Posts by Jono Cook
Great day for St Charles College basketball
THE St Charles College basketball fraternity were all smiles after the final round of Saturday fixtures this year, on 10 November 2018.
Saint won the majority of matches against Kearsney College, including the 1st team match (54-51), the 2nds, U15A and U14A games.
Dean Riley feature image: The chuffed Saints basketball team after a job well done.
The Saints first team win by 3 points owed much to the quality of their benchies.
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Here is a take on home side the Saints 1st team game, as reported by head coach Darren Holcomb:
“Both teams have long been considered as two of the best basketball schools in the province and therefore the tension was high as the schools clashed for the third time this season.
“The two previous encounters had come down to the wire with the Saints winning both by single-figure margins.
“Saturday’s clash was also extremely close from the outset as both teams jostled for supremacy.
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“Both St Charles College and Kearsney used a variation of zone defence, man defence and full-court presses in order to force turnovers.
“After 37 minutes of play, there was only a single point separating the two teams.
“However, the difference between the two teams had to be their bench.
“The St Charles College bench provided quality back-up minutes, which allowed the starters to rest. They also provided important scoring to ensure that the Saints maintained their small lead.
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“With less than a minute on the clock, Lifa Jafta knocked down a massive three-point shot, which gave the home team the breathing space required to secure their third win of the season.
“The St Charles College team is young and are sure to continue improving in the first term of 2019 as they look to take on the best in the country at the annual St John’s College Johannesburg Tournament.”
KZN10.com is looking forward to following the progress of Saints and Kearsney basketball next year.
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Stars in alignment for Saints cricket vs Kearsney
Following their fine win, having come back from a difficult position, at Northwood the Saturday before, the St Charles College first XI again played excellent cricket in beating Kearsney College by 79 runs on the SCC Oval Saturday, 10 November 2018.
Dean Riley feature image: A happy St Charles College first XI (captain Nate Benjamin 3rd from right, back) after beating Kearsney College on SCC Oval Saturday. The scoreboard total had yet to be adjusted to 149/10.
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On a blistering day, captain Nathaniel Benjamin wore the light blue blazer for the final time and won the toss for his team on an excellent batting wicket.
St Charles paced their innings with precision; mature, disciplined and, on occasion, brutal batting.
It was Jason Login who once again was a class apart.
Saints star performer Jason Login bowls leg-spin during the St Charles College vs Kearsney College first XI match in the KZN capital on Saturday. Photo Saysha Baker
Login co-ordinated the innings to perfection. He was out for 99 and disappointingly missed out on his second century of the season.
In Login’s last three innings, he has scored 64, 50 and 99, showing his worth and character, having not been selected for the KZN Inland U17 side.
Logan has been a major player in the Saints first XI this year and continues to go from strength to strength.
Saints ended their innings well and compiled a respectable total of 228/8 in their allotted 50 overs.
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This was always going to be difficult for Kearsney to chase, but they started well and were up with the run rate until the 15th over, when spin was introduced from both ends.
The saints spin trio of Login, Clive Madande and Wesley Madhevere have produced the goods all season – and Saturday was no exception.
Sharing the wickets between them, coupled with two excellent run outs, meant that Kearsney were always under pressure, St Charles College bowling Kearsney out for 149 and ultimately winning the match by 79 runs.
The Saints are a young side and can look forward to next season with enthusiasm and excitement.
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It does appear that the St Charles College first XI will be one of the teams to look out for in 2019.
The stars also aligned for the Saints 2nd XI and they posted 319/5 in their 50 overs on AH Smith Oval at Kearsney.
James Twycross made 129 and Tim Login was unbeaten on 82.
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Steven Scott got in on the action with the ball, getting a hat-trick as Kearsney were bowled out for 109 runs, giving the Saints a 210-run victory.
The St Charles College U15 age group managed a clean sweep over Kearsney with the U15A winning by 45 runs.
