamber slotted a penalty.
Boys High rallied for Glatthaar to go over for his second try following broken play in the Kearsney red zone. Flyhalf Justin Cross’s two-pointer took PBHS to 12-8 but Bamber banged over a penalty on the stroke of half-time to leave the Pretoria lads hanging on to the lead at 12-11.
The second half saw a change with Pretoria exerting most of the pressure. Early in the half scrumhalf Jaden Collaros ran 20m through the defence to score and Cross’s conversion saw Pretoria increasing their lead to 19-11. A long-range penalty by Cross increased it further to 22-11.
Aidan Bristow, PBHS captain and flank, scored the final try which was converted for the 27-11 final outcome.
Point scorers:
PBHS: J Glatthaar (10), J Collaros (5), A Bristow (5), J Cross (7)
Kearsney: B Taylor (5), J Bamber (6)
DURBAN HIGH SCHOOL (0) 12 TRANSVALIA (19) 34
It was a case of “if only” for DHS, who made too many mistakes and these were capitalised on by the boys from Vanderbijlpark.
DHS flyer Brian Dosemba outstrips the Transvalia cover defence. Photo Travis Nightingale
Transvalia scored 3 tries in the first half. It took 19 minutes before flank Christiaan Burger dotted down. Lock forward Marno Swanepoel showed good skills 4 minutes later in going over the tryline and flyhalf Shaun Christie converted. He also converted the next try, scored by lock Gareth Graham to take Transvalia into a 19-0 lead at the break.
From the kick-off flank Brian Dosemba stormed 50m, breaking two tackles to open the scoring for DHS.
Transvalia, looking the more accomplished with ball in hand, scored again when prop Anrich Botes stormed over. A few minutes later centre Ronan Elhers beat the defence to dot down. Neither touchdown was converted, leaving Transvalia 29-5 ahead.
With conditions becoming fairly dark, the DHS handling seemed to improve. Transvalia had, however, added to their try tally when fullback Marnus Theunissen touched down. With the scoreboard shining brightly, DHS centre Nhlakanipho Nene rounded the defence to score under the poles, converted by Ngobeni Dlamini for the final score of 12-34.
Try scorers:
Transvalia: Burger (5), Ehlers (5), Swanepoel (5), Botes (5), Graham (5), Theunissen (5), Christie (4)
DHS: Nene (5), Dosemba (5), Dlamini (2)
OTHER RESULTS
HTS Middelburg 14 HTS Drostdy 19; Selborne College 29 Noord Kaap 10; Welkom Gimnasium 25 Framesby 25
How Pivotal Talent changed Michaelhouse head boy Will Norton’s game
| With the myriad of choices available – and new career paths emerging all the time – our high school boys and girls face a daunting task in choosing the correct tertiary education option that is tailor-made for them, personally.
Last year’s (2018) Michaelhouse head boy William Norton faced those same challenges and thanks to a unique career assessment tool, administered by Pivotal Talent, Will is now happily enjoying his first-year studies at the University of Cape Town. Michaelhouse will always be close to Will’s heart and this likeable young man has already made his mark.
 Use KZN10 as your reference code in completing your Pivotal Talent online SubjectChoice (Grade 9s) or CareerGuide (Grade 10, 11 & 12) assessment. www.careerguidesolution.co.za
Let’s hear it from Will as to how his initial career-option path unfolded. KZN10.com’s Jono: Will, in what grade were you at Michaelhouse when you did the Pivotal Talent CareerGuide assessment and what drew you to seek outside help in order to feel comfortable with the course of tertiary study to take?
Will: “Thank you for asking, sir. I was in Grade 12 [last year] and not 100% sure about what I was going to study at university. I needed some guidance and Pivotal Talent helped me realise that being myself and trusting my interests and strengths would lead me to making the right choice.” Jono: Will, given that you already had your school subject choices and were therefore focused on the Pivotal Talent CareerGuide assessment, if you had known at the relevant time (grade 9) that there was a Pivotal Talent SubjectChoice option as well, as to what subjects to take in grades 10, 11 and 12, would you have considered it? Will: “I definitely would have considered it – and used it -because of the personal insight it gives to your preferences. Subject choices are a tricky thing and during the course of high school I changed one of my subjects. I’m sure the Pivotal Talent SubjectChoice assessment would have helped me make a more informed decision the first time!”
Replace uncertainty with accuracy in directing your child’s full potential. Use KZN10 as your reference code in completing your Pivotal Talent online SubjectChoice (Grade 9s) or CareerGuide (Grade 10, 11 & 12) assessment. www.careerguidesolution.co.za
Jono: Will, as far as your experience of Pivotal Talent is concerned, were the following unique processes helpful: – that it is online and could complete from anywhere and on any device; – that you didn’t have to travel anywhere (i.e. you could do at home/school or over a weekend) and – that your report and findings were automatically generated and sent back to you immediately via e-mail? Will: “Yes, it made it accessible and took a lot of stress out of the situation because you could to do it in your own time, at your own pace with minimal pressure from anyone.”
 Michaelhouse Senior Prefect 2018 William Norton stands on House’s beloved Meadows with his War Cry Leader Nzuzo Tshili. Will has fond memories of the House boys’ spirit and support, especially against Hilton College.
Jono: Will, as the 2018 Michaelhouse head boy and now 1st year University of Cape Town student, how important is it in this day and age to know that you are going into something that targets/leverages your core skills and competencies but also your interests and passions? Will: “I think it’s exactly what the whole of High School gears you up for. “I thankfully have fallen in love with my degree and I think it is largely thanks to the Pivotal Talent CareerGuide assessment” “I have begun to realise that studying something you enjoy is essential for your overall happiness. If you are interested in and passionate about your degree, it makes everything fall into place and it allows you to get the most out of your time at university.” |
Jono: Will, how did Pivotal Talent assist you in taking the right option with respect to your university degree?
Will: “Well Pivotal Talent assisted me in discovering that I was passionate in learning about the softer skills, and dealing with people rather than the maths and science options.
“Pivotal Talent took into account my passions and skills, and furnished me with a considered report in double-quick time, which is now allowing me to enjoy every day at UCT!
“I almost fell into the trap of following the crowd and doing what everyone else was planning to do, but Pivotal Talent made me realise that being yourself and trusting in your own choices in responding to the questions is the most important part of finding your true career path.”
Use KZN10 as your reference code in completing your Pivotal Talent online SubjectChoice (Grade 9s) or CareerGuide (Grade 10, 11 & 12) assessment. www.careerguidesolution.co.za
Jono: Will, what attracted you to the Pivotal Talent CareerGuide method of pinning down the ideal tertiary study path for you – perhaps in contrast to the traditional psychometric methods?
Will: “The thought of being able to do it quickly and easily from wherever you were was something that appealed hugely to me.”
Jono: Will, I find that particular answer very interesting. It says to me that Pivotal Talent takes away the pain and angst of over-dwelling on what can develop into an extremely stressful situation, fraught with what could be costly long-term implications should the wrong decision be made. Hence, one might say, the danger of “following the crowd” rather than forging your own, unique-to-you path?
Will: “Absolutely sir, Pivotal Talent pinpointed the right option for me and cleared up the uncertainty that faces many of us.”
FRIENDS for LIFE: Michaelhouse 2018 senior prefect Will Norton and the 2018 Michaelhouse 1st XV & 1st XI’s Liam England. School is definitely over!
