Posts by Jono Cook
True confessions of a KZN10 cricket scorer: Professor Michael Kidd
Michael Patchitt: “On my last run I was travelling much too fast and ramped into the (Maritzburg College dormitory) toilets, landing up the wrong way round in a toilet bowl.”
Mark Pearse: “I had to make a secret pact with Graeme and Chris and find out exactly where they would go to have their compulsory smoking session…”
Mike Kidd: “In my experience, cricket scorers’ rooms, especially the one in the scoreboard on Goldstones, made good places for illicit smoking sessions, although, for the record, I was always only a spectator.”
Michaelhouse first XI 1982
(back from left) Graeme Smythe, Graeme Elgie, Dave Burger, Giles Bonnet, Mickey Quin, Stuart Blacklaw, Rob Pluke, scorer Mike Kidd, (front from leftr: John Cheshire, Graeme Hurlbatt, Mugs Stewart (capt), Chris Newson, Neil Thompson, Jesse Chellan.
KZN schoolboy cricket – the stuff of legend. Anyone who hasn’t massaged the school rules on occasion please stand up. Ja, thought so.
There was also some cricket – and plench amusing too:
Trevor Edley: “Vaughan (Bradfield) was incredible on the short ball, as his dodgy knees prevented him from moving his feet…”
THE DOUGLAS BADER OF BATTING: Despite serious knee trouble since school days, DHS’s happy hooker Vaughan Bradfield went on to be one of South Africa’s top hockey players of his era.
Mike Kidd: “The Potch fast bowler quickly ran through the Michaelhouse batting order and our horrified player had to go out and face his worst nightmare. First ball he nicked to the keeper, thus preserving bodily integrity but not his batting average.”
John Cheshire: “… realising he might not make the required runs, Alan Adcock attempted to play the very first and only defensive shot of his illustrious innings…”
LIFE IN THE FAST LANE WITHOUT GRAEME HURLBATT: Canadian Alan Adcock and friend at ease in the Joshua Tree National Park in California. LIKE THE RED BLACK AND WHITE, AL.
JUST 4 days away… The 59th annual Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week, hosted as always by Maritzburg College begins on Saturday, September 29 and wraps up on Tuesday, October 2. A remarkable 22 teams and 44 matches.
First XI cricketers over the past 59 years will have fond memories of KZN schoolboy cricket – and Michaelmas. Here’s a recollection from a slightly different, but no less significant, viewpoint:
Everyone who knows will tell you that Professor Michael Kidd of the Law Faculty at the University of KZN Pietermaritzburg campus, whose academic focus includes Environmental Law, Water Law and Administrative Law, is a cricket fan of note.
Featured image: Professor Michael Kidd of the UKZN Pietermaritzburg campus Law Faculty.
Mike is also a writer of note – humour is never far from the surface and is so elegantly expressed.
I loved this, and know you will too.
Over to Mike Kidd:
“Thanks Jono, here goes…
“There’s an old adage – very unfair – that says, ‘Those who can, do; those who can’t, teach’.
Adapting that to school cricket in the 1980s, it could go, ‘Those who can, play; those who can’t, score’.
“Having had boys at high school in recent years, it is clear to me that there are at least two things very different between schools cricket (certainly at lower levels) in the late 70s and early 80s, when I was at school, and now.
“The first is, whatever team a boy plays for, there is almost always a match.
“My son was in the U14J team at College and he had a match nearly every Saturday. When I was at school, if you weren’t in the As or Bs (or 1sts, 2nds or 3rds), matches against other schools were few and far between.
“Consequently, there were many boys who were keen on sport who didn’t have a match to play on Saturdays. Some of them chose to be cricket scorers (as I did), while others (juniors) were pressganged into doing the job.
“The result of the latter was that the standard of scoring was frequently not all that good. I remember one game against Hilton for the U15C team (one of only a few we had the whole season) when we left the field having been told that we had lost. Upon checking the scorebooks, it turned out that we had, in fact, won.
“Today, in the lower teams, most of the scoring is done by the umpires (who are also the coaches) using a clipboard while checking for no-balls and LBWs.
“When I was at Michaelhouse from 1979-1983, I was very keen on cricket but my enthusiasm was a few levels higher than my skill.”
* Editor’s note: Clearly a (very) late developer, Mike’s latent talent was not fully appreciated by the Michaelhouse selection panel: This elegant product of the UKZN PMB Law Faculty went on to play local league cricket and notched his maiden half-century in his 40’s.
Back to Mike: “When I was not playing for the U15Cs, or 5ths (I once got as high as 3rds, but not even we played every weekend) I scored for the first XI – until the end of 1982 – having got the job during my first term as a standard seven (grade 9) boy in 1979.
“Schoolfriends would often ask me if I was mad giving up my entire Saturday to watch a cricket match and, what’s more, record what was happening in the match with not a little responsibility for the outcome! But I loved it – meeting interesting people, amusing people with the comments I wrote in the scorebooks, travelling to interesting places and watching some great cricket as well.
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“During my Michaelhouse first XI scoring career, members of opposition teams who would later become provincial, national – and in some cases international – names in cricket or rugby (or both) included Paul Rayner (Hilton); Robin Smith and Hugh Reece-Edwards (Northlands); Gerbrand Grobler, Joubert Strydom, Helgard Muller and Hansie Cronje’s older brother Frans Cronje (Grey Bloem); Trevor Packer (Alex); Dave Callaghan, Vlam Michau and Brian Lones (Grey PE); Cameron Oliver and Andrew Hudson, Mark Pearse, Ant Hall (Kearsney); and Craig Norris (KES), among others.
My first game scoring for the firsts was at King Edward VII School (KES) on a short tour to Johannesburg. Chasing an imposing 247 to win in less than ideal time, I was fortunate to witness Mick Tingle hit 94 in 70 minutes, hitting sixes to all areas of the ground and nearly taking out a few spectators, although it was not enough to win the match, Michaelhouse reaching a credible 229 with a couple of wickets in hand at the close. In those days there was very little limited-overs cricket. Declaration cricket was the norm.
“And during that much I struck up a friendship with the KES scorer, and we are still friends 40 years later!”
* Jono says: Then came a one-on-one tussle, between a Michaelhouse fast bowler and a Hilton College batsman (the nature of which just about every schoolboy cricketer could cite a similar example from his own era).
Over to Mike Kidd again:
“Shortly after the Jo’burg tour and the KES match, Michaelhouse hosted Hilton at what is now called the Roy Gathorne Oval. We had a tall, quick, opening bowler who was also a Natal Schools rugby lock, Colin van Heerden. Batting for Hilton was Paul Rayner, who later had a long first-class career with Natal and Western Province.
“Van Heerden pinned Rayner on the head with a short ball. Fortunately for Rayner, these were the early days of helmets, and he was unhurt. Van Heerden bowled another bouncer, whereupon Rayner deposited the ball over the railway line that skirts the Oval at Michaelhouse.
Caption annotation: The illustrious Michaelhouse first XI of 1979. Caption erratum: The gentleman in the front row, third from left (alongside the legends Messrs Van Heerden and Patchitt) is neither N.G. Frolich nor Nic Frolich. It is in fact Paddy Moon. The captain (front row, third from right) is not N.J. Patchitt, it is M.J. Patchitt. Further, the ace scorer (back row, extreme left) is not W.H. Kidd but is in fact one M.A. Kidd. Clearly the photographer bothered himself not with such trifles.
“An annual highlight was Michaelmas Week (now Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week), hosted by Maritzburg College in the September/October vacation. Schools from all over the country came to Pietermaritzburg to play against the invited KZN sides.
“In 1979, Michaelhouse were playing Potchefstroom Boys’ High at a field across the Dusi River called Tinneyland, which is no longer, due to its incorporation into the Camps Drift canal. Mike Patchitt, the Michaelhouse first XI captain, has the following recollection of that week. This is a story I have only recently heard, since I was staying at a friend’s house that week:
A tale of an adventurous Michael Patchitt and the Maritzburg College Underwater Dormitory.
“A few of us got back to the dormitory at Maritzburg College after a few beers ,” says the skipper Mike Patchitt, “and proceeded to start duckdiving in the UPSTAIRS showers which was a long narrow passage with the toilets at the far end.