The Saints U14A team had an exciting game at Kearsney that went right down to the wire, the hosts eventually winning by 1 wicket.
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Magic batting from Hilton College maestro Mikey Sclanders
MICHAEL Sclanders has scored exactly 2 300 runs for the Hilton College first XI and taken 54 wickets.
Michael Sclanders’ time in the school first XI ended 4 days ago.
When it comes to watching Michael Sclanders bat for Hilton firsts, I have certainly struck it lucky this year.
When all the elements weave into a day to remember.
Come to think of it, much of that “luck” is due to Mikey’s remarkable consistency rather than the goodwill of Lady Fortune.
On Sunday, 30 September, after Mikey was out for 30 the day before, I saw this composed number 3 batsman make a masterful 150 on Day 2 of the Maritzburg College-hosted 59th Oppenheimer Michael Cricket Week.
Convinced he could do it again, I then watched the Winterton farmers’ son well set for another 150 the next day, only to be adjudged run out on 52 in a situation that would have been well served by a slow-motion third umpire review.
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The day after that, on October 2, I saw Michael compile a superb 84 against KES.
And then a wonderful 104 against Clifton College 4 days later. All of these innings were played out on the Jack Hart-Davis Oval at Hilton College.
That’s 420 runs in 5 innings on Mikey’s home turf – inside 8 days – at 84 per innings.
That’s tapping into a rich vein of form.
And I saw further examples of the same at the Independent Schools’ Cricket Festival hosted by St Alban’s College in Pretoria 9 months ago.
Moments like this.
It’s difficult to differentiate between the excellence and then the still-more excellence I have been so captivated by this year, but 4 days ago might have been the best yet. And fittingly, in Mikey’s last school innings
The picturesque Roy Gathorne Oval setting at Michaelhouse was complemented by a beautiful summer’s day. Michaelhouse put Hilton in and SA U19 Cricket World Cup fast bowler Fraser Jones had knocked over the opening batsmen alarmingly quickly.
“Flustered” doesn’t seem to be a word when it comes to Michael Sclanders.
Barring a superb fifth-wicket partnership between Sclanders and Michael Booth, Hilton wickets were lost at various intervals but Michael Sclanders was always there, piloting the ship and his batting partners… deft placements here and carefully chosen moments there, triggering off boundary balls when most needed.
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His unbeaten 135 was not without its awkward moments – nothing worthwhile ever is – but my word it was a knock that anchored Hilton’s three-from-three over the Men of House this year.
It appears there is something about the Michaelhouse bowling – or the appeal of the challenge in meeting Hilton’s longest standing and most-anticipated opponents, that quickens the competitive instinct in Michael Sclanders.
On all three occasions the teams met this year, Sclanders played prominent roles with the bat – and, as with 4 days ago at Michaelhouse, has snared 2 or 3 wickets with his off-spin.
With such prolific opening batsmen in James Ritchie and the Hilton College captain’s fellow KZN Inland U19 opener Robbie McGaw ahead of Mikey in the top order, there have been times where the platform has been laid for the number 3.
However, this was not necessarily the case on the numerous occasions where Michael Sclanders has scored so heavily.
Knowing when to go big.
Indeed, it is his unruffled, oh-so-calm disposition that is one of Michael’s strongest attributes. Whatever the situation, he gives the impression that he is on top of it – a hugely reassuring feeling for captain, coach and team.
And he has the ability to read the flow of an innings, is able to advise his batting partner as to what is needed in the “now” so that the team’s innings can get through to the “then” in the closing overs.
All those hours spent when no-one is watching earns its day in the sunshine.
Watching Mikey pace his own innings is a fascination all on its own: the Hilton College nearly-finished grade 12 manipulates the bowling according to the needs of his team; working the ball into gaps seemingly at will, farming the strike when a new batsman comes to the crease at a late stage in the innings; knowing the opportune time to start launching his array of big shots.