Jono: Will, as you know Pivotal Talent CareerGuide is not only directed at Grade 12s. Would you recommend it to Grade 10s and 11s as well? In getting an early start on pinpointing where their core interests, skills and performance strengths should be steering them?
Will: “Sir, I would recommend it 100%. The earlier you can start grasping what you truly enjoy and what your passions are, the earlier you will be able to start developing those passions into a career path that sees you doing what you love.”
Chris Hardie, Will Norton (centre of image) & Michaelhouse mates at what looks like Inter-House Athletics Day 2018.
Jono: Will, you might know that Pivotal Talent is a proudly South African product. A powerful, web-based analytics tool intent on accurately & scientifically assisting individuals in predicting their core interests, skills and performance strengths relative to available and evolving career fields. Did you find it to be so?
Will: “Yes I did. It might seem contradictory, considering that it is completely online, but Pivotal Talent really does feel personal in the way that it paints a picture of who you are and where your passions, strengths and weaknesses lie. It seems to know you better than you know yourself!”
Jono: Will, I love that answer! Power to Pivotal Talent!
FRIENDS for LIFE: 2018 Michaelhouse first XI cricketers Will Norton (left) and Tom Trotter sharing the moment during their last match for the school, against Hilton College on Roy Gathorne Oval in Balgowan. Photo Martin Ashworth
Jono: So Will, is there anything else you would like to add, with regard to Pivotal Talent? Was it professional and efficient in taking you through the process and to the end result?
Will: “Sir, the entire process was professional and efficient, and at the same time I constantly felt that I was in control of the process. It was slick, and the end result was something that has helped me already – and I know it will continue to help me throughout the rest of my life!”
Jono: Will, coming from you, a young man whom I have got to know and like, a young man with proven integrity, I believe that through your words you have opened the doors for many more of our high school boys and girls to follow the Pivotal Talent SubjectChoice and CareerGuide assessment route.
KZN10 is the reference code in completing the Pivotal Talent online SubjectChoice (Grade 9) or CareerGuide (Grade 10, 11 & 12) assessment. Replace uncertainty with accuracy in marrying your high school child’s passions & strengths with a career path. www.careerguidesolution.co.za
Finally, if you will indulge me please Will – I know that you are a modest guy who prefers deflecting praise onto your peers – please list your school achievements, accolades and anything else of interest.
Will: “OK sir, if you insist, here goes…”
- Represented KZN Tennis for 7 years
- Selected as the KZN U19A Tennis Captain in 2018
- Selected for a School Exchange to Australia in 2016
- Senior Prefect of Michaelhouse
- Honours for Academics
- Honours for Tennis
- Colours for Cricket
- Achieved 5 Distinctions in Matric and was placed in the top 1% nationally for Economics and Life Orientation
- Own a business called NORTON&HARDIE
- Co-founded and ran the “Our House” social media presence
- Enjoy all ball sports
- Family and friends are extremely important to me
- Currently studying a B.Com PPE at The University of Cape Town
Men of House! Thomas Trotter and Will Norton enjoying a Varsity moment.
Jono: Phew! That is quite something. Will, once again, thank you for your time. I wish you all of the very best that life has to offer.
Will: “Thank you sir. Likewise.”
* Will was also the first KZN10 head boy from the 2018 year that Jono asked as to what he had learned from his position of leadership at Michaelhouse and what he would advise to the incoming House leadership group of 2019. Check out the link to that widely-read KZN10.com story.
https://kzn10.com/michaelhouse-senior-prefect-will-norton-reflects-on-the-year/
Also: Please read the quotes below to get an idea of the calibre of man that is Will Norton.
Stuart Orwin: “I look forward to seeing the path that Will Norton chooses and how many countless more lives he will have an impact on. No doubt he will cast his light far.”
Barry Haigh: “Will Norton remains one of the most altogether students that I’ve taught. He has always remained consistent and strives to give of his best. Will, everything of the very best for your future – I will be following it closely.”
Jono Cook: “The super-power that Will Norton has, is that he doesn’t have to try anything, do anything, in a group of people to stand out. He simply does – because he is so comfortable in being the William Norton he was always meant to be. Therein lies a lesson for us all.”
Will Norton and Pivotal Talent – leading the way…
Maritzburg College hockey overcome Northwood challenge in emphatic fashion
Maritzburg College dominated in their hockey matches against visiting side Northwood, and of the 18 matches played, College won 13, drawing 4 and losing just one in scoring 51 goals with 14 against.
Here’s the 1st XI match report v Northwood from Dylan Coombes, Maritzburg College 1st team coach and director of hockey:
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“Maritzburg College welcomed KZN rivals Northwood to a newly surfaced Pape’s Astro in the opening fixture of the 2019 winter sports season.
“Exceptionally hot conditions would challenge the intensity with which the College 1st XI normally go about their business.
“The 2019 season has also welcomed the introduction of a change in format where four 15-minute quarters [the international norm] have been introduced at 1st team level.
Check out the Maritzburg College first team squad 2019 here on the Maritzburg College Facebook page
https://web.facebook.com/Maritzcollege/videos/1053482648177380/
“The match started with both College and Northwood testing the waters with caution.
“College enjoyed most of the possession; however the first quarter came to a close at 0-0.
“It took until 5 minutes before halftime before it was College who would break the deadlock through debutant D. Bruyns.
“Bruyns showed great instinct in sneaking ahead of his defender in what was very limited space to expertly get off a forehand shot – opening his and College’s account for the 2019 season.
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Halftime saw the match evenly poised with only the single goal separating the two teams.
College came out with good intentions in the 2nd half, the frontmen appearing to be revved up by the halftime chat, and showed some exciting interplay and dynamic skills.
“This pressure resulted in College’s 2nd goal, where a baseline circle entry, some good stickwork-and-a-shot from Bruyns saw the ball deflect up with no danger, falling at the far post, where S. Ngcobo was perfectly placed to make a simple finish, putting College 2-0 up.
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“Seven minutes later College would win their 5th penalty corner, which saw captain G. Pio step up and slot the ball into the bottom-left corner to see the scoreboard read 3-0 in favour of College.
“Just 4 minutes after College extending their lead, a scrappy patch of play saw Northwood capitalise on poor defending and open their account, a simple finish stemming from fine skill on the baseline (3-1).
“This saw the 3rd quarter out and with the fourth and final quarter left College found another gear and showed some good control.
“College would be rewarded for good pressure and G. Ngcobo found himself perfectly positioned in the back of the circle, where he finished superbly with a forehand strike into the bottom corner.”
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The match ended 4-1 – now there is an exciting Nomads Festival at PBHS to look forward to for the College outfit.
Summary of results
Maritzburg College P 18 vs Northwood, W 13, D 4 L 1
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Northwood win the big one but overall it’s Maritzburg College’s day
Maritzburg College fielded an impressive 23 rugby teams on Saturday, 9 March 2019 – in the main these were against Northwood, but a number of other schools and development sides were also involved.
Of the 17 games against Northwood, College won an outstanding 16, narrowly losing one.
Feature image by JUSTIN WALDMAN: The Maritzburg College second XV beat Northwood 20-7 on Goldstones.
Overall, Maritzburg College played 23 matches on the day, winning 22.
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The first XV match on Goldstones proved to be an exciting contest.
Herewith a report from Maritzburg College first XV head coach Cameron Fraser.
