HILTON COLLEGE
Weekend Soccer Results 11 August
Soccer season has been in full flow as most KZN10 schools have played a number of inter schools fixtures.
This weekend however was a midterm break of sorts as only Michaelhouse and Hilton College competed against each other.
Results vs Michaelhouse
| 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | |||||||||||||||||
| 1 | ~ | 2 | 0 | ~ | 1 | 1 | ~ | 3 | 3 | ~ | 3 | |||||||||
| 6th | 7th | 8th | ||||||||||||
| 4 | ~ | 0 | 3 | ~ | 1 | 0 | ~ | 0 | ||||||
| U16A | U16B | U16C | U14E | |||||||||||||||||
| 1 | ~ | 3 | 3 | ~ | 2 | 0 | ~ | 2 | 0 | ~ | 1 | |||||||||
| U15B | U15C | U15D | U15E | |||||||||||||||||
| 2 | ~ | 0 | 3 | ~ | 1 | 2 | ~ | 0 | 0 | ~ | 5 | |||||||||
| U14A | U14B | U14C | U14D | |||||||||||||||||
| 2 | ~ | 0 | 1 | ~ | 0 | 3 | ~ | 0 | 2 | ~ | 2 | |||||||||
| Played | Won | Draw | Lost |
| 19 | 9 | 3 | 7 |
KZN10 also had 3 school head to St Davids Marist Inanda for their 17th annual challenge cup namely Hilton College, Clifton School and Michaelhouse.
There were mixed results over the weekend as the 1st and U15A teams competed. The stand out performance came from the Hilton College U15A who came a credible 4th out of 16 teams.
St Davids Marist Inanda Challenge Cup Results
Hilton College 1st
| Prestidge College | 3 | ~ | 2 |
| KES | 0 | ~ | 3 |
| Clifton School | 1 | ~ | 1 |
| Sutherland | 1 | ~ | 1 |
| St Stithians | 1 | ~ | 1 |
| St Benedicts | 2 | ~ | 1 |
Hilton College U15A
| Grey College | 1 | ~ | 1 |
| St Benedicts | 1 | ~ | 0 |
| St Stithians | 6 | ~ | 0 |
| St Johns College | 1 | ~ | 0 |
| KES | 0 | ~ | 1 |
| Grey College | 0 | ~ | 1 |
Michaelhouse 1st
| Parktown Boys | 1 | ~ | 2 |
| St Davids Marist | 0 | ~ | 1 |
| Sutherland | 0 | ~ | 1 |
| Clifton School | 2 | ~ | 0 |
| St Peters College | 2 | ~ | 1 |
| Waterstone College | 3 | ~ | 2 |
Michaelhouse U15A
| Sutherland | 2 | ~ | 2 |
| Norkem Park | 1 | ~ | 5 |
| KES | 0 | ~ | 1 |
| Clifton School | 1 | ~ | 2 |
| Prestige College | 2 | ~ | 2 |
| St Stithians Coollege | 2 | ~ | 1 |
Clifton School 1st
| KES | 0 | ~ | 6 |
| Prestige College | 1 | ~ | 4 |
| Hilton College | 1 | ~ | 1 |
| Michaelhouse | 0 | ~ | 2 |
| Waterstone | 2 | ~ | 1 |
| St Peters | 2 | ~ | 1 |
Clifton School U15A
| Jeppe | 0 | ~ | 6 |
| St Johns College | 0 | ~ | 4 |
| St Peters | 2 | ~ | 2 |
| Michaelhouse | 2 | ~ | 1 |
| St Stithians | 0 | ~ | 3 |
| Prestige College | 1 | ~ | 2 |
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The Michaelhouse Hilton College hockey derby
The stage is set for yet another thrilling chapter in the long history of Michaelhouse/Hilton College hockey derbies. Come Saturday’s 11.20am push-back, the Aitkens Astro arena will be jam-packed.