And like all fine batsmen, Mikey seems to have all the time in the world: there is never a rush – I can’t recall a single hurried, evasive action – it’s like the delivery’s direction and trajectory have already been worked out beforehand.
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As I wrote in a Witness article earlier this year:
The grade 12 Hiltonian, like many who immediately catch the eye, has that vital fraction-of-a-second extra time to consider which of an array of cricket shots would be best employed for any given delivery.
Calm, unflustered – be it fast, off-spin, leg-spin, seam or swing – this stylish right-hander is equally at home.
And possibly the key to Sclanders’ success is that he is not concerned about “dot balls”; the opposition bowling attack strangling the run rate for a time.
He knows when it’s time to launch; he knows he’s got the repertoire, the shot selection, to turn defence into exponential attack in the space of two or three overs.
Michaelhouse number 3 bat Tom Trotter congratulates Mikey on his ton.
Mike Sclanders: a batsman cricket lovers would be happy to watch all day, every day, knowing that boredom borne of familiarity would not enter the equation.
No-one achieves success in isolation.
Michael has benefited from the world-class facilities at Hilton College. Similarly during his initial time at St Charles College, not to mention coaches such as the Proteas batting coach Dale Benkenstein – who is his primary Hilton College first XI coach.
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Michael Sclanders has also helped himself with his own steadfast dedication and application.
Early mornings in the gym, hours spent honing his batting skills; his mom has had two shoulder operations following countless throw-downs in the cricket net on the family’s Winterton farm.
Fortunately dad has not been subject to the knife – yet – following the ill-effects of his 1 000s of throw-downs, but the family medical aid is readying itself for some more heat.
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Best wishes at Coke Week, Michael.
December 16 to 20 on Cape Town.
See you there.
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The 2018 Hilton College head of school Stuart Roy reflects
The 2018 Hilton College Head of School or head boy, Stuart Roy, has handed the baton of office to his successor, the 2019 Boys of House leader Cameron Coley.
Towards the end of his time as Head of School I asked Stu what he had learned from his leadership position, what was the highlight of his year and what advice would he like to give to his successors in the 2019 school leadership positions.
“Thank you for the opportunity Mr Cook.
“I have been privileged to have been the Head of School for 2018.
“The experience has allowed me to learn much and grow as an individual.
This year’s Hilton College Head of School Stuart Roy and deputy Luyanda Cingo.
“This year has had its share of ups and downs. I think I have learnt more from the down times.
“A major point for me has been learning how to deal with a tricky situation effectively but also keep various people satisfied at the same time. I think this has developed my emotional awareness.
“My role has involved a lot of people interaction and consequently I think I have learnt how to deal with people according to who they are.”
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Stu there is much food for thought in your response. I will take the time to return to it when I get a chance, as I think there is much I could learn, or at least re-visit.
The constant battle between meeting the needs of others and staying true to oneself – never easy.
Let’s get on to the less tricky stuff, the things that make the difficulties so worthwhile. So Stu, as head of the learner body, what has been your personal highlight of the year?
“Each year, the night before the Hilton vs Michaelhouse rugby and hockey derbies, we have several traditions within the school, Mr Cook.
Head of School Stuart Roy and first XV captain Patrick McVeigh with their rugby jerseys.
“It was enriching and thrilling for me in leading these traditions, addressing the boys and seeing their emotional response. This is just one example where I have felt what we call a ‘brotherhood’.
“All my best memories come from the times when it’s been all the boys together. I love seeing boys passionate about their institutions.”
Yes indeed, Stu, there are few more thrilling sight-and-sound moments than a group of our schoolboys as one, in song when supporting their teams.
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What would be the one best piece of advice you would give to the head of school of next year and his leadership group? (This interview took place before the 2019 leadership group was announced but is pertinent nevertheless).
“I have learned Mr Cook, that this is a role that can be very demanding: balancing leadership and school work is tough.