“The highly anticipated fixture of the day did not fail to deliver as the game between the Maritzburg College 1st XV and the highly rated Northwood 1st XV was a spectacle to behold for the neutral and schoolboy rugby follower alike.
More from the second XV match by photographer Justin Waldman.
“Northwood started off very well with a piece of individual brilliance from their left winger Makhaza, crashing over the whitewash for their 1st score of the match. The try was not converted, which left the scoreboard at 5-0.
“College won a scrum in the middle of the field soon after the kick-off and Anele Nzimande managed to outwit his opposite number to dive over under the crossbar. Jacques van der Walt converted, putting College in the lead 7-5.
“Unfortunately, ill-discipline cost College in very kickable areas of the field and Northwood capitalized by slotting both penalty goals.
Replace uncertainty with accuracy in directing your child’s full potential. Use KZN10 as your reference code in completing your Pivotal Talent online SubjectChoice (Grade 9s) or CareerGuide (Grade 10, 11 & 12) assessment. Go to www.careerguidesolution.co.za
“The Northwood left wing Makhaza managed to cross the line again after another well-executed scrum attack from them. With that last try, Northwood were ahead by 16 points to 7 at half-time.
“Soon after the whistle for the start of the 2nd half blew, Northwood managed to capitalise on another College handling error and scored a converted try to go 21-7 up.
“College looked livelier in the 2nd half and managed to pull back an early try by Siya Ningiza in the fifth minute, converted by van der Walt for the score to read Northwood 21 Maritzburg College 14.
More from the second team game courtesy of photographer Justin Waldman.
“College looked motivated in the 2nd half and had the lion’s share of possession for the first 20 minutes.
“College won a number of penalties, with which they were able to pin Northwood back and eventually off a lineout in the Northwood 22, Philani Simamane managed to fool the defenders with a dummy pass and cut straight through the middle of the Northwood defensive line to score College’s 3rd try. Van der Walt once again slotted the conversion which saw the scoreboard reading 23-21 to Northwood.
“With a scrum in the opposition 22 and 15 minutes to go, College looked menacing, but the ball was lost in contact and the loose ball was kicked through several times by the Northwood fullback eventually for the ball to be grounded in the College in-goal area.
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“After that try against the run of play, the score saw Northwood leading by 30 points to 21.
“Even though the writing was on the wall for College, they did not stop and with space out wide Michael King managed to score a try in the corner with 4 minutes to spare, leaving Northwood 30-26 to the good.
“As the clock ticked down, College looked threatening, but as fate would have it College lost the ball in contact with one minute left.”
Northwood secured the scrum and ate up the leftover time with short pick-and-go options and the Durban North side were left to reflect that their 30-26 triumph was the first by Northwood over Maritzburg College in the school’s history.
The moment: Northwood supporters rush on to Goldstones to congratulate the first team on the school’s first-ever first XV victory over Maritzburg College.
“Northwood made better use of their chances on the day whereas College could have executed better. Congratulations to Northwood on their victory, it was a hard-fought battle and an entertaining match.”
A big KZN10.com thank you to Maritzburg College first XV head coach Cameron Fraser for the report.
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Maritzburg College vs Northwood/AN Other
rugby results 9 March 2019
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St Charles College first XI riding the wave
The St Charles College first XI were the only KZN side to win all three matches at the hugely successful 2019 edition of the St Alban’s College Independent Schools Festival in Pretoria last weekend.
These are heady times for Saints cricket. Indeed it is arguably the most momentous time in the history of this highly regarded education institution’s sporting arm – most certainly in the cricket sports code – since its inception all those years ago in 1875.
The Coca-Cola Schools T20 National Franchise Finals are from March 15 to 17 at Tuks in Pretoria and for the first time a St Charles College first XI will be at The Big Show, and in Jono’s opinion have a very real chance of making the Gold Medal Match and a tilt at the SA T20 trophy.
St Charles College first XI captain Wessly Madhevere brings the X-Factor to matches.
The more-recent Journey to ISCF (it actually began 3 years ago when the nucleus of this side entered he first XI arena) had its inception last Wednesday during the Coca-Cola Schools T20 Dolphins Franchise Final when the evening at the PMB Oval heralded a comprehensive 38-run win over KZN Coastal champs Westville.
The KZN Inland winners were simply electrifying in the title showdown, be it batting, bowling or fielding.
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Saints’ differentiators are a match-winning spin trio, Ka-Boom blast-offs at the top of the batting order, brilliant running between the wickets and a – in my many years – never-before seen ability to effect direct run outs from any position and every possible angle.
Talismanic captain Wessly Madhevere won yet another man-of-the-match accolade.
A bus trip to Pretoria that began before dawn Thursday was long and tedious but the Saints led by 2019 ICC U19 World Cup Joint Player of the Tournament Wessly Madhevere quickly settled down and proceeded to take their record number of wins in succession to a new high of 16 victories from 16 starts.
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KZN10.com asked Saints head coach Murray Cole-Edwardes, who is also the Head of Middle School, to tell us more:
“Thanks Jono, always good to talk cricket with you. Yes, after last Wednesday night’s heroic efforts against Westville in the final of the Coca-Cola Dolphins Franchise T20 tournament, the Saints XI were quick to dismiss any rumours of tiredness and complacency.
“The boys quickly applied their minds to the festival where they were set up for three testing encounters against challenging opposition. With rain delays on the Thursday, the 2-day game against St Andrew’s Bloemfontein was reduced to a single-innings game on the Friday.”
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Jono says: Given that Friday allowed for a minimum 120 overs (20 overs or more in the last hour) there was still a lot of cricket to play in the match.
Back to Murray: “As mentioned, Thursday’s cricket never got off the ground, so Friday morning Saints won the toss and chose to bat, expecting to bat out their allotted overs.
“The Saints had to work incredibly hard on a difficult wicket at Cornwall Hill College and managed to accumulate 161 in 59 overs.
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“Under exceptionally trying circumstances, this was probably our most accomplished batting performance of the season, Clive Madande and Wes Madhevere, scoring 38 and 36 respectively.
“In reply, St Andrew’s School Bloemfontein never came close to reaching the target of 162. Our tall opening bowler Kian Channon was in irresistible form up front and finished with figures of 5 for 17, earning his first bowling accolade for the 1st XI.
“At one stage St Andrew’s Bloem were 6 wickets for 5 runs… Channon was simply unplayable, hitting his areas on every delivery.
The St Charles College first XI with the Coca-Cola KZN Inland T20 trophy after outplaying hosts Michaelhouse in the final on 8 Feb 2019.
“Day 3 saw the scheduled 50-over match reduced to a Saturday afternoon T20 – the incredible wind and rain the night before was something else.”
Jono: Numerous veterans of the unpredictability of Highveld weather said this particular example was extreme – even by their standards, apropos the testimony to passion, organisational skill and faculty to think on their feet that was ISCF heads Craig Hoyer and Krinesan Moodley in pivoting at quick-speed to dilute the effect of three unplayable fields by condensing the day’s scheduled 50-over fare into the T20 format on the available grounds, thus ensuring that every side got a game in.
Murray: “So everything was set up nicely for a crunch game against hosts St Alban’s, in front of distinguish guests.”
Guess who popped in to see the Saints in action at St Albans? Last year’s head boy Matt Mortimer. Hair considerably longer than this pic of last year, attire considerably casual-er, and fully into Varsity mode. Great to see you Matt.