Chanting, cheering Hilton and Michaelhouse boys supporting their schoolmates as well as scores of moms dads brothers sisters grandparents aunties and uncles – and hundreds of Old Boys of these two exceptional education institutions – will have their eyes glued to the turf.
This Martin Ashworth feature photo shows 2018 Michaelhouse captain Mubeezi Lubinga (left) first to congratulate 4-goal Ben (10) Rebeck in last year’s Aitkens Astro fixture.
The Aitkens Astro match in early May last year will go down as one of the most exciting and extraordinary encounters yet seen.
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Hilton were the favourites – and proved as much in the opening chukka, during which they were all over the Men of House.
Yet the consequent Hilton College reward that should have reflected on the electronic scoreboard didn’t materialise…
Hilton could have been 2 or even 3 goals to the good in those fateful first 15 minutes – and that might have blown Men of House captain Mubeezi Lubinga and Co. out the ballpark…
If Hilton go 2 or 3 goals up, it is very seldom in modern times that the Boys in Black and White afford an opponent the privilege of getting even a foothold back into the game.
Tom Dixon, Matt Bray and Team Hilton know how to create well-crafted crowd-pleasing goals.
Then followed, on that Magical 2018 May-the-5th Day, one of those extraordinary sporting sequences that every schoolboy dreams of.
Michaelhouse’s grade 11 striker and penalty corner drag-flick ace Ben Rebeck flashed four goals into the back of the Hilton net…
The 4-2 Michaelhouse win had turned into the classic scenario of the underdogs upsetting the fancied in a head-to-head one-off battle where previous form and reputation means very little on the day.
Hilton duly won the return match last year – and once more in the first match this year.
And once again Hilton will be strongly favoured to emerge victorious come 12.30pm or so tomorrow when the last sound of the siren rings out after what is sure to 60 action-packed minutes of KZN10 schoolboy hockey.
A taste of last year. The Aitkens Asto hockey arena at Michaelhouse was chock-a-block with supporters. Tomorrow will be no different. (Martin Ashworth image)
Ben Rebeck is captain of Michaelhouse this year, while his KZN Inland team-mate of this year and last year, John Turner, leads Hilton from his goalkeeper position.
Of concern to the supporters of Michaelhouse is that their first team have proved to be vulnerable in the midfield at times this year.
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There was no better evidence than in the crazy Kearsney College turnaround in the Aitkens Astro match earlier this season when a three-goal blitz in the second half owed much to the fact that the Men of House had lost control of the middle of the park.
Hilton have a very good midfield, with playmaker Cameron Pearce of immense value to his side.
Hilton College vice-captain, midfield playmaker and penalty corner drag-flicker Cameron Pearce and Michaelhouse captain, striker and PC ace Ben Rebeck will be key elements for their teams tomorrow.
Blessed with great vision – and skilful in retaining possession when under pressure – Pearce is able to hold up the ball in order to give his team-mates time to pour through, or release it quickly and accurately when the chance is on.
In Cameron Pearce and Ben Rebeck, Hilton and Michaelhouse have two outstanding exponents of the penalty corner drag-flick.
But the set-piece strike success or not depends to a marked degree on the speed and accuracy of the corner injection pass as well as the skill of the trapper in “teeing up” the ideal vantage point for the ace flickers to best display their net-busting & backboard-slamming prowess .
Both sides aim to play fast, attacking hockey while also paying due respect to the defensive element to the game.
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The respective game plans devised by the coaches Devon van der Merwe and Darryn Gallagher (Hilton) and Richard Snowden and Grant von Mayer (Michaelhouse) will also be fascinating to witness.
The team who best understand what is required of them tactically will be best-placed to make the correct decisions in the various areas of the pitch.
A top KZN10 schoolboy hockey match is an exceptionally fast-paced, exciting spectacle in which defence can turn into counter-attack in the blink of an eye.
Who reads the game best over the 60 minutes on KZN10.com Super Saturday and who creates the higher percentage of quality space for their team-mates will likely take the best options in the moment.
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Let’s hope that it’s going to be a free-flowing game where flair and the opportunistic moment is well-rewarded.