“Everyone got a bit too excited and the speed at which we slid along the floor increased at an alarming rate. In order to get our speed up we had to use a lot of water and soap outside the showers.
“On my last run I was travelling much too fast and ramped into the toilets, landing up the wrong way round in a toilet bowl. I hobbled to bed but was woken at 4am by Driver Thompson – the late Mike Thompson, Michaelhouse legend and then coach of the Michaelhouse first team.
“As captain of the team I was asked to explain who had flooded the downstairs dormitories. All the cricket coaches had spent 3 hours cleaning up. I did mention that a number of boys were involved in the incident.
“The next day we played against Potch and as a result of my injury could hardly walk, let alone open the bowling. Driver simply smiled and said nothing. No further action was taken and I respect him for that. What a let-off!!!!!”
Back to Mike Kidd:
“The team may have been let off for the duckdiving, but the cricket against Potch was not forgiving. After Potch had made a respectable score, we went in. The Potch fast bowler was very quick indeed – probably faster than any of our team had seen before.
“One of our players in the middle order (no names) spent the entire innings verbally expressing his anxiety (I’m being kind here – it was probably closer to dread) at having to face Dustin.
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“Anyway, Dustin ran through the order fairly quickly and our horrified player had to go out and face his worst nightmare. First ball he nicked to the keeper, thus preserving bodily integrity but not his batting average. Dustin ended up with 8 wickets and Potch won comfortably.
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“My other abiding memories are from 1982, when I was in matric and most of the team were contemporaries of mine. Gordon Paterson, the Michaelhouse coach, who had just returned to the school after a two-year sabbatical at Stellenbosch:
Gordon Paterson recalls: “I had just returned from two seasons under the guidance of Eddie Barlow, so I was determined that we would play to win and not play not to lose.
“It was a thoroughly enjoyable season of cricket with a capable team.”
Back to Prof Kidd:
“Under the captaincy of Murray ‘Mugs’ Stewart, we lost only once to another Natal team in a regular game (we also lost to Hilton in a limited-overs game under lights).
“This loss in a regular declaration fixture was the match late in the year against Kearsney. I wasn’t on duty that game because we in the 5ths had a game against Kearsney on Meadows, at the other end of the school.
“When our game ended (we won), I went up to the Oval to catch the end of the first team game. When I arrived, the stumps had been drawn and everything was over. I found my substitute scorer, and the scorebook made rather dismal reading (from a Michaelhouse perspective).
“Kearsney had declared on 209 for 2, with Mark Pearse out on 99 – he told me later he had tried to tickle a Graeme Hurlbatt delivery down to third man, only succeeding in feathering a catch behind – and Andrew Hudson on 76 not out.
1982 Kearsney College and Natal Schools captain Mark Pearse tried to get cute with a Graeme Hurlbatt delivery and was back in the hut for 99.
“Michaelhouse in response managed to muster only 67, with Anthony Hall taking 8 for 27. Both Hudson and Hurlbatt made the Natal Schools side that year, with Hudson of course eventually playing for South Africa at Test match level (35 Tests and 89 ODIs).
Note from Jono: In 1982 Ant Hall was absolutely unplayable on the AH Smith Oval at Kearsney, zipping the ball off the seam prodigiously. Indeed, so marked was the movement that most of us weren’t good enough to nick-off. Clearly Ant found the Michaelhouse pitch much to his liking as well.
Back to Prof Kidd: “Another memorable game where I wasn’t scorer took place at Goldstones in February of that 1982 year. I was playing for Michaelhouse 5ths on Papes (now the Maritzburg College hockey Astro), on a matting wicket. Having scored a royal duck, I attempted to atone with the ball.
“I bowled the College captain with one that hit the edge of the mat and cut in about a metre-and-a-half to take out off stump. But a College batsman, who looked as if he was a first team prop, cleaned up and we lost quite early in the afternoon.
“I walked down to Basher Ridge on Goldstones to watch the first team game. When I arrived, it looked as though Michaelhouse had it wrapped up.
“Michaelhouse had declared on 153 for 4, with Chris Newson (unlucky not to make Natal Schools, in my opinion) contributing 72 not out. College were in all sorts of trouble, 9 down with less than 100 on the board.
“Nobody had told Maritzburg College’s last batsman, the very swift fast bowler Alan Adcock (son of SA fast bowling great Neil), that the game was over, however. Alan (tall, and a very good golfer) got stuck into the bowling, particularly Hurlbatt; not in an agricultural manner, but by playing some wonderful drives. The ace Michaelhouse fast bowler kept looking for the yorker and number 11 batter Adcock kept driving – with uncommon grace and timing – piercing the covers or straight back past the increasingly frustrated Hurlbatt.”
GOLDSTONES GLORIOUS GOLDSTONES: On-song Maritzburg College fast bowler Alan Adcock disturbs PBHS batsman R. Cleaver’s middle and leg stumps after gliding in from the Princess Margaret Drive End in a fashion so reminiscent of his Springbok paceman dad. Skipper Jono Cook seems a bit surprised for some reason.
Jono says: “I remember like yesterday the supreme competitor (to put a ridiculously mild spin on it) that is Graeme Hurlbatt steaming in from the College Road End in the gathering gloom and working up a fearsome pace as he sought to finish what he had started. I was out early and so relieved that it was now Alan facing and not me. There were quite a few Hurlbatt verbals thrown Alan’s way.”
Back to the Prof: “With the Michaelhouse total in sight, John Cheshire, the Michaelhouse spinner, was reintroduced to the attack:”
Over to John Cheshire: “Mugs (captain Murray Stewart), for whatever reason, entrusted me to bowl what was the final over of the day. College (Adcock) needed 14 to win.
THERE IS ALWAYS ONE… An unforeseen arm ball from Michaelhouse and Natal Schools mystery spinner John Cheshire cruelly deprived the dashing Maritzburg College number 11 batsman Alan Adcock of a deserved place in Red Black and White cricket folklore.
“(Alan) Adcock swung and missed at my first 2 deliveries and then, realising he might not make the required runs, attempted to play the very first and only defensive shot of his illustrious innings, only for ball to go between bat and pad and clean bowled!”
Jono says: John that hurt, as I thought we (by ‘we’, read Alan Adcock) had dragged the impossible out of the fire.
OK, back to Professor Mike: “Alan Adcock was eventually dismissed for 42 and Michaelhouse had won by 13 runs.
“Exactly a month later in that 1982 year, Alexandra came up to Michaelhouse. There was a lot of moisture in the air and I assume Michaelhouse won the toss and put Alex in.
“Hurlbatt got 4 wickets with Stuart Blacklaw and Jesse Chellan getting 3 apiece, to have Alex back in the hut for 55. Alex struck back, however, and all of the Michaelhouse batsmen who usually scored runs were out with the target still some way off.
“The prospect of an unexpected defeat loomed large. Alex fast bowler Mark Iveson (Jono says, extremely swift, trust me) whom captain Greg Visick described as “a bowler who gave me everything I asked” and was unfortunate not to make Natal Schools, took 4 wickets.
“Enter Graeme Elgie, who showed the previous batsmen how to handle the conditions, ending with 49 and taking Michaelhouse safely to 111. Alex were put in for a second innings, mustering 77.
An inspirational 49 from the lesser-heralded Michaelhouse batsman Graeme Elgie turned looming defeat and a Mark Iveson wicket-taking tidal wave into victory against the luckless Alex first XI.
“One of the most exciting games in which I was involved as scorer was against DHS, at Michaelhouse. We scored 157 for 8, leaving DHS 150 minutes to score 158 for victory.
“As Michaelhouse first XI coach Gordon Paterson observed in the school magazine: ‘At 57 for 1 at tea and 100 for 4 at 4.45pm, they [DHS] were well placed for victory’.”
Recalls Trevor Edley, the 1982 DHS captain and Natal Schools’ cricketer of his DHS team-mate Vaughan Bradfield (the brilliant hockey player): “Vaughan opened the batting in this game to devastating effect and was setting us up for victory.