Indeed, many parents and boys stayed on after the morning T20s to watch what was expected to be a cracker – the 2018 Titans champs vs the 2019 Dolphins go-to boys.
“St Charles College were asked to bowl first and were superb with the ball; our outstanding leg-spinner Jason Login doing the damage with figures of 3 for 19 in 4.
“However, for the first time this year our fielding was sub-standard and allowed St Alban’s to reach a modest but defendable target.
“Be that as it may, the Saints boys would have been content to chase 117 off 20 overs if you had offered it to them before the game.”
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Jono: St Albans kingpin, stylish left-hander Jordan Proudfoot, was looking in imperious form and his demise in the 40s signalled an ultimately fatal fault in the host side’s momentum.
Jono again: Masterblaster Clive Madande has been in remarkable, match-winning form for Saints this year, be it with the bat, ball, in the field and even behind the stumps, which occurred for a period during the St Andrew’s Bloem game. Sans protective leg-guards, groin protector or helmet, Clive proceeded to produce a top-class wicketkeeping display.
Let’s get back to Murray.
“Clive began the innings in scintillating fashion and continued his magnificent form, scoring 54 in Saints reaching 80/0 in 10 overs.”
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Jono again: That left 38 off 60 with 10 wickets in hand. A doddle, surely? But St Albans thought otherwise.
Inspired by a probing spell of Jordan Proudfoot off-spin, Saints PMB became rushed in looking to finish the off the match and their fans went through many an anxious moment that is not reflected in the 5-wicket outcome.
That said, the Clive Madande gem was the kick-blast that set the Saints win up, and a quick-fire 23 by skipper Wes Madhevere sealed the 5-wicket St Charles College victory in an encounter much appreciated by the large, festive crowd.
Coca-Cola Schools T20 Challenge KZN Inland Playoffs event director Kwazi Mdluli hands the man-of-the match trophy to St Charles College gamechanger Clive Madande. Roy Gathorne Oval, Michaelhouse. 8 Feb 2019.
The final game of the festival was the T20 against St David’s on their home turf. On a blistering hot morning, Saints won the toss and chose to bat. Again, Madande was in top form, scoring 43, and was ably supported by Humphrey van der Merwe, who made 23.
Once again St Charles raced to 80/1 after 10 overs. With 9 wickets in hand and oodles of batting to come, the remaining 60 balls were perfectly set up for Saints to launch for a total around the 180-200 mark.
Unfortunately the Saints never capitalised on this start and only managed to score 136.
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However, the Saints bowlers, now renowned for their spin attack, squeezed the St David’s batsman and, in truth, the contest was over as soon as that dynamic Saints spin trio of Madande, Login and Madhevere were introduced.
Murray: “Jason Login was again the pick of the bowlers, with 3 wickets. He continues his good form with bat and ball and highlights his position as one of the leading cricketers in the province.”
Jono says Amen to that. The Login Factor is becoming a thorn in the side of every opposition.
St Charles College head coach Murray Cole-Edwardes leads from the front. Communication is clear, discipline paramount and the observance of cricket etiquette non-negotiable.
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Mention must also be made of the massive contribution that the widely regarded Saints first XI assistant coach Lucky Dladla has made to this team.
Ever-observant, nothing gets past Lucky’s knowledgeable cricket brain. The Murray-Lucky link is a winning combination.
Murray again:
“It has been a privilege to coach these boys this year. 16 consecutive wins against top opposition is testament to all the hard work the team have put into training sessions.
“They have remained humble and after each victory, worked harder. For us, it has all become about the team.”
“Our highest accolade at this wonderful St Alban’s-hosted-and-organised festival came on the Saturday afternoon, against St Albans.
The hospitality team said the St Charles College boys were their favourites because of their humility and manners. There can be no higher praise.
“On behalf of the 1st XI we would like to thank the St Charles College community for their support. We endeavour every match to make the Saints Family proud. We would also like to thank St Alban’s College for being such welcoming and able hosts.”
There’s not much London-based Maritzburg College Old Boy Arthur Wormington doesn’t know about teamwork. Be it coach, captain, team-mate or match-winner, Arthur understands that you are only as good as what you give. Allow Arthur to share his expert advice on UK Property Investment options. Contact arthur@megaprop.co.uk
SAINTS AT ISCF IN PRETORIA
Wessly Madhevere (capt)
Clive Madande
Nathan Lunderstedt
Timothy Login
Jason Login
Kyle Moodley
Humphrey van der Merwe
Cameron Spangenberg
Sanele Mdingi
James Twycross
Kian Channon
Hayden Raw
Head coach: Murray Cole-Edwardes
Assistant coach: Lucky Dladla
“It is going to be an important few weeks as the team prepare for the Coca-Cola T20 Challenge National Franchise Finals at Tuks in Pretoria, the matches taking place on Friday 15th, Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th March.”
Jono says: Thank you Murray for your insight into the Saints first XI success story. KZN10.com wishes you continued success this coming Saturday, 2 Match at Kearsney College, where you join the hosts, Northwood and a Development XI in a T20 Quadrangular.
KZN10.com will be there. Fortune favours the braveheart.
Fideli Certa Merces … To The Faithful One, A Certain Reward
Nic C and Roeland B make the best Black Friday Super Sale blush
Last Friday Kearsney College made it 3 excellent outings from 3 for the KZN10 vs English tourists Wellington College. This followed the Wednesday clash at Hilton that saw the visitors saved by the rain, and the Thursday clash buttoned up by Michaelhouse.
Bowling was at its best in the performances of Hilton College U17A off-spinner Nic Campbell and Michaelhouse first XI seamer Roeland van den Berg, who were in irresistible form, snapping up 12 wickets at a giveaway price.
Back to the Kearsney match: After the disappointment of the Feb 9 first XI drubbing to the tune of 9 wickets by the Hilton College first XI at the Jack Hart-Davis Oval, the Kearsney 1st XI enjoyed a morale-boosting 7-wicket win against visiting England school Wellington College.
(To be fair, Feb 9 was not all a tale of woe for the Kearsney Cricket programme, as the U14A’s and 16A’s beat Hilton).
Feature pic* Hilton College U17 finger spinner Nic Campbell was devastating in picking up a six-fer virtually nothing against Wellington College. A Philippa photo image
So on a balmy Friday Feb 8 at the AH Smith Oval, Kearsney won the toss and elected to field first against Wellington College UK in a match reduced to 45 overs per side.
A somewhat sticky wicket gave some advantage to the bowlers with wickets falling at regular intervals.
Kearsney College U15s and the Chatsworth Regional Performance Centre XI had a cracker T20 at Chats Oval.
Pick of the Kearsney bowlers were Chase Kelly with 3/19 in 9 overs, ably supported by Joshua Stocks as well as newcomers Matt Murray and Matthew D’Eramo.
Wellington College made 141/9 to which Kearsney replied with 142/3.
Louis Nel (45) and Dylan Hulett (61*) played well, working the singles nicely and punishing any loose deliveries.
A good win by 7 wickets for the home side in a match played in good spirit.
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This Kearsney win was preceded by last Thursday Feb 14’s equally emphatic 6-wicket T20 victory by Michaelhouse over the Wellington lads on the Roy Gathorne Oval in Balgowan.
The strongly built seamer Roeland van den Berg ran through the heart of the Wellington innings in picking up a six-fer next-to-nothing as the English tourists were bundled out for 88.