“The [2019] leadership group – and those to follow – need to be proactive in order to remain on top of the different challenges that present themselves.
“Most importantly, the leaders should stay true to themselves once they are placed in positions of leadership. They are appointed because of who they are and should not change that.
Stu Roy giving his matric dance speech.
“In closing, I think something that ties in nicely with this is what my brother once said to me about my role as head boy, “Stu, you are not the leader of the free world”.
“It was his simple way of saying, don’t take yourself too seriously, and remain humble.”
Thanks for that, Stu, I think your brother’s advice serves us all well. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in things, which seem so huge in that moment.
What I [Jono] need to say to myself is, “I’m going to take a step back, step out of this, simplify what actually is happening, then break it down into one-step-at-time and go from there.
I appreciate your time, Stu, best wishes in you further endeavours.
“Thank you Mr Cook. I wish the same for you.”
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Manchester City trial for Hilton’s Costi
Hilton College’s 16-year-old first team soccer goalkeeper Costi Christodoulou is on trial with English Premiership football giants Manchester City.
Costi jetted off to the UK over the weekend and for the grade 10 boy it’s a wonderful opportunity to reach for his dream.
Sunday saw Costi watch the Manchester derby between City and United and he began his trial with Man City yesterday.
City are hosting Costi over the next fortnight in order to have a close look at this young shot-stopper.
English champions City have been following Costi’s progress since he first started for SA U17 as a15-year-old prodigy.
The 16-year-old Costi is the current SA U17 captain.
Costi has been attending Maritzburg United training sessions since grade 9 and is the youngest player to have played in the Diski Challenge.
Hilton College has done its utmost to support Costi and has granted him leave of absence to attend training in the mornings at Maritzburg United’s Harry Gwala Stadium and made allowances for this highly intelligent lad to recoup time lost in the classroom later.
Being a boarder certainly helps this process and Costi has been hitting the 90 percentile academic average in his subjects.
Prior to this one, KZN10.com had written three stores on Constandino “Costi” Christodoulou – and Jono has written another on Costi for a national magazine.
* You can find the earlier KZN10.com Costi stories on the soccer page or the Hilton College page.
KZN10.com knows how to pick ‘em.
To be honest it’s not that difficult – and certainly pretty obvious to many – just a few minutes watching Costi in action for Hilton firsts or as captain of the Amajimbos (SA U17) and you can tell he’s got the elusive “it” that sets him apart.
The KZN10 family wishes Costi everything of the best over the next two weeks.
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A natural: Maritzburg College’s Jacques van der Walt
IF you have ever seen him loft a six with the sweetest of timing into the Kent Pavilion rafters or get the first XV backline away with an economy of movement and technically perfect distribution, you’ll know who I’m talking about.
Feature image: Practice makes perfect. No-one works harder at his game than Maritzburg College first XI cricketer Jacques van der Walt.
Maritzburg College first XI’s elegant left-hander, and first XV’s classic flyhalf is the soon-to-be-finished grade 11 student Jacques van der Walt.
Maritzburg College first XV’s Jacques van der Walt on attack vs St Charles College on Goldstones in match 1 of 2018.
A Martin Ashworth image
KZN10.com decided to take a closer look.
So Jacques how old are you, where were you born, who’re your siblings, what do they do and where are they now?
“Thanks for your interest in me Sir; that’s quite a bit to answer from one question!
“I’m 17 years old and was born on 15 January, 2001 at St Anne’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg.
“I am the youngest of 3 siblings; my brother’s name is Chase, age 27, and my sister’s name is Tayla; she is 24.
“Chase is in China teaching English and Tayla is in America working as an au pair. They are both qualified teachers.”
‘My sister Tayla stood behind the rugby posts
playing “ball-girl” while I practised my place-kicking’
As a young boy, Jacques’ passion for cricket and rugby was encouraged and supported by siblings Tayla and Chase.