See you there.
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Hilton’s Gareth Schreuder makes good in England
A man for all seasons, Hilton College 2018 wicketkeeper/batsman (SA Schools B & Dolphins U19) and ace first XV scrumhalf (KZN Sharks Craven Week) is catching the attention on the cricket fields of England.
On 29 April– Gazza scored 109 in his first club game in the UK.
On Tuesday– Gareth Schreuder hit an unbeaten half-century on trial for Surrey in a rain dogged scheduled three-day Second XI Championship match against Kent at Canterbury’s Polo Fields.
The 19-year old batsman/wicketkeeper hit a patient 53 not out leading Surrey out of trouble at 99-4 to 213-5 by stumps on a delayed opening day.
Day two was completely washed out by heavy rain and any play today appears unlikely.
A highly talented sportsman from Hilton College, Schreuder played for the KZN Dolphins team which won the SA U19 provincial championships in South Africa in January, having been selected to play for South Africa Colts against SA Schools following a successful Coca-Cola Khaya Majola Week in Cape Town before Christmas.
In the December 16-20 event last year, Gazza – a high-quality top-order batter – got very few opportunities to bat – such were the nature of the rules.
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Here’s what I wrote around August last year, in a KZN10.com Gazza feature – it tells you much about Gareth Schreuder the person:
The X-Factor of Hilton College’s Gareth Schreuder
HILTON College and Sharks U18 scrumhalf Gareth Schreuder can never be accused of not believing in himself – it’s not arrogance, it’s an indestructible self-belief that will take him very far in life whatever the future holds.
Left out of the KZN Sharks U18 Craven Week team and the Sharks U18 Academy Week side, his omission disappointed many – not least the bundle of energy and rugby skill that is the irrepressible Schreuder – but fate found fortune – sadly at the expense of SA Schools 2017 scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse of Glenwood (ligament in the Maritzburg College end-second term game on Dixons) – and the Hilton number 9 took his chance.
KZN10.com contacted the HC first XV talisman and asked him about the season plus the upcoming cricket third-fourth term that holds much in store for the hugely talented wicketkeeper batsman.
Gareth, let’s first talk rugby – and more recently, Craven Week: It was terribly sad for Jaden, who is a wonderful scrumhalf – in my book you and Jaden were the standout number 9’s in KZN schoolboy rugby this year – but after the intense disappointment of Craven and Academy omission, was it difficult to keep your spirits up, particularly as you had given everything in the successful Hilton cause on Gilfillan Field and further afield?
“Yes it was very difficult and I really felt for Jaden who is an amazing player and sportsman [Jaden is also the Glenwood first XI cricket captain]. It was hard to keep my spirits high as I did give everything for Hilton but in the end I was very glad to get the call-up.
“It made me happy that all my hard work had finally paid off and now I could get provincial colours for a sport that I had worked very hard in and put a lot of time and effort into.”
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So what was the Craven Week experience like?
“Our first two games were a great start. We played very exciting rugby even when the conditions were extremely tough. My personal standout moment was beating the Free State Cheetahs as it was a big game, a very tough game and to beat the boys from Grey College was a huge plus.
“Dylan Pretorius was my flyhalf, a very talented player who was a joy to play with. He read the game very well, which took pressure off me to help make some crucial decisions.
“Playing in the last match of Craven Week is an honour that we as a team had achieved. It was always going to be a tough ask in that final match against Western Province and the conditions we had to play in did not help us at all.
“It is hard to even explain the conditions, it was so slippery underfoot it almost felt like you were playing on an ice-rink. WP were definitely the better team on the day.”
Gareth Schreuder was an instrumental player in Hilton College winning the 200th first XV match against Michaelhouse on Gilfillan Field this time last year. Here’s 2018 front-ranker Henty Beukes taking the field.
The thrill of playing at Craven Week is something that very few schoolboy rugby players get to experience. What were the biggest takeaways for you?