1982 DHS first XI captain and Natal Schools batsman Trevor Edley and “Brad” (only joking – I suspect the pooch’s knees are OK)).
“Vaughan was incredible on the short ball, as his dodgy knees prevented him from moving his feet; remarkable in that he would become one of the outstanding South Africans on the hockey field.
“He fell just short of his 50 and Hurlbatt came back into the attack to take a further 3 wickets (he took 5 overall), leaving things on a knife’s edge. Overs were running out and DHS were closing in, but with only one wicket left. All three results were still a possibility when Chellan bowled Andrew Butler to leave Michaelhouse victors by 3 runs.”
Back to Professor Mike: “At the end of Offord Week, when the Natal Schools’ team was selected, I was fortunate to be asked to score for them in a warm-up game at Kingsmead against a Natal Country Districts side.
“I knew about half the Natal Schools side quite well, since there were three Michaelhouse representatives (Neil Thompson, Graeme Hurlbatt and John Cheshire) and three players who had been at Highbury with me; Mark Pearse, the captain, and Paul Logan (also from Kearsney), and Chris Copland from Hilton (more about them in the next paragraph).
“This was my last game as scorer at school (I scored for a few of my sons’ games 30 years later as a coerced spectator!) and it was the only time ever that one of the players (no names) came into the scorers’ room during lunch to change his bowling figures.
“I noticed the alterations and tidied everything up after lunch, but it was something that I had never expected!
Highbury first XI 1978. Back row 4th from left: Chris Copland then Giles Bonnet and Paul Logan. Front row 2nd from left: Graeme Elgie, captain Mark Pearse (centre) and Michael Kidd on the right.
“Four of the Natal players were selected for SA Schools in 1982: Graeme Hurlbatt and Chris Copland were the SA Schools opening bowlers that year, Mark Pearse and David Pfaff, the opening batsman from Hilton College, who was also an SA Schools hockey striker, also made the team.
Natal Schools captain Mark Pearse recalls: ““It was no secret that leading up to Nuffield Week, Graeme and Chris were going to be a devastating new ball pairing.
“They certainly didn’t disappoint and destroyed a number of the other sides. Ant Lovell (Hilton College legend) was our coach and we always liked to have a team meeting the night before a game to dissect the opposition the next day.
“Obviously, the time would change depending on everyone’s availability. I had to make a secret pact with Graeme and Chris and find out exactly where they would go to have their compulsory smoking session.
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“If Ant Lovell called a meeting, I would rush off to Chris and Graeme in the agreed smoking area and hand out some spearmint chewing gun to dilute the smell of cigarettes! Great memories and superb characters.”
Back to Professor Michael Kidd: “From my experience, scorers’ rooms, especially the one in the scoreboard on Goldstones, made good places for illicit smoking sessions, although, for the record, I was always only a spectator.
“SIR, I WAS ONLY A SPECTATOR. PROMISE…” Tom Selleck, Bernoldus Niemand or ???
“I suppose that a young cricket enthusiast who is now at a well-resourced school has ample opportunity to play cricket almost every weekend, so the option of scoring is not so common anymore.
“All the same, I’m glad that I had the opportunity with the scorebook. Those memories are as vivid as those of any matches in which I played.”
ENDS
# Cheers Mike, having also been in matric in 1982, your recollections have sparked a dozen – and more – memories of that special time. Thank you. Magic stuff.
GIVE THIS MAN (YET ANOTHER) CASTLE! Thanks Mike.
*****
Notes from Jono:
The colourful Graeme Hurlbatt:
* Bulawayo-born, came to Michaelhouse from the then family home in Swaziland, made SA Schools cricket, was a (frightening, trust me) Michaelhouse first team hockey centre forward that no-one wanted to mark (trust me), played cricket for Natal B and Scotland. Graeme, who was nicknamed Captain Marvel by one of his UK clubs, played and coached in Scotland and Ireland with great success for the better part of 3 decades.
A far more chilled Graeme Hurlbatt than on that epic Goldstones Saturday late-afternoon when Maritzburg College batting bunny Alan Adcock drove the Michaelhouse terror down the ground with elan and panache.
Alan Adcock’s dad:
* Alan Adcock’s dad, Neil Adcock, was the first South African fast bowler to take 100 Test wickets. He used his height to make the ball lift alarmingly off a length. On the Springboks’ tour to England in 1960, Adcock was a revelation, brushing off the controversy surrounding his new-ball partner, DHS Old Boy Geoff Griffin – who was no-balled for throwing – to take 26 wickets in the Tests, even though South Africa lost the series 3-0. On that England tour, Adcock took 108 wickets for the Springboks at an average of 14 and was named one of Wisden’s Cricketers of the Year.
LIKE FATHER LIKE SON: Neil Amwin Treharne Adcock.
As you can see from this 1956 British Pathé newsreel filmed on day 1 of the first Test between the Springboks and England at Ellis Park, cricket in South Africa was a box office event drawing capacity crowds. During a purple patch, Jeppe Old Boy Neil Adcock and Peter Heine – one of the great new-ball partnerships – took 98 wickets between them in 12 Tests. Neil later became a popular cricket commentator.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6Qt78mZRCU
THE NEIL ADCOCK DELIVERY STRIDE: Give me the mysteries of John Cheshire on a sticky wicket any time.
What it is to be a Knight… Northwood head of school Cameron Ciaglia reflects
“Back yourself; respect each individual; nurture, don’t police; be the change you want to see, it’s a powerful thing. And enjoy it.”
These are the phrases that stayed with me when I considered Northwood head of school Cameron Ciaglia’s responses to my questions.
Cam, thanks for your time; what have you learnt about yourself this year?
“Thanks for your interest, sir.
“What I have learnt from being head of the school has to be two things.
“The first is how to work with people.
“It came to my attention very early on in the year that everyone has different personalities, expectations and values and the way you interact and communicate with one person could be totally different to the next.
“In these situations it was important for me to remember that everyone is different and that in order to complete your goals you often have to take different approaches, depending on the person or situation.
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“It allowed me to mature and grow, mentally and emotionally.
“The second thing that my position in the school taught me this year was to back myself. You are where you are for a reason and you must start to believe that.
“I always think of the quote, ‘Work until your idol becomes your rival’.
“Well, my school idol never really became a rival, but reaching the position as head of school grew my confidence and allowed me to be in the shoes of my idol and build on what he had left.”
Wise words indeed. Cameron, what policy did you introduce or play a part in that had as its goal a healthier interaction across the student body?
“This year we set a goal to nurture instead of police.
“I feel we exceeded our expectations in this regard, as the entire school vibe changed for the better and was evident in the pride the boys showed, not only in their appearance but also in starting to adopt the qualities of a true Northwood Knight.
So what would you consider to be a personal highlight of your year?
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“The culture that was created built an energy best expressed on the sports field, and in doing so leaves my favourite memory as head of school.
“Our Old Boys Day 2018. The pure excitement and passion on the day could bring any Old Boy to tears, and it is one of the many reasons I’m finding it’s so hard to say goodbye to this place I’ve called home.”
Phew, Cameron I’ve got goose bumps reading those words. I was at your Old Boys Day – St Charles College your worthy opponents – and I recognise exactly the sentiments that you have expressed.
It was an electric atmosphere… The passion, I could almost touch it.
So, to wrap it up, from what you have learned as Northwood head of school 2018? What advice would Cameron Ciaglia like to leave with the leadership group of 2019?
“The greatest and most valuable piece of advice I can give to next years’ prefects, and the years after, is that you must just enjoy it.
“Time flies when you are having fun; and if you work together instead of against each other the duty becomes less of a task and more of a will.
“To be the change you want to see is a powerful thing.
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“Take every moment you are not only given, but also create, to make your community a better place.
“You are a group of brothers; let your chivalry show and be proud of both your past and future.
“And remember:
“At the end of the day all that really matters is the Blue and the White, you were once a Squire and now you’re a Knight’.”
Tell you what, Cameron, after hearing those words I’m so pumped up at this moment that if you give me a jersey of the Blue and White I promise to give you 30 seconds as a no-impact player.
Any longer would be unwise.