Jacques, I have watched you play cricket and rugby many times, so why your love of cricket and rugby, how old were you when you started, who was it initially who taught you cricket and rugby, and was it in the backyard or where?
“My first memories are being on the side of a rugby or cricket field almost every weekend watching my brother, Chase.
“He was my hero and would always take the time to play with me and allow me to play with him and his friends in the garden at home.
“My first official private cricket coach was Mr Rob Fuhri, from about the age of 5 till I started high school at Maritzburg College.”
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So who have been some of the major influences in your life, on the making of Jacques van der Walt, the sportsman, in your upbringing?
‘One of my greatest moments was when
I played my first club cricket match with my brother’
“My brother, Chase, is my best friend and biggest supporter and has kept me grounded.
“Chase spent hours with me in the garden, the nets and on the fields helping develop my cricket and rugby skills.
“One of my greatest moments was when I played my first club cricket match with my brother.
Jacques is superb at second slip. This catch on Goldstones was an absolute cracker after the edged ball simply flew off the bat.
“My sister, Tayla, has always been there for emotional support and has always had my back.
“On numerous occasions she has stood behind the rugby posts playing ‘ball-girl’ while I practised my place-kicking.”
Jono: You were at Cordwalles Prep School, what did your time there teach you in terms of values etc. and what teams did you play for in grade 7 both for Cordwalles and provincial?
“Cordwalles introduced me to the various sports and cultural activities, which enabled me to explore which sporting and cultural activities I preferred.
“Cordwalles taught me the value of true friendship, loyalty and respect.
Ever so stylish, Jacques is a master of manipulating the bowling.
“I played 1st team cricket, which I captained, and 1st team rugby for Cordwalles.
“I was the Victor Ludorum for swimming, made the U13 midlands rugby team and the KZN Inland cricket team, which I captained.”
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Jono: On to high school, why Maritzburg College?
What as a grade 7 or earlier attracted you to the Red Black and White?
Was it for example the emotional pull when you watched your first rugby match on Goldstones, did you decide then and then, “One day I want to be there!”
‘There was never another school for me’
Jacques: “At the age of 3, I had my own Maritzburg College rugby jersey, which I wore every Saturday when I went to support my brother playing either rugby or cricket for Maritzburg College.
“My first real memories are from about 5 years old, playing rugby with my friends behind the stands on Goldstones until the 1st team were getting ready to run through Nicolson’s Arch.
Jacques after being presented with the 10 jersey in Victoria Hall.
“It was my dream that one day I would be running on to Goldstones with all the boys shouting and cheering me on.
“There was never another school for me. I have been so blessed and privileged to have realised my dream.
“First I had the honour of making my first XV debut in the Red Black and White, and then representing the College 1st XV this year – and running under Nicholson’s Arch.”
For those of you (possibly very few) who wonder who the arch is named after, it was erected in honour of one of Durban High School’s many exceptional Old Boys, Mr J.M. “Skonk” Nicholson.
DHS Old Boy John Smithers is a man you can count on.
Skonk, the Maritzburg College geography teacher, deputy headmaster and without-peer Maritzburg College first XV coach, a gentleman who conducted himself with such grace and understated distinction.
Clear and comfortable vision is a must.
Jono: So Jacques, what is special about Maritzburg College? Why is there such a strong bond – the mass gathering of school friends on Old Boys Reunion Weekend?
The Jacques answer is immediate: “The sense of brotherhood that bonds us together for life.”
Jono: Jacques, please tell us about the teams you’ve played for provincially and any teams from your Cordwalles Prep grade 7 year up to now that you’ve captained?
“In cricket, Cordwalles 1st team captain, KZN Inland U13 captain, Maritzburg College U14A captain and U15A captain; KZN Inland U15 captain, Maritzburg College U16A captain, 1st XI, and now the KZN Inland U17 team.”
Ton up for Jacques van der Walt on Goldstones.