“The atmosphere was electrifying, the crowds, it was an absolute privilege to be able to be part of it. The players that I was playing with and against; it was really at the top level of schoolboy rugby in SA and I am so grateful that I got this amazing opportunity.”
Going back to the domestic school season, one of the highlights for me was seeing you, Gareth, and Jaden of Glenwood, producing great scrumhalf performances. Your ability to read the game, choose the right options and implement them with your repertoire of skills – your tactical kicking game, your service to your flyhalf from the base of the scrums and lineouts, your ability to break the line – what would you say were your and Hilton’s best matches against the KZN sides?
“As a team I think the two most remarkable games were holding our lines in the encounter against Kearsney away from home, which meant a lot to the boys, and beating Maritzburg College on Goldstones. To win on Goldstones is something that few Hilton College first teams have achieved and it is something that the team will never forget.
“Personally, I believe the best game that I had was the one against College on Goldstones. It was a day when everything worked, I got a few good bounces and the team had a really good game, which made me look even better.”
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The double over long-time friendly (off the field yes!) foes Michaelhouse – I watched both, what a thrill those occasions are – the 200th match on Graeme Gilfillan Field at Hilton that marked the number of times Hilton and Michaelhouse firsts have met – I videoed you and the boys as you came out of the change room and prepared to take the field through the tunnel in front of an audience of thousands – and the landmark last match of celebrated World Cup final referee Craig Joubert – you were as usual revving the boys up, you gave my smartphone a wink you looked so relaxed – do you love the big occasion?
“I absolutely love the big stage! The more people the better; I always want to take the kick in the last minute to win a game in front of thousands of people, I love the pressure and I think I can be a player that plays better under pressure conditions.”
From what I have seen, your goal kicking this year has been phenomenal. You seem so confident, so collected in lining up the kick, the focus, the concentration – how do you block out the moment and its match implications and just get on with slotting the ball between the posts?
“I think I ended up with a kicking conversion rate of 87% over the season. When I line up a kick I imagine two walls from me to the posts and block everything else out.”
Has confidence always been with you? Those backyard games in your early years, what is it about the Gareth Schreuder make-up that gives the impression, whether you are larking about playing touch with mates or on the Big Stage, it’s one and the same?
“I just love playing sport; that is where I get my most enjoyment and happiness. I wish I could say the same about the classroom!
“But yes, I would say that confidence has always been with me. I personally believe that if you don’t back yourself then nobody else will – and that is something I have believed in since I was a young boy playing in the backyard.”
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You definitely are a team man – I would guess probably the life and soul on and off the field. Do you love the team aspect, the camaraderie of team sport that at the same time gives you the freedom to express your individuality?
“It is always the team first, no matter what. I love being in the team environment. From sitting eating lunch together and talking nonsense to giving it everything on a Saturday, I absolutely love every moment being with the team.”
Moving on to your cricket now, I was beyond impressed with your wicket-keeping skills in the first school term – an economy of movement, great feet, safe-as-houses-hands – I don’t think I saw you drop a throw-in, a catch behind, a stumping, anything.
Hilton College first XI have an outstanding bowling attack of depth and variety – off-spinner Michael Sclanders, leg-spinner and captain James Ritchie, the young leg-spinner Colby Dyer, the left-arm orthodox Michael Frost, the seam of Tom Dixon, the at-times extreme pace of Michael Booth and John Turner – that’s a lot to deal with, yet you seemed to handle whatever wicketkeeping challenge presented with uncommon aplomb.
But especially the spinners, do you love standing up to probably the best, most varied spin attack in SA schoolboy cricket?
“Yes, the Hilton College first XI spinners make it look easy for me. They are very, very good spinners and personally I would not want to walk out and face them.”
What is it about keeping wicket that you enjoy most?
“I just love being in the action in all the time, sitting under the trees and at cow corner is not something that I have an interest in, I always want to be close to the action and be able to make a difference and have that X-Factor.”