Cameron Ciaglia… once a Squire, now a Knight. Long may you continue to be a proud ambassador for all that being a Northwood Knight means.
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Australia’s Brad Hope recalls his Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week
Affies: 65 (Goldstones); Jeppe: 83* (Goldstones); Hudson Park: 85 (Goldstones); St Andrews Grahamstown: 24 (Eston).
That was Maritzburg College grade 9 (standard 7) boy Bradley Hope’s 2014 – and only – Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week
Then 100 not out in Brad’s last match for the Maritzburg College first XI, on Goldstones, vs Glenwood, who had the outstanding schoolboy Andile Phehlukwayo in their side.
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Feature image: Grade 9, Maritzburg College first XI, 2014: Bradley Hope, an elegant batsman beyond his years.
That was Bradley Hope in 2014 – in grade 9 – before he moved to Australia with his family.
And it’s just 12 days away from the 59th edition of the longest-running invitation schoolboy cricket week in the country.
Maritzburg College Old Boy Bradley Hope… (fourth from right, back row) in the Australia U19 team.
The 2018 Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week sees its sponsor, Jonathan Oppenheimer, backing the week in order to keep costs down, for the 15th consecutive year.
Back to Brad: We will never know the extent to which Bradley Hope might have re-written the record books at Maritzburg College had he completed his remaining three school years at the Red Black and White.
257 Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week runs at an average of 86 while in grade 9 marked Brad Hope as one to watch.
Beginning grade 10 at Christ Church Grammar School in 2015, Durban Prep boy Brad has continued climbing the cricket ladder. More about that later.
Brad’s four knocks at the 2014 Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week as a recently-turned 15-year-old will stay with me a long time, as will his 100* in his last match on Goldstones.
Brad Hope when he was in the Australia U17 team, from which he graduated to the Australia U19 side.
An elegant batsman with a textbook technique, and an outstanding swing and seam bowler at brisk pace, Brad also had a cricket brain far beyond his years.
Content to play himself in, 12-plus deliveries with just a run or two to his name would – before you knew it – translate into an 80 in 60 or 70 balls – an array of shots straight out of the MCC coaching manual.
Content to play himself in at his own pace, the 14/15-year-old Brad Hope of 2014 would then up his strike rate with seemingly effortless ease. A repertoire of textbook cricket shots, head down, play through the ball and follow.
So when virtually all boys his age in top-tier cricket schools were playing U15 cricket, Brad Hope scored 257 Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week runs for the Maritzburg College first XI – against Affies, Jeppe, Hudson Park and St Andrews College Grahamstown – at an average of 86 per innings.
And that 100 not out in a losing cause against a rampant Phehlukwayo-driven Glenwood, who won that day, was in my book the best knock of them all.
Brad Hope… Maritzburg College 200 for 2 in the 38th over at the Grey PE Cricket Festival.
Over to Bradley Hope from Perth:
“Hi Jon, yes I played in Michaelmas in 2014 and can remember nearly the whole Maritzburg College first XI; Lwandiswa Zuma, Sohail Mahmoud, Denham Shepstone, David Small, Jean de Wet, Matthew Dicks to name a few.
The 2014 Maritzburg College first XI on Goldstones, of which Bradley Hope has fond memories. “Maritzburg College was special because of the passion everyone has for the school.”
“The coach was Mr Mike Smith. He helped me massively with the mental side of the game and preparing me for cricket beyond school.”
Brad, what was special about Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week?
“It was pretty cool having all the teams staying at College and getting to talk to guys from other schools you wouldn’t normally speak to. It was also really good to play 4 games in 4 days against top schools from other provinces.
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“Maritzburg College was special because of the passion everyone has for the school and the bond you create with the other boys because you spend so much time with each other.”
Brad finished his secondary education in 2017 at Christ Church Grammar School and is now at the University of Western Australia reading for a Bachelor of Commerce degree.
Brad, how is your cricketing journey going in Australia?
HOME of CRICKET LEGENDS… Justin Langer, Terry Alderman: Brad Hope at the WACA in Perth… one day???
“It’s been going really well. School cricket isn’t as important as it is in South Africa. It’s all about club cricket.
“Australia has been great so far, it took a bit of getting used but once we settled down it’s been good. The biggest thing I miss is spending time with family.
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“I’ve been really lucky to have played for the Western Australia senior second XI, the Australia U19 team and I also got a rookie contract for the Perth Scorchers in The Big Bash League (the Australian Professional Twenty20 cricket league).
“And recently I went with the (Western Australia Sheffield Shield) Warriors squad on their pre-season camp to Brisbane.”
Phew. Keep it up Brad, we’re all backing you to wear the Aussie Baggy Green cap one day soon.
Bradley Hope is a swing and seam bowler held in high regard.
THE FOUNDATION IS STRONG: Bradley Hope’s ability to score heavily is founded on a technically correct base.
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Kearsney College head prefect Phoka Mchunu reflects on his year
“To see the Generation We Youth Movement, which started as just an idea, actually flourish into an event where we managed to gather over 200 students from various backgrounds to find commonality in a country which faces such strong division and tension, is something I’ll forever cherish,” says Kearsney College head prefect Phoka Mchunu.
LEADING into the story, here’s a bit of background: Phoka conceptualised and organised Generation We this year, bringing together matriculants from seven KZN high schools to interact with peers from different and diverse backgrounds in the Valley of A Thousand Hills, to inspire one another and share their individual stories.
Feature image: Kearsney College head prefect 2018 Phoka Mchunu.
Photo TRACEY VAN DEN AARDWEG
During July 140 students from the Generation We group led a walk through the Valley as part of an engagement programme with 140 children from the Valley. It culminated in music, dance, discussions and a tree planting ceremony.
A quote that Phoka often cites: “The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow” – Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
Kearsney College first XV’s Phoka Mchunu takes it to Pretoria Boys High.
Photo TRACEY VAN DEN AARDWEG
—–
Hi Phoka thanks for taking the time to share your leadership experiences in 2018 with KZN10.com.
1 What was the biggest takeaway in terms of what you learnt as head of school?
“Thank you for the opportunity Sir. The takeaway for this year? You’re never too high or powerful to listen and take the advice of others.
“I believe I discovered the importance in listening to the opinions, concerns and suggestions of my peers, teachers, the Kearsney College Old Boys and parents.
“I believe that the key to people believing in you is providing them with the reassurance that you’re always listening to their concerns.
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“I found also when I opened myself to the advice of others; problems which seemed complex were easily solved due to a different perspective on how to resolve it.
“The lesson I learned as a leader is that you should ask more questions than you answer.
“You should listen to people, as each voice is crucial in guiding your decision.
2 As head of the learner body, what was your highlight of the year?
“The highlight that stands out for me would be the collaboration with the heads of other schools – Hilton, Michaelhouse, St Anne’s, Kloof High, Hillcrest High and St Mary’s – in starting the Generation We Youth Movement.
“It’s the realisation that the youth need to take a stand together, as we all face our individual challenges in life.
“To see the Generation We Youth Movement, which started as just an idea, actually flourish into an event where we managed to gather over 200 students from various backgrounds to find commonality in a country which faces such strong division and tension, is something I’ll forever cherish.
Generation We – the hike of friendship. Conceptualised and implemented by 2018 Kearsney College head prefect Phoka Mchunu, it remains his proudest moment – and his legacy.
Photo JONATHAN HOUGHTING
“The assurance that the matric Class of 2019 will continue what we managed to start, only serves to add in making this my highlight as Kearsney’s head prefect.”
3 What would be the one best piece of advice you would give to the Kearsney College head prefect of next year and his prefect group?
Real relationships and bad calls: The importance of succeeding in whatever you wish to achieve is having authentic relationships. Authenticity is the key to winning the support of your peers.
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“Every relationship should be built on the foundation of respect and, once this has been achieved, trust and confidence will follow, helping you win their hearts and minds.
“It’s crucial to remember that life is not all sunshine and rainbows, so not all people will believe in what you have to say and support it.
“When that’s the case, remember every cloud has a silver lining.
“You’re bound to make a bad call someday – no-one is perfect. All the mistakes made along the way contribute in assisting you climb the next mountain.