Michaelhouse ran down the target with 30-plus balls to spare, with a Luke Gammie 53 underlining the six-wicket House win.
To complete the back-to-back-to-back domination of the three KZN10 teams over Wellington College (a stately school with its own 18-hole golf course), their first match was a 40-over Wed Feb 13 vs a Hilton College U17A team led by Colby Dyer, the 16-year-old Dolphins U19 Cubs Week wrist-spinner and handy batsman.
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Hilton made 222/5 in 40 with Slade van Staden hitting a majestic unbeaten 127 in his first innings for his school, and Ethan Bain 29. Wellington were teetering on 74/8 after 20 overs when the weather conditions forced the match to end.
Hilton U17 off-spinner Nic Campbell conjured up a stunning exhibition of control and guile in setting his six-pack up.
Nic’s flight, line, length and turn were fundamental in his six wickets coming at a price that would make the best Black Friday sale blush.
Campbell’s skill set up a series of batsmen in quick succession – enticed forward and bowled through the gate.
For the Slade batting and Campbell bowling alone it was worth the trip up or down the N3 for the group of Hilton fans and UK parents at the Jack H-D Oval.
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* Thanks for the Kearsney-Wellington info Neil Peacock.
Meanwhile, a match that took place towards the end of last month has recently come to my attention.
Kearsney U15’s emerged winners in the last over of a low-scoring yet thrilling Momentum Friendship Games encounter with the Chatsworth Regional Performance Centre side at the immaculate Chatsworth Oval.
Captain Callum McKoen top-scored for Kearsney U15’s in that last-over 8-run win.
McKoen played a controlled innings of 43 off 42 deliveries (3x4s) to help his side recover from a shaky start (the total was 4 runs for the loss of 2 sticks).
Nothing quite like it when a plan comes together. Go Kearsney U15s!
Kearsney eventually posted 101/6 after the allotted 20 overs.
Matthew Bergsett (9) helped McKoen to steady the ship, notching up a 32-run stand for the third wicket before Chatsworth RPC’s Bonga Shezi (1/17) got Bergsett to leave Kearsney 36/3 in the eighth over.
Despite losing his partner, KC skipper McKoen continued the battle at the crease, recording three boundaries as he played the role of the aggressor in a 42-run partnership with Bryce Wiggett (17).
McKoen was finally dismissed, with Chats RPC’s Vumani Magwaza (1/19) taking a smart caught and bowled to remove the dangerous Kearsney skipper just seven runs short of a half-century.
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Following the dismissal of their captain, Kearsney College added a further 19 runs to end on the triple-figure score for the loss of six wickets.
Mohammed Shaik (1/3) and captain Kamaran Naraidu (1/17) were the other wicket-takers for home side Chatsworth RPC U15’s.
In reply, the Chatsworth RPC got off to a slow start.
The hosts could only score 15 runs in the opening five overs before Joshua Page was skittled for four in the sixth over.
Ryan Naicker then partnered with Ndumiso Xolo (8) and the pair took their side to 41/1 before disaster struck.
Teamwork is key when it comes down to making every ball count in your favour. Kearsney 15s have got this one!
Chats RPC lost four wickets in four consecutive overs, one of them Naicker (27) at the expense of just six runs thanks to three run outs and a wicket from Wiggett (1/13).
Faced with an uphill battle on 47/5 after 15 overs, requiring 55 runs to win, the Chatsworth outfit had to dig in to secure a result.
Braydon Naidoo and Asanda Khanyile fought hard to add 20 runs to the score before the latter was bowled by Lethu Gwarube (2/9) for nine.
Mihir Behari (15) joined Naidoo out in the middle and got off the mark with a lovely drive to the boundary before adding another one 3 balls later.
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Mihir’s efforts to up the run rate were short-lived, though, with Kearsney U15’s Jayce van Eeden (2/16) claiming his wicket.
Heading into the final over, the home side required 17 runs for the win but despite conceding nine off it, Van Eeden kept his nerve.
Van was the man for the moment, dispatching Braydon Naidoo back to the hut for 16 and helped restrict Chatsworth to 93/8 in their 20 overs to take his team to that slender 8-run victory.
WELL DONE BOYS OF THE KZN10
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Polished Hilton College first XI outplay Kearsney
Hilton College first XI’s nine-wicket victory over Kearsney College on the Jack Hart-Davis Oval Saturday was a polished performance in every respect.
In this KZN10 Super Saturday focus match, Hilton bundled Kearsney for 93 and knocked it off at the cost of one pole… with quality, no-risk batting.
A declaration format, Kearsney won the toss and opted to bat – it was something of a surprise, considering the velocity of the Hilton pace battery and the bowler-friendly weather conditions.
Feature foto – LOCKED & LOADED: Hilton College first XI paceman John Turner.
The Hilton track prepared by the experienced Andre Wessels was fast, bouncy and consistent. Add the humidity (by Hilton standards) and cloud cover; and bingo! Frontman John Turner and the young Hilton pacemen Matthew Boast (grade 10) and Ethan Bain (grade 11) made merry.
ONE TO WATCH: Hilton College’s young paceman Matthew Boast took 4 wickets for next-to-nothing in a display of sustained, hostile pace.
The Hilton front trio of John Turner, Matt Boast and Ethan Bain were spot-on with their back-of-a-length swing, and seam off the pitch – coupled with a tasty mix of well-directed bouncers and throat balls
Running in from the School End, it was first Boast and then Bain who hurried the Kearsney batters into a torrent of errors.
A Revelation:After a year-long layoff, Hilton College fast bowler Ethan Bain was back at his destructive best .
The Hilton catching behind the stumps was worth the trip along the N3 on its own. A keeper catch and a slip catch were exceptional takes.
I have never seen Ethan bowl before (he missed 2018 due to injury) and was hugely impressed. Clearly he is a natural athlete, and from his smooth run-up through to the bowling action and follow-through, Ethan looks the real deal.
I have seldom seen Boast bowl – given his age and grade – and once again he impressed with his high strike rate, unrelenting pressure and natural ability to bowl a heavy ball in the Brian McMillan mode.
Matt Boast settled into his first XI front-man-in-the fast-lane role from the get-go in early-January Cape Town as if he owned the space.
For a quick bowler to make the jump from playing his own age-group two months ago to running in against experienced top-order batsmen one and, in most cases, two years his senior, is a daunting task.
Matthew has done it – and then some.
The ever-consistent high pace, hostility, and line and length of super-fit opening bowler John Turner kept up the pressure during his two spells from the Astro End.
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In his second spell, John was the unlucky recipient of a number of streaky shots that thick- or top- or thin-edged a touch over – or just wide – of the eagerly waiting posse of faultless-on-the-day hands behind the wicket from keeper to the packed slip and gulley cordon.
Left-arm spinner Mike Frost employed his artful array deliveries to snuff out any hope of relief for the Kearsney batters. It wasn’t a wicket for the attacking leg-spinner Colby Dyer, whose strike rate in both grade 10 and now grade 11 is extremely high.
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Such was Hilton’s dominance that a key member of last year’s attack, Tom Dixon, didn’t need to be called on. One suspects that Tom would have relished what the pitch had to offer his swing and seam.
As mentioned, it is also a Hilton attack without strike bowler supreme Michael Booth, who is being rested ahead of important cricket assignments. One shudders to think at the havoc Boothie might have made with the ball.
The break is giving Michael the opportunity to play with success in his number 4 batting slot and the freedom to focus solely on the captaincy while out in the field.