JACQUES’ 2018 FIRST XI BATTING STATS
Innings 23
Not out 6
Aggregate runs 870
Strike rate approximately 70 per 100 balls faced
Average 51.11
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“In rugby I played Cordwalles 1st team, Midlands u13, Maritzburg College U14A vice-captain, U15A captain, U16A vice-captain, Sharks U16 at Grant Khomo Week, and the Maritzburg College 1st XV this year.
Sharks U16 flyhalf Jacques van der Walt surrounded by happy team-mates during Grant Khomo Week 2017.
Well, that makes for an incredibly taxing number of school years, not to mention the time spent on academics.
Jono: Jacques it has been a pleasure talking to you. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
“I would like to say thank you to all my coaches through the years for believing in me and teaching me the real value of playing sport.
“Thank you, too, Mr Cook, for your continued support and all you do for schoolboy sport in KZN.
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“Finally, to my Mom and Dad: You have had a great influence on my life, you have supported me through thick and thin and I can always confide in you and count on you.
“You are on the side of the field supporting me in every match I have played in since junior school.
“I could not ask for more. Thank you Mom and Dad.”
Jono: Phew, I confess to misty eyes right now. Special words those, Jacques.
Best wishes for the December 10 to 14 National U17 Cricket Week, which is headquartered at Kearsney College.
See you there.
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Maritzburg College’s Jacques van der Walt in 20 Seconds
THE Maritzburg College first XI top-order batsman and Red Black & White first XV flyhalf is a multi-layered personality who loves to have fun, takes his passion for sport seriously and feels deeply.
Here’s an insight into this exceptionally talented young man, pictured in-photo with a little big fella.
THE RED BLACK & WHITE BROTHERHOOD: Jacques & friends.
Favourite food: Braai
Fave breakfast: Bacon & eggs
Actor: Tom Hardy
Actress: Margot Robbie
Celebrity Crush: Margot Robbie
The place to find your celebrity crush… The Five star Fordoun Hotel and Spa.
Favourite App: Instagram
Favourite Emoji: Cheeky wink
TV show: Peaky Blinders
Board game: 30 Seconds
Car: 1969 Ford Mustang
Driving a Mustang? Go to Trish first please.
3 People you’d like to invite to your birthday party: Maritzburg College Old Boy, champion batsman and former England Test captain Kevin Pietersen, England’s great all-rounder Freddie Flintoff, Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard
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Jacques’ nickname: Chockie
Chockie in 1 word: Determined
Inspirational SA sports stars: AB de Villiers & Handre Pollard
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Favourite quote: ‘The harder I practice the luckier I get’
Gary Player
Best advice I have ever received: ‘Invest in dot balls and cash in later’
Childhood coach Rob Fuhri
If Chockie could attend any sports match: The Ashes
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4 Things Chockie can’t live without: Family, music, friends and sport
Down time: Watching a good movie
On Chockie’s screensaver: My girlfriend and I
Holiday destination: Ibiza
3 Desert Island must-haves: Girlfriend, friends and family
Before the desert island must-haves here’s a must-not-have: a septic beach. John will help you out – and he’ll enjoy the holiday.
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The fifth desert island must-have is great eyesight. Ask Hilliar & Gray.
Maritzburg College Chairman’s XI regain Colenbrander Trophy from Headmaster’s XI in annual match
A beautiful KZN10.com summer’s day greeted the Chairman of the Governing Body’s XI and the Maritzburg College Headmaster’s XI on Super Sunday at the picturesque Goldstones, home of College cricket.
A 35-over shootout was the format with a maximum four overs per bowler and 30 runs the mark when batsman retired. If needed before the 35 overs were up the retirees could return to the middle.
Skipper Steve Colenbrander (front) has the silverware safely back in the Maritzburg College Chairman’s XI trophy cabinet after the emphatic 84-run win over the Headmaster’s XI on Goldstones Sunday. The teams come together in this Jono Cook image. See who you can spot among these noted athletes.