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“At the end of the day it’s a journey best understood once travelled.”
Regards
Phoka Mchunu
—–
Thanks again, Phoka, you have certainly given me food for thought. Much of which I can adopt in my own life. There is a maturity, a wisdom and a balance that is compelling.
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Phoka, your are a credit to Kearsney College. Everything of the best for the future.
Regards
Jonathan (Jono) Cook
KZN10.com
Why the KZN10 schools are getting it right
The success to date of Hilton College’s grade 11 triple first XI sportsman Suubi Mugerwa-Sekawabe is a combination; a three-pronged structure – raw talent, parental support and the school coaches’ guidance.
A PROUD HISTORY AND TRADITION: First XV front-ranker Henty Beukes enters Graeme Gilfillan Field ahead of the 200th Hilton Michaelhouse match.
Given Suubi’s sports career, I am surmising that raw talent is the base; and more than that, his achievement so far is the consequence of his Hilton College first XI coaches Celo Mbanjwa (football), Devon van der Merwe (hockey) and Dale Benkenstein (cricket) instilling in Suubi the more important values that indicate success is more about preparation than raw talent.
Featured image: SHARING A MOMENT – The St Charles College boys express themselves on Meadows during the first XV rugby match on 28 April 2018.
It is also a consequence of the support given Suubi in preceding years. It is no accident that Suubi has achieved success in all walks of life.
BROTHERS FOR LIFE: Clifton College first XV boys standing together, one for the other.
National recognition and regional/provincial recognition – be it academic, cultural, sporting – is the culmination of a step-by-step learning process that takes much time, blood, plenty of sweat – and yes, frustration and disappointment when a desired outcome is denied.
And it is not for all to achieve the heights, but it is for all to be the very best they can possibly be, given the talents they have. And here again I feel that my chosen KZN10 schools are on the right path – endeavouring as best they can to make each boy aware that there is an avenue for his “special power”; that his particular gift will be acknowledged, valued and nurtured.
More than just winning it, it’s about LIVING IT: Kearsney College 1st’s Dane Mertsch… living and loving every moment.
Photo TRACEY VAN DEN AARDWEG
Please note: Suubi and Hilton College is an example. There are numerous other examples amongst all the K10 schools, as evidenced in the links below. There are some schools not included in the links that the same evidence will be painted in the weeks and months to come.
Some random examples: Celimpilo Gumede the DHS first XV captain, SA Schools (2nd year) and SA Sevens rugby forward; Sibusiso Sangweni, Kearsney College rugby captain and SA Schools loose forward; schoolmate Guy Morgan, firsts hockey captain, KZN Coastal A national title-winning captain and SA Hockey Fives team member.
The thing is, first and foremost these fine young men are primarily at school for academics and I have tried my best – until they get a gap – to let them get on with it, rather than infringe on their study time and numerous other commitments.
Please note further: Winning is by no means everything at school level, yet a general rule can be applied – boys and teams that are encouraged to extend themselves in a structured, skill-by-skill progression, will win most matches and individual events.
IT’S FAR MORE THAN JUST A JOB: Glenwood first XV head coach Derek Heiberg and peers take the time to understand and counsel each player in their care.
And, thank goodness in most respects: No one educational institution or boy is perfect – that’s what makes the process so satisfying in the long term; there is always scope for learning and for the betterment of the here and now.
So, yes, Suubi had already shown the raw material and the desire at a young age, the sporting goods, to stand out, but as we have seen with many outstanding schoolboy sportsmen – some who have achieved post-school and others not – that in-born, innate ability is not enough.
As a sports journalist of 23 years’ standing who has a long-standing, abiding interest in schoolboy sport and its participants: What I see at Hilton College and other members of my chosen KZN10 schools is much more than just having talented boys; it’s a determination by their coaches and schoolteachers to foster a policy of encouraging, motivating the boys in a continuous search to further develop their innate talent.
SEEING BEYOND THE WHITES LINES: Northwood first team coach Shaun Baker and his KZN10 peers know that hockey’s educational value extends much further than the confines of an Astro.
The positive side of the coin is this: If the coach doesn’t enable the boy – when the boy has mastered the nuts and bolts of a particular skill set – to keep exploring, in a structured manner, the upper reaches of his talent base, a plateau is reached, a plateau where raw talent alone is not enough. The development – and the process of achievement flatlines.
And, ultimately, what could have been is never fulfilled. Therein lies the reality. The best coaches and schoolteachers tell the truth, improve the boys’ ability to communicate, instil the process that success requires in any field of endeavour.
SHARING A TEAM-MATE’S SPECIAL MOMENT: Members of the Westville first XV.
The sports field is a metaphor for life in its broadest terms; it is a theatre of the real world and the lessons that simply must be learned if success is to follow – the time to put one’s hand up, to stand alone, the time to suppress self-interest in pursuit of a greater cause, the time to put others first, the learning that there are no short-cuts, the growing appreciation and recognition that everything worthwhile is to be earned, not given.
Coaches who are adept at enabling their team and individual players to embrace and love getting past the comfort zone of current success through a constant, step by step, process by process, exploration of skills development and optimal performance will benefit all parties in the long run – and most important of all – will provide lasting benefit to each boy.
THE SHARED EMOTION of success that has at its genesis countless hours’ training when few are even aware you are.
* At its core: encouraging a joy for the little things – a the smell freshly cut sports field, the intoxicating aroma of a brand new leather cricket ball, a deep love of the sport itself, not the outcome of a contest, the deep satisfaction of sharing, by unselfish deeds, in the collective that is team.
* I am not predicting anything for Suubi or the young men mentioned here – there are many other variables, such as opting for a study focus post-school in which time constraints preclude the rigours of serious sport – but what I am saying is that Hilton College and my chosen KZN10 schools are doing their utmost to lay the best-possible foundation – a present and future life path that goes way beyond the school boundaries.
And perhaps most important of all – it is the social interaction of boys from all walks of life – the recognition that there is a common bond – if we care enough to find it.
WHERE FRIENDS ARE MADE: Every KZN10 Old Boy will tell you that where once there were rivals now there are friends – mutual respect borne of a common interest and a shared battle.
The links
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DHS vs Maritzburg College 1st XV epics… 1987-1989… Ivy’s memories
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Glenwood first XV – The process that leads to the performance
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Westville Boys’ Head of School Matthew Pollard reflects on the year
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Westville Boys’ Head of School Matthew Pollard reflects on the year
The KZN10 head boys are winding up their year as leaders of the 2018 student body so it’s an opportune time to ask them 3 quick questions – what they have learnt about leadership, what was a year highlight, and what advice would they give to the 2019 head boy:
Here’s Westville Boys’ High School’s Head of School, Matthew Pollard:
KZN10.com: Hi Matthew, what are your thoughts on the questions I have posed to you?
Hi Mr Cook
Thank you for the questions.
1. One thing I have taken away from this year is that you are nothing without your team.
Matthew Pollard is an outstanding cricketer in the Westville first XI. Using his height to advantage, he possesses the ability to get the ball to rise sharply off a good length at considerable pace and has an excellent bouncer. As a batsman his stride enables Matthew to turn good-length deliveries into half-volleys.
I’ve been privileged to have the support throughout the year of not only my deputies but also the entire leadership body. Each and every leader at WBHS has put their everything into the school and I could not have done it without them.
2. As far as my highlight of the year? Without a doubt our Old Boys Day vs Maritzburg College.
It was a tough season for our 1st XV, suffering numerous injuries. We were playing with a depleted side but one thing that Westville kept throughout the season was heart and passion.
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We had a good build-up through the week and by the time Saturday came, we were ready. Not only the way we played, but the heart and passion put into our war cries was immense. A really proud moment for me.
The spot in the Westville changeroom on Bowdens reserved for first XI cricketer Matthew Pollard.
Credit must also go to our Old Boys for contributing to the buzz by showing they still have the passion for the Griffin and joining in for a few war cries.
3. Advice I would give to the incoming Head of School? Make the most of it. Time truly does fly by and before you know it, Mr Cook will be asking you to answer some questions for him and give some feedback on the 2019 year!