The left-arm orthodox spin of Hilton College’s Mike Frost is far from orthodox for batsmen. John Turner at mid-off is expecting something to happen. Naturally.
When one recalls his breath-taking, one-handed cracker, among his clutch of catches and all-round impression behind the stumps, there is no doubt that debutant (grade 10) wicketkeeper Slade van Staden made his presence felt.
Orando et Laborando‘s catching in front of the wicket and particularly in the outfield was also first class.
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Only the strongly-built Chase Kelly who, one suspects, hits a high percentage of his runs via the four and six route, and the consistent Cade Carmichael had a measure of success with the bat for Kearsney before getting out.
The Hilton response with the bat was exemplary, the top 3 whittling away the 94-run target by playing each ball on its merits and packing off the loose delivery for four.
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Josh Watt and Chris Meyer did the initial work upfront for the Hilton batters. Josh, tall and strong, took the lead and again presented his arsenal of powerful shots, as seen in his 74 against Clifton College at Riverside on Feb 2.
Meyer, growing in confidence with every innings, was then joined by first-wicket Colby Dyer for the pair to take it home. Chris’s burgeoning self-belief is pleasing to see.
The Hilton first XI number 3 batting slot has been something of a problem up till now but it appears that Dyer’s first two knocks in the position, a 52 (run out) at Clifton on 2 Feb and the 35 not out on Saturday 9 Feb vs Kearsney signals a change in fortunes in this regard.
LIKE A DUCK TO WATER: Elevated from 7 to first-wicket in the roster, Hilton wrist-spinner Colby Dyer has in consecutive innings reeled off a 52 and a top-score Saturday vs Kearsney.
A thinking cricketer, Colby plays very straight, strives to treat each ball on its merits, and understands what this Hilton batting line-up requires of him. Colby’s elevation from number 7 in the batting order has been a smart move by coach Tim Groenewald.
Somerset professional Hilton College first XI coach Tim Groenewald pleased with the day’s play.
Each batsman has a different role to play in the batting line-up and the mix-and-match can be trial and error before it’s resolved. I think Boys of Hilton have got it just about right.
It has been a case of trying out different combinations and players (there is also quality waiting in the wings).
The champagne days of the Awesome Foursome – James Ritchie, Robbie McGaw, Mikey Sclanders and Gareth Schreuder – came (for us KZN10 schoolboy cricket fans) to a sad end at the close of 2018.
The Fantastic Four amassed well over 8000 runs for Hilton in their standout first XI careers… a tough act to follow.
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For Kearsney this match was yet another disappointment, coming after a series of defeats.
There is much thought and work for this Kearsney first XI ahead of the Independent Schools Festival hosted, so splendidly as always, by St Alban’s College from February 21 to 24.
The two-day, double innings match format on the Thursday and Friday will be a great opportunity for the Kearsney lads to demonstrate that they have taken on board the lessons from the Jack Hart-Davis Oval.
Batting first in a declaration format (in this case a 110-over match) allows the team batting first a maximum 60 overs and the opposition a minimum 50 overs.
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If the team batting first decide to declare or are bowled out within the 60 overs, the balance of their 60 overs is added to the team batting second’s 50 overs.
It is usually a given that winning the toss comes with a “bat-first” decision as it affords 10 extra overs to craft a defendable total.
However, the bowler-friendly conditions, coupled with Hilton’s experienced, varied and disciplined attack – and the out-of-form Kearsney batters, proved the undoing of the lads from Botha’s Hill.
More concerning, though, was the Kearsney batsmen’s inability, or unwillingness, to leave high-risk deliveries well alone – and the willingness to take T20-style risks with their shotmaking that was manna from heaven for the strong Hilton bowling attack.
This is a Kearsney team with plenty in the way of natural talent. It’s just not doing the things that will give that ability the chance to reap rewards.
Hilton College’s super-slick slip cordon strikes again! This time off the pace of Ethan Bain.
While it was a disappointing day for the first XI, Kearsney won the U14A (by 34 runs at Hilton) and won the U16A (by 78 runs at Kearsney) matches in convincing fashion.
Hilton won the other premier age-group match – the U15As – by 6 wickets at Kearsney.
First XI SCORES IN BRIEF
* Kearsney won the toss
* Declaration format
Kearsney 93 all out
Chase Kelly 29
Cade Carmichael 20
Matt Boast 9 overs 4 maidens 15 runs 4 wickets
Ethan Bain 4-2-6-3
Mike Frost 7.3-4-13-2
John Turner 10-3-43-1
Hilton 96/1
Josh Watt 27
Chris Meyer 30*
Colby Dyer 35*
Hilton College won by 9 wickets
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Pivotal Talent can change your game
“Pivotal”: of crucial importance in the development of success.
“Talent”: a natural aptitude, gift or skill.
KZN10.com introduces Will Hardie of Pivotal Talent:
Jono says, “Hi Will, I am so chuffed to discuss subject choice and career guidance options with you, as it is close to my heart, based on my history, as well as my having children who will shortly be faced with the challenges these crucial choices can have on their future in the workplace.”
Feature image: Maritzburg College Old Boy Joel Stransky and Michaelhouse Old Boy Will Hardie, Pivotal Talent business partners.
Jono continues, “I went the traditional psychometric testing route when I was in grade 9 and then again in grades 11 and 12.
“Unfortunately the results were so off the mark that it took 14 years in the ‘workplace wilderness’ before I stumbled – purely by chance, into sports journalism, an occupation I have happily been in for close on 25 years now.
“If only I had had the opportunity to go the Pivotal Talent route.”
Pivotal Talent’s Online SubjectChoice (Grade 9) & CareerGuide (Grades 10, 11 & 12) solutions replace uncertainty with accuracy in directing your children’s full potential. Check out www.careerguidesolution.co.za
Upon accessing the Pivotal Talent web link, KZN10 is your reference code in completing the assessment.
“So what is Pivotal Talent, did you devise it or is it a product that originates from elsewhere?
Michaelhouse Old Boy Will Hardie says, “Thanks very much for the opportunity Jono!
“Pivotal Talent is a proudly South African-based technology entity (part of the Pivotal Group of Companies) and is a powerful web-based analytics tool that accurately & scientifically helps individuals predict their core interests, skills and performance strengths relative to available and evolving career fields.
“The solution was founded and developed by Dr Juan Swartz to primarily help companies more accurately and intelligently recruit, develop and retain key staff in their organisation.
“However, as the solution evolved and matured, a further opportunity was identified to help students, sports professionals and individuals interested in a career change.
“From a Schools Focus perspective, and for the purposes of this discussion, Pivotal Talent offers SubjectChoice for Grade 9s and CareerGuide for Grade 10, 11 and 12s.”
Jono says, “Will, your Pivotal Talent business partner is Joel Stransky, one of the founding members of the Pivotal Technology Group AND the 1995 Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok flyhalf – I was sitting behind the posts when Joel snapped over that matchwinning drop-goal!
“Will, you were an accomplished loose forward in your days at Michaelhouse and then at Varsity. Joel was at Durban Varsity around the same time you were playing for Maritzburg Varsity; did you ever play in the same team or perhaps against each other?