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Experienced umpire Bryan Mantle was on hand to keep a close eye on things but nothing untoward came his way in a contest played well within the etiquette of the Gentleman’s Game.
Fortunately the absence of London-based UK Property Investment Specialist and UK County Cricket/SA Hockey team Over 55 star Arthur Wormington did not prevent the Chairman’s XI from regaining the coveted Colenbrander Trophy. You will be as surprised as I was at the affordable range of UK property investment options that Arthur has to offer. arthur@megaprop.co.uk
Batting first, the Chairman’s XI under the captaincy of Steve Colenbrander knocked up a brisk 224 with 5 batters returning the lovely Kent Pavilion having reached the 30-run milestone.
There was great banter on and off the field as old friends renewed acquaintances and long-held memories of great exploits on and off the field were re-told.
The top-gun Chairman’s XI batsmen and retirees were a polished Kyle Warr (30 not out), Mike Woodburn (30*) Wooders looking as if he’d hit a ton for the school first XI the day before such was the in-sync foot movement and hand-eye-co-ordination.
Add to this, some spectacular shotmaking off the broad bat of Grant Rowley (30*), superb leg-side strokes by Brent Bragge (31*); and the deftest of touches and placement off the richly talented batting repertoire that is the possession of Clint Bowyer (30*).
Maritzburg College teacher Ricky Chirengende who was drafted in to the Chairman’s XI smashed a hurricane 21 not out following Hylton Strachan’s useful 17.
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And skipper of “Team Steve”, Mr Steve Colenbrander (14*) was a racehorse between the wickets in upping the run rate at the death of a highly entertaining innings.
It was tough going for the Headmaster’s XI bowling attack but IT man Ryan Tooms (3 overs, 1 maiden, 13 runs and 1 wicket), late draftee the Maritzburg College first XI 2018 paceman Shaun-Lee Elliott (4-2-13-0) who is just back from a troubling side strain made good.
Super-fit seamer Murray-John Smit (4-0-17-2) was among the wickets at relatively inexpensive cost, while Headmaster and off-spinner Chris Luman will be pleased with the stumping by lively keeper Kyle Emerson that he effected off a well-flighted delivery.
The burly Nollie Duvenage and jack-in-a-box Zola Mazwi also showed a surprising turn of speed and frequent change of pace in picking up a wicket each.
In the Headmaster’s XI turn at the crease their biggest problem was establishing the quality of partnerships that their opposition were capable of.
Punishing batsmanship has at its heart the benefits of clear and comfortable vision.
Ryan Kyle’s punishing 31, Nollie Duvenhage’s 23, and Tim Orchard’s well-crafted 23 might have amounted to more had the Headmaster’s XI not run out of wickets.
The Head’s XI in final analysis mustered 140 that resulted in an 84-run defeat and the return of the coveted Colenbrander Trophy to the Chairman’s XI skipper Steve.
It was certainly a salad day for Mike Wooders as he picked up 3-11 off 3 with his crafty deliveries, while Steve Colenbrander’s artful dibbly-dobblers mopped up the tail (2-4 from 9 deliveries).
And Hylton Strachan seemingly could do no wrong with the ball either in his 2-14 off 4.
The other Chairman wicket-takers with one apiece in a great all-round performance in the field were Brent Bragge, Dicky Delvin, and the irrepressible Clint Bowyer.
No better place to be after a long hot day on the cricket field. Particularly the supreme athletes on display Sunday.
Perhaps the unavailability of Maritzburg College director of cricket Kyle Nipper, due to KZN Inland T20 commitments, was the biggest factor in the outcome, as Nips had been instrumental in the emphatic Headmaster’s XI win this time last year.
However KZN10.com is sure that Team Steve would beg to differ.
A great day was had by all and KZN10.com loved being part of it.
Roll on Colenbrander Trophy 2019!