Clarity leads to confidence in your actions.
It is also very important to remain humble and believe in yourself. People may not always agree with you, but as long as you are doing what you feel is right, you will succeed.
Regards
Matthew Pollard
* Well said, Matthew. There are so many life lessons in what you have said. I wish you everything of the best. See you at Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week.
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Outstanding communication is the hallmark of leaders in their field..
Contact your KZN expert Lucienne at 065 301 3095 to connect your way.
20 seconds with Hilton College shooting star Suubi Mugerwa-Sekawabe
WHEN Suubi’s not in the classroom, he plays 3 first team sports – and still only in grade 11… Trains every day when he’s not representing the black and white of the Boys of Hilton College. Not much time for anything else you might think. Wrong. Suubi Mugerwa-Sekawabe is much more than just sportsfields and classrooms. I gave Suubi 20 seconds to tell me about the Suubi chill moments – and a bit more. Who is Suubi? Let’s find out.
Nicknames: Suubz/ Sekkerz
Suubz in 1 word: Realistic
3 Best Suubz dinner invites: Man U midfielder Jesse Lingard, actor Kevin Hart, comedian Trevor Noah
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Suubz’ favourite food: Bacon & cheese burger from RocoMamas
3 Suubz Desert island must-haves: Friends, cellphone, soccer ball
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4 Things Suubz can’t live without: Friends, cellphone, family, music
Suubz’ favourite breakfast: Future Life Crunch
Suubz’ favourite actor: Kevin Hart
Actress: Jennifer Lawrence
TV show: Power
Holiday destination: Cape Town
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Board game: Monopoly Deal
If Suubz could attend any sports event? Soccer World Cup
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Favourite car: Ford Mustang
Down time: Chilling with friends & finding new music
On Suubz’ screensaver: Hypebeast Cartoons
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Contact Maritzburg College Old Boy Stuart Hill of the HFL Group at 082 752 1494.
Hilton College’s shooting star Suubi Mugerwa-Sekawabe
IT’S not every day you find a grade 11 boy who plays three major first team sports – and plays all three at provincial or national level. Hilton College’s Suubi Mugerwa-Sekawabe is one of them.
Born and raised in East London, where the family home is, the 17-year-old Suubi quickly made his mark at Hilton and has grown from strength to strength.
First team cricket, hockey and soccer, does Suubi find the sheer number of practices and matches puts a strain on his enthusiasm?
Featured image: Suubi Mugerwa-Sekawabe celebrates an opposition wicket during the Coca-Cola Schools National Franchise T20 Finals at Tuks in Pretoria earlier this year.
Hilton College and SA Schools’ Suubi Mugerwa-Sekawabe and Elias Fernández of Oz in the thick of the action during the thrilling July series at UKZN PMB.
“Good afternoon, sir, the practices for the different sporting codes can be difficult to balance at times. However, I remain enthusiastic about every practice that I attend. In the first term of this year, balancing my cricket commitments with my pre-season hockey ones was a challenge.
“For pre-season hockey we normally had practices on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Due to my cricket commitments, such as T20 competitions and various tours, I ended up missing a few of these hockey practices. For similar reasons, I missed a number of pre-season soccer training sessions as a result of my hockey commitments in the second term.
“We are in the third term at the moment and I have not been able to go to any pre-season cricket practices as the soccer season is compact, there is a strenuous soccer programme. Generally, throughout the year I have a sports practice on every day of the week, which can be exhausting but my enjoyment of sport means that I can push myself in each and every session.”
I have watched Suubi play more hockey than soccer or cricket – he caught my eye for the first time at the top-tier 2017 Nomads Hockey Festival hosted by Hilton College – and immediately I knew he was one to watch.
A centre-back for the first hockey team, Suubi enjoys his role because it allows him to set up the platform for Hilton College to attack.
Suubi scans the field before making the spot-on pass at St Charles College
“I try and provide the team with a solid base. Centre-back enables me to contribute because I pride myself on both my distribution over distance, which helps take pressure off the team, and my positioning, which helps me break up play by intercepting the ball, which I can then lay off to the more skilful players.”
That is a modest take on your skills, Suubi, you are certainly not lacking in the skill department.
Suubi has racked up a host of honours in his burgeoning sports career. Here’s what he’s achieved so far on the hockey Astro:
“I have represented Border U13A hockey at the Interprovincial Nationals (IPT), as well as KZN Inland U14A, KZN Inland U16A (twice) and this year KZN Inland U18A. It has always been a privilege to represent my provincial teams. However, the (Old Mutual iWYZE) U18A Hockey Nationals (at the Maritzburg College and AB Jackson Astros in July) has been my most memorable tournament to date.
“Despite the fact that our KZN Inland team lost a very tight final (1-0) to KZN Coastal, it sent a strong message to the hockey fraternity that KZN is still a major force in SA hockey. I want to carry on playing hockey at university and hopefully make some national teams from there, but I am aware that it will be very difficult to do so.”
Suubi was selected for the SA U18 hockey team that played in the floodlit series against Australia U17 Schoolboys at the University of KZN Pietermaritzburg campus less than two months ago. It was a thriller that went the way of the Aussie boys, but not by much.
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So what does Suubi remember most about that series? What did he learn from it so that in 2019 he will be an even better hockey player in Hilton College colours?
“Being part of the SA U18 hockey team was a humbling experience and I was very grateful to be part of an international series. I remember singing the national anthem in front of thousands of people in the stands. It felt amazing to know that people were supporting you representing your country.
“I learnt that international hockey is fast and intense. Therefore if you are not in the game mentally you will be lost. In 2019, I want to use this experience to bring more intensity to the way Hilton play and to make smarter decisions on the field.
“This is my second full year of playing first team hockey. I have around 35 caps. I made my debut against Glenwood last year as a midfielder. The intensity was greater than anything I had been exposed to. I played against good players, such as Clayton Saker and Jared Cass, which granted me an opportunity to see where my skills were compared to some of the best schoolboy hockey players.
“During my first year playing first team, I was used as a left-sided midfielder. I have developed my game through well-structured hockey practices led by Mr (Devon) van der Merwe, Mr (Darryn) Gallagher and Mr (Matthew) Fairweather and by trying to imitate the more senior players in the set-up.”
So what has been Suubi’s most memorable hockey match in the Black and White colours of Hilton College? The response is immediate.
Suubi plays forcefully off the front foot for the Hilton College first XI.
“Definitely the home game vs Kearsney last year. The match was the most intense schoolboy hockey match I have ever played in, and we ended up winning it 4-3.
“Playing in that match, it felt like going on an emotional rollercoaster. It took a massive team effort both mentally and physically to come up with a win. That match will be remembered by our team as one of our season-defining moments.”
And of this year’s team?
“Our Hilton College first team hockey captain Duncan Fyvie was instrumental in how our game plan was executed. He was able to distribute very well from midfield, he had the skills to unlock any opposition defence; his work rate was exceptional. He always covered the most distance in a match.
“Another player that stood out for me was Alex Warren, who was able to carry the ball at an incredible pace, which disrupted the defence of many opposition teams. There were more players that stood out, such as Luke Grove, Michael Makris and Cameron Pearce, and I feel privileged to have been able to play with such quality team-mates.”
When a boy is so obviously proficient in all three sports, it is perhaps a bit unfair to ask him to single out his favourite, but I did so anyway.
Suubi in command during the Hilton Michaelhouse football match on Meadows.
“I enjoy playing soccer the most. I just love how the game is played and how easy it is to be able to play casual pop-up games – because all you require is a ball. I’ve watched soccer with my family since I was 4 years old and my interest in the game has grown over time.”
On the soccer pitch, Suubi plays as a defensive midfielder.
“I love playing this position as it requires you to work hard and you are always involved in the game in either a defensive or offensive sense. I feel that my strength in the midfield enables me to add value as I am able to provide cover for the back four and win ball back for the team.
In his soccer career so far, Suubi has also caught the eye of the selectors.
“I represented Border U13A and have made KZN midlands teams in U14, U15 and U16. I really would like to make KZN soccer one day (KZN Inland and KZN Coastal – unlike in cricket and hockey – are one combined province in soccer) and am working towards that for next year.”