Joel Stransky & Will Hardie are Pivotal Talent. KZN10 is your reference code in completing the SubjectChoice (Grade 9) or CareerChoice (Grades 10, 11 & 12) assessments at www.careerguidesolution.co.za
Will says, “Jono, I wish I had played in the same team as Joel! Unfortunately, that never materialised for me. However, I did play against Joel in my Michaelhouse grade 12 year (we got hammered) when he was at Maritzburg College and we may have crossed paths on the rugby field at Varsity.”
Jono says, “So Will, what was the unique motivation for you and Joel around Pivotal Talent?”
“Jono, we believe that Pivotal Talent is a world-first augmented intelligence (AI) analytics solution that goes well beyond the traditional aptitude & psychometric evaluation process and which very accurately helps to predict an individual’s full potential.
“It’s a carefully calibrated questionnaire that can scientifically and automatically match an individual’s interests and skill-set to suitable careers (and, in turn, also subject choices).
“In short, Pivotal Talent is a cost-effective and efficient online assessment that takes no more than 60 to 90 minutes to complete; is simple and very easy to follow and generates a highly detailed, individualised report instantaneously.
“As an aside, my 2 older children, currently studying at University, both completed their Pivotal Talent SubjectChoice and CareerGuide assessments at School and are now studying degrees that are 100% aligned to respective careers – as predicted originally by Pivotal Talent!”
Jono: “That happy situation would certainly take the weight off many parents’ shoulders, including a number of moms and dads that I know.
“So what makes Pivotal Talent a fresh option, when our high school boys and girls must make subject-choice or career-choice – and thereby tertiary studies – decisions?”
Pivotal Talent SubjectChoice (Grade 9) and CareerGuide (Grades 10, 11 and 12) takes the uncertainty out of choosing the right subjects for you.Upon accessing the Pivotal Talent web link www.careerguidesolution.co.za and completing one of the assessments, please use the KZN10 reference code.
Will’s response: “Jono, we believe that the Pivotal Talent value proposition, namely SubjectChoice and CareerGuide, is a unique solution to what can be a daunting undertaking.
“Apart from the obvious ‘softer’ benefits of Pivotal Talent, such as convenience (can complete the online assessment anywhere in the world and on any device), being substantially more cost-effective and its instant reporting capability, the compelling differentiators we advocate are as follows:
“Unique algorithms for matching – Pivotal Talent uses complex and proprietary algorithms which scientifically match individuals based on the skills, characteristics, capabilities and faculties that predict performance to the unique tasks, performance criteria and success factors required in different careers.
“Scientific approach – Pivotal Talent is based on objective, validated research from top global institutions compiled from research into multiple fields over the last 60 years, and we use this information in our model to more accurately match individuals with the right career options.
“Automated – Pivotal Talent is an automated solution. Results are available immediately after completing an online questionnaire, and focus is provided to help individuals develop a plan of action that moves them towards a particular career path and ultimate employability.
“Multifaceted – The suitability of a career path is based on, 1) how the scholar measures against the key performance criteria in that career path, 2) the scholar’s interest in the tasks performed in the career path, and 3) the desirability of that career path, including elements such as opportunities.
Jono says, “Will, I found the 4 differentiators mentioned above particularly interesting… it makes a lot of sense. So with respect to the genesis of the Pivotal Talent model – did you and your team research and then align with international ‘best practice’ variants in establishing the necessary validity and reliability of the Pivotal Talent blueprint?”
Will: “First and foremost, our solution is theoretically valid, as it only draws on corroborated research from the top institutions globally. We ensure reliability and validity by only incorporating constructs that are supported through extensive quantitative research.
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“Our solution is corroborated by integrating constructs that have been found to be predictors of performance across different fields of study.
“These theoretical models are then validated by statistical analysis, whereby the model utility -and thus the predictive power of the model within the client’s environment – is tested to ensure precision and accuracy.
“Where construct validity is a theoretical concern, our model is based on constructs that have been theoretically postulated to have a causal link to performance.
“Accuracy and precision are our main proof points, as our solution is not a standardised assessment, but rather an analytical model that accurately and precisely predicts performance in a career.”
Jono: “Will, once again you have hit on a point that resonates with me, Accuracy and Precision, something sorely lacking in my case when it came to subject- and career-choice decisions during my schooldays.
“Will, is there anything else you would like to add?”
“The Pivotal Talent SubjectChoice and CareerGuide have been available to the South African market for 2 years now and have already seen a lot of interest and adoption across several provinces and multiple Schools. The feedback from Schools, scholars and parents has been incredibly positive on all fronts.”
Jono wraps it up: “Thanks for the chat, Will; I have personally found this to be one of the most interesting and rewarding interviews in my going-on 25 years in the media workspace. I have no doubt that Pivotal Talent will greatly assist Scholars to accurately predict subject choices and career choices – the 2 areas of uncertainty that plague our children and parents daily – and yet are both so crucial in plotting the way forward.”
Will’s response: “Thank you for the opportunity to share the exciting Pivotal Talent SubjectChoice and CareerGuide story with you Jono. KZN10.com has a fantastic following thanks to your efforts, and Joel and I are hugely excited at the prospect of working with and adding value to your wonderful cause. All the best!”
Pivotal Talent SubjectChoice (Grade 9) and CareerGuide (Grades 10, 11 and 12) takes the uncertainty out of choosing the right subjects for you. Check out www.careerguidesolution.co.za
KZN10 is your reference code in completing your assessment.
Coca-Cola T20 Playoffs at Kearsney today/tomorrow
This Thursday morning’s Coca-Cola KZN Coastal Regional Playoffs are underway at Kearsney College.
The Thursday morning first round of quarter-finals see Kearsney College vs DHS on the AH Smith Oval and Glenwood facing Kuswag on Matterson.
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Feature image: Be it with bat or ball, Northwood captain Jeremy Martins has the capability to change a game.
This afternoon’s 1pm second round of quarter-finals witness the Clifton College first XI vs Northwood on the AH Smith Oval and Westville vs Thomas More on Matterson.
The winners of these 4 matches will go into the semi-finals Friday morning.
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One of Kearsney or DHS (QF1) are likely to face Glenwood (QF2) in the one semi-final while Northwood (QF3) look to be favourites over the injury-plagued Clifton line-up and likely to face Westville (QF4) in the other semi tomorrow morning.
Friday afternoon’s final will decide who meets the KZN Inland winners in the Dolphins Franchise final at Kingsmead.
The Inland playoffs are at Michaelhouse next Thursday and Friday.
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KZN10 pace bowlers, wrist & finger spinners, this is for you
LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
OK here’s the deal. You can make 440 for two declared on any given KZN10 Super Saturday but that’s not much use if you can’t then get the 10 wickets needed to win the match.
(Sure there’s the limited-overs format followed out of necessity and coupled with logistical issues – transport of groups of teams on any given KZN10 Saturday – but what I am getting at it is that we are aiming to develop wicket-taking bowlers not containment safety-first cricketers).
As one climbs the cricket ladder of age-groups, with its better-quality cricket and stronger opposition, by and large it’s the bowlers who (should) win matches, especially when backed by outstanding catchers and fielders. And a reasonable total supplied by your batters of course.
Feature image caption: Glenwood 2019 grade 12 Lifa Ntanzi had a stellar December/January, making the 2018 SA Schools and SA U19 Feb/Mar 2019 tour teams. Athletic, aggressive, accurate, fast bowler Lifa’s got the goods. RenateMontyPhotos
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* Please note: No inference should be drawn that any of the players mentioned below or in the images below, are in some sort of over-training, over-bowling situation. The group represents just a smattering of the hugely promising KZN10 bowling talent we have in our midst and the intention is to recognise them for that talent by including them in this feature.