TEAMS
Headmaster’s XI
Chris Luman (capt)
Chris Nevay
Tim Orchard
Kyle Emerson
Ryan Tooms
Shaun Elliott
Zola Mazwi
Nollie Duvenhage
Drikus Hoffman
M-J Smit
Ryan Kyle
Ron Barbour
Chairman’s XI
Steve Colenbrander (capt)
Kyle Warr
Mike Woodburn
James Bryant
Grant Rowley
Brent Bragge
Richard Delvin
Hylton Strachan
Clint Bowyer
Andrew Tedder
Ricky Chirengende
Umpire: Bryan Mantle
Maritzburg College basketballers get the better of Westville
Maritzburg College hosted Westville for the return match. Both schools fielded their Stayers’ team and College was determined to record a win having lost in the first term.
The excessive heat certainly was going to be a factor for both sides and as College had played Carter on Friday they would have to dig deep in order to secure a victory.
Feature image (file pic): It was a great KZN10.com Super Saturday for Maritzburg College basketball with just one loss to Westville on the day.
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The home team won the jump ball but Westville put the first points on the board from a penalty shot.
The 1st quarter was a rather dull affair as both sides struggled to find any sort of rhythm but College did end the quarter with a slender lead of 3 points (15 – 12).
It was in the 2nd period that College raced ahead with Zaneliswa Khoza and Liam Janse van Rensberg each sinking a 3-point shot which seemed to give the team the momentum they needed.
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During this quarter College outscored Westville 16 points to 7.
As seems to be the trend with the College side, they lost the urgency to forge ahead and allowed Westville to come within 4 points of their score.
Although both teams played an exciting fast paced style of basketball, the Alan Paton Hall was devoid of the usual vocal spectators and this had an effect on the home side who have become accustomed to their supporters spurring them on to victory.
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-The game concluded with College securing a 64 – 55 victory much to the relief of the coaching staff.
Liam Janse van Rensberg top scored for College by contributing 21 points to the total.
All-in-all it was a successful day of basketball with College only losing one game against the visiting school.
Whether
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Kingsmead Mynahs tour trials for KZN grade 11 boys on Sunday
The Kingsmead Mynahs invite all cricketers who are returning to school next year and have not made a representative side to a trial in the indoor facility at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead on Sunday 4th November 2018 starting at 8.30am.
Mynahs are particularly looking for cricketers who made the final trials for KZN Coastal and KZN Inland but missed the cut.
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“We do understand that the boys may be preparing or writing exams so we aim to finish by 11am,” Mynahs coach Philip Lanz told KZN10.com.
“If there are boys playing premier league cricket on Sunday we will try and put them first but can’t guarantee this as it depends on numbers.
“Players are to wear cricket practice kit and must supply their own equipment and cricket ball. If they have stats from the season this will enhance their chances of selection.”
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The Kingsmead Mynahs XI will be chosen at this trial and will play cricket at a competitive level.
Mynahs will play on Friday 30th November in the afternoon and then go on a tour to the Midlands on Saturday 1st December to Monday 3rd and then play 2 more games on the 5th and 6th.
“It is important to note for parents and the boys that they must please ensure players are available for these dates before sending them to trials,” says Philip.
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“We are looking for boys who have played in their school 1st team, 2nd team or U16A this year and who will more than likely play in the 1st team in 2019.
“We are looking for players who have the potential to play representative cricket at a later stage.
“From the last couple of years a number of players have made the KZN U19 or U17 Coastal and Inland teams after making the Kingsmead Mynahs side the year before.
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“This is a wonderful opportunity for boys to develop their game if they want to aspire to play better cricket.
“We also want to spread the net as far as possible to give opportunity to all who qualify for this team.”
Philip Lanz is the Senior HOD Outreach/Operations and MIC Cricket at Thomas More College in Kloof.
Philip can be contacted at Thomas More College on 031 764 8640 and at planz@thomasmore.co.za