So how many years, how many matches, has Suubi played first XI soccer at Hilton College, and how has his game developed since his debut?
Suubi keeps possession despite close Michaelhouse attention during June’s home win.
“This is my second year playing first team soccer. I currently have around 30 caps for the side. My first team debut came against St. Charles last year. It was a tough game because we got a red card early and played the majority of the match with 10 men.
“What I learnt is that at first team level you need to be quicker with the ball at your feet – and you must match the other team’s physicality in order to succeed.
“My most memorable Hilton football match has to be the game against Carter High in the MTN PMB FA Cup (less than a fortnight ago). We were 2-0 down with around 15 minutes left. It was a very hot day and we were drained.
“We are generally a fit team due to our high-intensity training – coached by Mr (Celo) Mbanjwa – and we knew that we would be able to come back from 2-0 down as we had done it against Michaelhouse earlier in the season, even though we ended up losing that game.
“Simi Bhembe scored two goals and Darrel Nkomo one, in a comeback which saw us win 3-2. Coming from behind to win a match is one of the best feelings in sport and I was very proud that we managed to do so in such tough conditions against a very good side.”
Indeed, the heroics of the Hilton College side received its due reward when they retained the PMB FA Cup after a thrilling final against Maritzburg College on August 26.
“Captain Michael Makris and vice-captain Simi Bhembe have really stood out this year. Michael is a very good midfielder who wins the ball back regularly for our team and has come up with very important goals this season. He is close to being a complete midfielder.
“Simi has been one of the best soccer players in KZN this season in my opinion. He is able to both score and assist and was named in the MTN PMB FA Cup Team of the Tournament. His ability on the ball is important to the team as he is very creative. Our team is very tight, and everyone is pulling their own weight, which has helped us in terms of team performances.”
Suubi’s cricket career has also been studded with provincial recognition.
“I have made KZN inland U15 and KZN Inland U17 cricket sides. We took part in the SA Cricket Weeks in Potchefstroom and East London respectively. At the SA U15 Week we did reasonably well. We beat Gauteng in a very intense time game, which was a huge achievement.
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“The Cricket Weeks are eye-opening because you get to play with and against the best cricketers in the country and you are able to judge what it takes to do well.”
So which has been his most most memorable cricket game in the first XI to date? Once again the answer is immediate:
“The Coca-Cola Schools National T20 Challenge Franchise Finals at Tuks in Pretoria. It was not a single game, it was an awesome experience to have. The organisers, through the sponsors, treated each school first XI like professional teams. We got to experience the life of a professional cricketer.
“We had a brilliant tournament, convincingly beating top schools, but we ended up losing the final. I felt like I was paying senior franchise cricket as we were wearing colourful clothing and playing with the white balls. That T20 tournament is one of my most memorable schoolboy sporting experiences.”
Granted that the cricket season is far from over, who are the players in Suubi’s Hilton College team that he feels are having a particularly successful year?
“Playing alongside some of the best schoolboy cricketers is very humbling. Sharing a change-room with the likes of Michael Sclanders, Gareth Schreuder, Robbie McGaw, James Ritchie (captain), Mike Booth, John Turner, Tom Dixon and many more, it is probably one of the best set of SA schoolboy cricketers you will find.
“Seeing the way each of them approach the game is very important as we have a very good team atmosphere. We all understand what we need to bring to the team and everyone is always looking to improve which shows the optimistic mentality of the players. It is hard to single out any player as it has mostly been lots of people being able to contribute at different times this season.
Suubi, I have seen you play many more hockey than soccer matches. What struck me in the numerous HC firsts hockey matches I have been privileged to watch over the past two years, is that you seem to have extra time when in possession of the ball. Have you always shown these characteristics in your hockey and soccer or has it been something you’ve worked on?
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“I think that I have naturally always had these characteristics because I believe in the passing game in football and hockey. This means that you always have to try and be in the right positions to allow yourself the extra time needed to help pick a pass to a team-mate. I never like to panic in situations because you need to show self-confidence in yourself to make the right decisions for the team. I am a very competitive player and I would consider myself a calming influence.”
Suubi, I felt that, given their abundant talent, the HC first hockey team had an up-and-down season. For example, HC were outstanding in the return match against Michaelhouse, after losing the first one at House, having lost the opportunity to go two or three goals up in the early exchanges. Do you feel that finding a consistent run of form was difficult for the side to achieve? And how many of this year’s first hockey team will be back next year?
“Sir, I felt that this year was more inconsistent than last year. We were not able to see out matches or take advantage in games when we were on top. I think that it is easy to use the fact that we had a young team this year as an excuse.
“We had lost key players like captain James Beart, Damon Wheals and Nicolai Boorman from the 2017 team. However, I feel that the younger guys really improved this year and I feel optimistic for next year. We are fortunate that the majority of the team this year consisted of players in grade 11 and grade 10, so the experience they acquired this year will stand them in good stead next year.”
To date, would you say that the HC first soccer team have had a good year? The 2018 MTN PMB FA Cup successful defence of the title on penalty shootout over Maritzburg College a week or two ago was an outstanding effort.
“I feel that we have had a good year as we have only lost 3 out of 25 games so far. This is a pretty good record. Winning the MTN PMB FA Cup is a major boost for our season as many seasons are defined by the trophies you win. I was in the 2017 team, but I never played in the final during the tournament. We have an upcoming match against Kearsney (away on 8th September) and we are looking on ending the season on a high note.”
Has the support of family and friends also been a major contributor to your successful sporting path to date?
“My Mom and Dad have given me the confidence needed for me to do well in sport.
“My parents often come during the various seasons to support me even though they still live in East London, which is far. I’d like to thank my brother, who also attended Hilton, for always helping me improve on my sport and encouraging me through the tough times, and my sister for her wisdom she gives me about life on a daily basis.
“Mr (Nick) Pereira, the school physiotherapist, for always helping me get through my injuries and being someone I am able to talk to. The support of my family has been so very beneficial, and they always make sure that I stay humble and keep on working hard.”
In team sports each player has a contract with his team-mates. https://www.cellc.co.za/cellc/voice-contracts
Contact the expert in KZN for more info. Lucienne is at 065 01 3095.
There is not much left of your grade 11 year. You have already achieved much in your sport, yet there is still one more year (2019) in which to play school sport. Do you think it might be difficult to motivate yourself to keep working on improving your hockey, soccer and cricket?
“Motivation is never really an issue for me. I know when I represent Hilton I am not just representing the current but also the past. It is a privilege in itself just to be able to play a first team sport at Hilton and I have been very fortunate to have the opportunity to play three.
“My motivation comes from always trying to give my best for the school as I know the coaches in the respective disciplines are willing to fight for the boys and we must be able to fight for them in terms of getting results and improving.”
Suubi, you have spent four years at one of South Africa’s most highly regarded boys boarding schools, what has your time at HC taught you so far, what has been the biggest factor in your time so far at Hilton that you feel will stay with you well into the future?
“At Hilton College, the message that is sent out by the staff is to make the most of every day and of the time you have at the school. Manners are driven at Hilton College and it will stay with me through the rest of my life.
“Hilton has taught me more about the person I am and the way you must approach life. The teachers tell us that we are privileged to go to Hilton and that we must embrace rather than deny it as we are able to bring change the world.”
Suubi, it has been a privilege to interact with you. Is there anything else you would like to add?
“Thank you sir. I would like to thank Merrifield Prep & College (my primary school in East London) for giving me a strong base to start my life and young sporting career. They supported me all the way and my gratitude towards the school is immense.”
Thanks for your time Suubi, 2019… it’s going to be an awesome year. Best wishes for Saturday at Kearsney and for the rest of the year’s cricket. See you at Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket hosted by Maritzburg College. It’s just 24 days away now!
Highveld cricket matches leave Maritzburg College & Clifton 1sts with food for thought
WITH the Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Festival now just 26 days away, OMCW hosts Maritzburg College and fellow KZN10 invitees Clifton College got some solid time in the middle during the Fasken Time Cricket Festival hosted as always by St Davids Marist Inanda over the weekend.