So, injury free; that’s what we want. If not, dreams could be in tatters in the blink of an eye.
Therefore, KZN10 felt it wise to consult an expert, in PMB-based physiotherapist Neil van Biljon, who has extensive experience in treating KZN schoolboy sportsmen and cricketers, particularly promising fast bowlers.
PBHS and Tuks graduate Neil van Biljon’s physiotherapy practice is in the KZN capital. Neil has extensive experience across the sports codes and is seen here with Kearsney Old Boy Torin Tedder working with the UKZN Impi rugby team a while back.
Neil: “Thanks Jono. I have firm views on the subject, having experienced first-hand in my practice what damage can be done if the teen-age fast bowler is not properly managed. And I am not just talking about high school boys. And not just about fast bowling.
“And it is not only fast bowlers; medium-fast, seam and swing bowlers, the primary school bowler too; the strain exerted on the bowling shoulder of the young, the teenage leg-spinner, the off-spinner, the strain on the hips and knees and so on of every bowler.
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“And what I am going to point out under the next five headings can in most instances also be adapted and applied to many sports codes at schoolboy level.”
WHY WE TRAIN
Says Neil: “To provide the body with adequate load to enforce positive physiological adaptations; that is, improved fitness, skill levels and mental endurance.”
TOO HIGH A WORKLOAD
Says Neil: “Results in negative adaptions from the body (counter-productive) thus forcing the fast bowler to need a longer recovery phase. Worst-case scenario it brings about damage to soft-tissue structures.
“Resuming training to quickly after a period of training overload can result in further negative adaptations and the serious risk of Overtraining Syndrome (OTS).”
Another scalp for Hilton College 2017/2018 opening bowler John Turner at the (first term) 2018 Coke T20 National Franchise Finals. Boys of Hilton team-mate Suubi Mugerwa-Sekawabe rushes in to join the celebration.
LOAD MANAGEMENT
Says Neil: “The onus is on the fast bowler, his coaches, trainers, physios and the school sports scientists to track the player’s loading and try fit them into what is called the loading ‘sweet spot’ where the young fast bowler’s body is positively adapting to the load (i.e. getting fitter) and at the same time protecting the body from damage and overuse injuries.”
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ADOLESCENT PACE BOWLERS AT HIGH RISK
Says Neil: “There are multi-factorial risk factors in this specific group of athletes.
“Vertebral growth plates have been shown to close from age 18 to as late as age 23 in extreme cases. As a general yardstick, though, we can assume in most cases that at age 19 this physeal closing has taken place almost completely.
“This, coupled with maximum bone-mass volume only being reached at around age 18 it does leave the younger fast bowler at high risk of lower-back stress fractures – particularly when they are put through high volumes of bowling week in and week out.
“A typical bowling action can exert up to 30 times your body weight’s worth of pressure through your lumbar spine. In fact, this is increased with bowlers who have a ‘mixed-on’ bowling action.”
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SOLUTIONS
Says Neil: “It goes without saying that ‘core strengthening’ in the off-season is crucial. In my opinion, better communication between health professionals and coaches is key.
“There are numerous ways to manage the bowler’s workload via Apps, questionnaires, or simply counting their overs bowled in a week.
“All bowlers are different and need to be managed individually. Interestingly enough, ‘low workload’ can be just as detrimental to the bowler as too high a workload.
“The key times when injuries tend to be a problem can also be after a long, relatively inactive off-season or after a long injury layoff .
“Coming back to training at high volumes can be dangerous. The basic rule of thumb is low-intensity training that includes low volumes of overs bowled that is then supplemented with a 10% increase per week.”
Fireworks in the offing: Hilton College first XI captain and Dolphins U19 all-rounder Mikey Booth locks on to his target.
BOTTOM LINE, says Neil
“Listen to your body. Consult a professional immediately if anything feels out of the ordinary. The body tends to give warning signs ahead of major injuries. These warning signs must be taken seriously by you.
“Prevention is always better than cure.”
Jono says: Brilliant advice, Neil. I suffered from a major back injury as a 13/14-year-old opening bowler and it put paid to any thoughts of bigger things.
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There is so much promising talent out there on any given KZN10 Super Saturday and it would be a crime to see it denied due to inadequate knowledge.
This may indeed turn out to be the most intrinsically valuable KZN10 story yet.
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In KZN10 terms, when one talks talent, one need look no further than the Hilton College bowling attack of what was a stellar 2018 first XI year.
Opening bowlers John Turner and Michael Booth, seam and swing bowler Tom Dixon, left-arm orthodox spinner Michael Frost, leg-spinners Colby Dyer and James Ritchie, off-spinner Michael Sclanders.
The 16-year-old Hilton College first XI and Dolphins U19 leg-spinner Colby Dyer has the ability to break partnerships and get a clutch of wickets in a single spell. Colby is also an accomplished batsman.
Such was the effectiveness of this remarkably varied bowling arsenal one wonders if it stands out among the best seen at schoolboy level in years.
That five of the seven are back in this 2019 year is a prospect to savour – and has already been experienced by yours truly in two matches to date.
But I digress. The punch line here is that in 2018, almost invariably, from match to match, John Turner and particularly Michael Booth knocked over two or three top-order wickets in the first 7 or 8 overs.
This regular match situation afforded Hilton captain James Ritchie the opportunity to maintain attacking fields – and the time and run-space for Dixon, Dyer, Frost, Sclanders and the skipper to weave their destructive webs.
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The good news is that the Hilton bowlers aren’t the only leather flingers of note that we will – and are already seeing – on the green fields of the KZN10 at this early stage of the 2019 year.
I could do the rounds among the schools but for brevity’s sake – and to get back to the point of this story – here are just one or two more examples of what we can, and are already, witnessing in 2019.
St Charles College have promising talent in abundance in the form of Kian Channon, Cameron Spangenberg and Keegan Crawford, especially now that they each have a minimum of one year’s first XI experience in the memory bank.
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Maritzburg College fast bowler Mondli Khumalo is another, as are Northwood’s 2019 captain Jeremy Martins, fellow Northwod Knight Andile Mokgakane the SA U19 all-rounder, and young all-rounder Cade Carmichael of Kearsney College.
Maritzburg College fast bowler Mondli Khumalo delivered a fiery opening spell to the Michaelhouse top-order on the Roy Gathorne Oval during fourth-term 2018. Photo DESDESIGNSDOT
And from 2018, Kearsney left-arm opening bowler Carl Heunis, and Westville captain & right-arm paceman Matthew Pollard.
And what more can one say of SA Schools 2018 and SA U19 Feb/March India tour selection, the then grade 11 and now grade 12 talent that is Lifa Ntanzi of Glenwood.
2018 Westville captain, opening bowler and attacking batsman Matt Pollard lets it fly with keeper Jandre Viljoen watching intently.
Extremely quick, a natural athlete if ever there was one, deadly accurate and a snorter of a bouncer, Lifa is definitely a shining star-in-the-making to watch.
Michaelhouse’s U19 Cricket World Cup paceman Fraser Jones, 2019 St Charles College captain and Zimbabwe U19 off-spinner Wessly Madhevere, joint Player of the 2018 Junior World Cup…
There are more.
We in KZN are fortunate to blessed with so much talent.
Roll on 2019 KZN10 cricket!
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