It has indeed been a pleasure to watch the X-Factor that is Gareth Schreuder the cricketer this year. Two examples that immediately spring to mind are the two catches and two stumpings against Michaelhouse in the KZN Inland final of the Coke T20 competition, plus the spring-heeled running between the wickets and adept ball placement in scoring 49 off 32 balls to beat Clifton College in the Coke T20 Dolphins franchise final.
Gareth Schreuder and Robbie McGaw celebrate a John Turner wicket in the Coke T20 Finals last year.
When I look back at the remarkable improvement in Hilton College first XI cricket, one question worth asking is to what extent has this been due to coach Dale Benkenstein?
“Mr Benkenstein has a huge influence on all us players. He is a major role model to us, so we all look up to him for advice. He comes with great energy and experience, which he passes on to us. His knowledge has helped us be successful as a team.
“On a personal level, Mr Benkenstein has played a huge role in my cricket, not only with my skills but also the mental side to cricket and how I could get better and benefit myself.”
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Gareth, you obviously have high hopes for KZN Inland cricket selection, and with it the opportunity to play in the Khaya Majola Week in December – is making SA Schools your big dream as your illustrious school career closes out?
“Yes, most certainly it is. Playing for SA Schools is something that I have dreamt about since the days of playing cricket down the passage with my mom shouting at us to not break the windows.”
And what of the Gareth Schreuder sporting future? Have you got plans or is it all in the possible options stage and still time to make a final decision?
“I haven’t made my final decision quite yet as I have a choice, but most of all I really hope that I can make a good choice and make sport my job.”
Gareth Schreuder man of the match at the Coke T20 Finals.
I have met your dad Greg at Hilton cricket and rugby matches this year. What struck me is his enthusiasm and passion for sport. Greg is a brilliant photographer too. What does his support mean to you?
“My dad is a huge role model to me and if it wasn’t for him I definitely wouldn’t be the sportsman I am today. The support he has given me has been remarkable and I truly am so grateful for all he has done for me.”
Finally, what is it about Hilton College, what has the school taught you and what will you take with you, as you venture beyond the playing fields of Hart-Davis Oval and Graeme Gilfillan Field, not to forget the classroom and general school life?
Gareth Schreuder and Hilton’s fantastic four top-order batsmen last year. From left to right it’s Gazza, James Ritchie, Robbie McGaw and Mikey Sclanders.
“Hilton has taught me many lessons but an important one is that you learn to understand people a lot better, as you are always with them at the school.”
Thanks Gareth, I hope I have covered all the bases.
KZN10.com is a massive fan of the Schreuder X-Factor. Best wishes for this year and beyond.
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Dream chance in American Football for Hilton Old Boy Tristan Blewett!
In breaking news yesterday, Hilton College Old Boy and former Cell C Sharks centre Tristan Blewett (22) has been invited to try out for National Football League (NFL) side the New Orleans Saints.
American Football is of course big-money massive in the USA.
“It’s too good a story, I can’t tell you,” New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton said about his surprise invitation to Blewett.
“If I told you a local artist texted me about this rugby player…
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“Here’s what you have to understand,” explained Saints coach Payton:
“When someone sends you something about a player, obviously that happens a lot.
“If it’s a College (university) player, I might forward it to Jeff Ireland. If it is a pro player I will forward it to Terry Fontenot.
“When someone’s recommendation comes, you go about the process every time.
“Knowing that there might be 44 out of 44 (players) where there’s nothing… but then the 45th one…
It’s NFL try-out time for Hilton College Old Boy and rugby star Tristan Blewett.
“It was an email, a text forwarded. It is easy to work out a player who’s right here. That was kind of it,” Saints coach Payton added.
An American Football League try-out – a chance to play in the NFL – was definitely not on the Tristan Blewett radar, but now that the chance has presented itself, he’s going to give it a full go.
“When I first came over with my coach, I was joking about it, saying, ‘I am going to live here to play American football’, and then two weeks ago – when I got the call – we both laughed like, “It has actually happened!’
“I told my mom a day or two ago, but I think no one back home really knows much about (American) football – and neither do I. So I think, as I learn, I’ll sort of explain it to them.”