Not all the sides were at full strength – Clifton, for one, were missing key players in captain and prolific batting all-rounder Matthew Montgomery, as well as outstanding all-rounder Simon Holmes. That said, the 2 two-day matches were invaluable to all who participated.
Feature image: Maritzburg College’s grade 11 top-order batsmen Jacques van der Walt (left) and Andrew Todd scored half-centuries against St Albans. Photo Jono Cook
Some experiences can be avoided if you consult the experts first. hhttp://titantech.co.za/
I’m just surmising from afar that the experience also gave the two participating KZN10 sides – Maritzburg College and Clifton – much food for thought and specific aspects to work on ahead of the domestic season getting into full swing.
The two KZN10 sides were well beaten in three of the four matches with the fourth leaning towards Maritzburg College before ending in a draw.
Certainly in head coaches Dave Pryke of Maritzburg College and Yashin Ebrahim of Clifton we have the calibre of cricket men to implement the necessary remedies.
Rest and recuperation is good for a cricketer’s soul. https://www.fordoun.com
Other OMCW sides St Stithians, Cricket South Africa TAP (Talent Acceleration Programme) XI, KES (King Edward VII School) and St Albans College Pretoria also got in some quality time.
Based on the outcomes at St Davids it appears that the three Johannesburg-based sides (assuming CSA TAP – I am not sure – is primarily from Gauteng ) are running into prime form at this early stage of the 2018 third/fourth term school cricket season.
It’s going to be interesting to see how the upcountry schools fare against the KZN sides at OMCW, which takes place in the greater PMB region and where the local lads are more accustomed to the conditions
Individual awards went to Cameron Shekleton of St Stithians (Best Batsman, with the remarkable average of 261), Neo Felane of the CSA TAP XI (Best Bowler, with 14 wickets) and Bryce Parsons of King Edward VII School (Best Player, with 265 runs and nine wickets).
Batting is about confidence, so set your mind at ease with a vision test. www.hilliarandgray.co.za/
ROUND 1 SCORES IN BRIEF
St Stithian’s vs Clifton
Clifton 108 (Joshua Hoffman 8/36) and 165 (Daniel Elgar 41, Joshua Hoffman 6/52)
St Stithians 388/6 dec (Cameron Rowe 156, Cameron Shekleton 131)
St Stithians won by an innings and 115 runs
Cricket South Africa TAP XI vs St Alban’s College
CSA TAP XI 246 (Marco Jansen 62, Bonga Makhakha 54, Rein Hulme 3/31) and 95/8 (Bradley Leonard 3/19, Hulme 3/24)
St Alban’s College 113 (Ross Whitelaw 49, Odirile Modimokane 7/6) and 221 (Hulme 70, Jacques Vosloo 3/28, Neo Felane 3/46)
CSA TAP XI won by 2 wickets
Make sure your communication is up to speed or anticipate plenty of run outs. https://www.cellc.co.za/
St David’s vs St Andrew’s (Bloemfontein)
St David’s 298/7 dec (Jacob Miltz 130, Alex Lategan 106) and 226/3 dec (Miltz 67, Lategan 60)
St Andrew’s 271/6 dec (Corne Viljoen 102, Ruan Cronje 63) and 68/0
Match drawn
King Edward VII vs Maritzburg College
Maritzburg College 251/9 dec (Jared Campbell 51, Bryce Parsons 3/59, Keegan Jansen van Rensburg 3/64) and 254 (Dean Dyer 76 not out, Jacques van der Walt 70)
King Edward VII 364/7 dec (Heinrigh Pieterse 190, Bryce Parsons 117, Mondli Khumalo 3/74) and 142/1 (Joshua Streak 52, Jason Bracher 50)
King Edward VII won by 9 wickets
Maritzburg College pacemen Mondli Khumalo (3-74) and Jayden Gengan (4-36) got wickets in the respective KES and St Albans first innings. Photo Jono Cook
ROUND 2 SCORES IN BRIEF
Maritzburg College vs St Alban’s College
Maritzburg College 240 (Andrew Todd 70, Dean Dyer 66 not out, Simon Miller 3/20) and 183/5 dec (Jacques van der Walt 54 not out, Jordan Landsberg 3/29)
St Alban’s 121/7 dec (Ross Whitelaw 57, Jayden Gengan 4/36) and 258/7 (Rein Hulme 73, Whitelaw 67, Shaun Elliot 3/29)
Match drawn
St David’s vs Cricket South Africa TAP XI
St David’s 60 (Marco Jansen 3/11, Neo Felane 3/4) and 180 (Jacob Miltz 70, Neo Felane 7/38)
CSA TAP XI 218/9 dec (Tahir Isaacs 82, Tetelo Maphaka 3/42, Bradley Griffin 3/73) and 23/0
CSA TAP XI won by 10 wickets
* St Andrew’s School (Bloemfontein) vs St Stithians
St Andrew’s 273 (Henre Koekemoer 84 not out, Ruan Cronje 52, JP Bloem 3/31, Tristan Brooks 3/53)
St Stithians 332/1 dec (Cameron Shekleton 130 not out, Cameron Rowe 90, Mudiwa Chanakira 99 not out)
Match drawn
* From the scores source I accessed.
Clifton’s Ariq Chetty put his bat aside to take 4 wickets in the big KES 1st innings total.
* Clifton Durban vs King Edward VII School
Clifton Durban 226 (Daniel Elgar 41) and 174 (Crispin McKenzie 4/53, Bryce Parsons 3/9)
King Edward VII 378 (Parsons 102, Jason Bracher 64, Ariq Chetty 4/143) and 23/0
King Edward VII won by 10 wickets
* It appears, from the scores source I accessed, that the KES first innings total is almost certainly not exactly correct but other than that the rest of the detail is. KES did win the game by 10 wickets.
Michaelhouse senior prefect Will Norton reflects on the year
A brainwave (courtesy of a good friend of mine) this morning – the KZN10 head boys are winding up their year as leaders of the 2018 student body so an opportune time to ask them 3 quick questions – what they have learnt about leadership, what was a year highlight, and what advice would they give to the 2019 head boy:
Talking, communicating leads to understanding. https://www.cellc.co.za/
Here’s Michaelhouse Senior Prefect William Norton:
KZN10.com: Hi Will, what are your thoughts on the questions I have posed to you?
Hi sir,
1. The biggest thing I will take away from this year is learning how to deal and interact with people on many different levels.
You are always put in situations which aren’t necessarily in your comfort zone but you’ve got to learn to trust yourself and believe in yourself.
There is a time and a place to be in your comfort zone. http://titantech.co.za/ for the best advice.
By talking to people and seeing how the world operates in more detail, you are able to learn immense amounts and continue to grow as a person.
Michaelhouse has given me the opportunity to learn so much about myself and also about the people around me and I will be forever grateful for that.
Michaelhouse Senior Prefect William Norton on House’s beloved Meadows with War Cry Leader for 2018 Nzuzo Tshili. Will has fond memories of the House boys’ spirit and support at the 200th first XV rugby match with hosts Hilton College on Graeme Gilfillan Field in June.
2. My highlight of the year would have to be the war cries at the second Hilton vs Michaelhouse fixture.
Although we hadn’t had a great season, the boys sang, danced and cheered like no other and that was one of those special moments where you realise that Michaelhouse is so much more than just a school!
3. Some key advice that I think would help the incoming Senior Prefect and School Prefects would be to be yourself.
Carve your own path. https://www.fordoun.com
Do not try to be like anyone else and copy what previous people have done. Rather make the role your own – because you have been put in this position for a reason.
Believing in yourself is a key aspect – and making the most of every opportunity is also absolutely crucial because the time really does fly by.
Clear insight brings better choices. http://www.hilliarandgray.co.za/
I hope this is alright sir.
Kind regards
Will Norton
* Thanks Will, you have certainly had the effect of making me look at my own life and given me pointers on how to improve communication and interpersonal relations.
Much obliged and best wishes for UCT next year. See you at Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week.
True grit: Tireless Michaelhouse first XI seam and swing bowler Will Norton after picking up a five-wicket haul that included long spells on Goldstones in the first term. Photo Jono Cook