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On Tuesday in the USA: Tristan Blewett, who plays outside centre for the NOLA Gold rugby franchise, discusses his mini-camp try-out with the New Orleans Saints NFL (professional American football) franchise team.
Tristan gets a big plus from New Orleans-based Maritzburg College Old Boy Benjamin Haswell:
“Tristan has been a credit to his family and his country over here in New Orleans, with his stellar play (for the New Orleans Gold rugby union team) — and that South African gentlemanly humbleness has made him a fan favourite.
“Tristan’s come a long way since turning out for the Impi at Maritzburg Varsity!”
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Johannesburg-born and Durban raised, Tristan represented the Sharks before a brief stay with the Kings in PE in 2018.
Tristan signed a two-year contract with the New Orleans Gold rugby union team towards the end of last year, where he has excelled in the USA Major League and captured the attention of both rugby union and influential American Football personalities.
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COMMENTS FROM NEW ORLEANS SAINTS FANS
about Hilton College Old Boy Tristan Blewett:
Howard Jackson – “So what position this guy supposed to play?”
Chance Cooper – “They’re playing him as a DB, and punt returner.”
Geoffrey Ormsby – “He’ll definitely show people how to properly tackle!!”
DaPinkBubble – “I sure hope so; I still have nightmares of how bad the defence used to be at tackling…”
Eddie Scott – “Kicker or punter.”
Cash Money Gee – “Probably won’t drop a pass!”
Jerry Cave – “Give him the ball, you’ll see!”
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Rafael Delgadillo – “He’ll most likely play… as a returner and a gunner. Though playing at running back will not be out of the question.
Gerardo Aguilera – “Running back or line backer.”
KZN10.com says – “Well, there is a lot of interest in Tristan but some confusion amongst New Orleans Saints fans as to what position Tristan is likely to play!
“The best of KZN10.com wishes to you Tristan!”
A final comment – this one from John Enslin: “Good luck young man… living the dream.”
Yes indeed.
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3 from 3: Captain Ben Parham tells how the Michaelhouse 1st XV’s of 1996/97 beat Hilton 3 times in succession
It’s Michaelhouse vs Hilton College on Saturday – here are the 1996/97 matches in the words of 96/97 Michaelhouse head boy first XV flank and captain Ben Parham, when Men of House won 3 from 3. Hopefully many of you will share this with like-minded friends.
Feature image: Captain Ben Parham and the magnificent Michaelhouse first XV of 1997.
“Jono, it’s good to hear from you after many years… and what a privilege it is to be asked to reminisce about such a special and influential time of my life.
“Andy Vincent (Vinno) took over the first team coaching role in 1995. And was a fierce competitor and expected the same of his squad.
“Vinno played in-form players over historical performance, and was not afraid to let you know if your game was not up to scratch.
“He created a squad that would do absolutely anything for each other… He created ‘brothers-in-arms’.
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“1996 was the Michaelhouse centenary year, and the boys were tasked with making it a highlight in the school’s history.
“Rugby was the showpony, and the pressure was on House to overturn a record 6 straight defeats against Hilton College, spanning from 1993-1995.
“If there is one rule about the Hilton/Michaelhouse sporting derbies, it is that there is no such thing as an underdog.
“Names on paper mean absolutely nothing on this occasion, because love, passion and a desire to be swamped by 500 like-minded ‘brothers’ is far stronger than a player with exceptional skill and flair.”
Skipper and flank forward Ben Parham and his Michaelhouse first XV of 1996 had a massive psychological barrier to overcome against a Hilton that had prevailed for far too long (if one was in the House supporters’ club, that is).
1996 Michaelhouse first XV
1) Henk Diederichs
2) Luke Flemington
3) Mike Fell
4) Wayne Lister-James
5) Brian Dalton
6) Richard Parks
7) Ben Parham
8) Gary Laue
9) JP Coppez
10) Andrew Caldwell
11) Simon Bridges / Euan Dixon-Smith
12) Justin Sage / Simon Bothner
13) Dino Papadopoulos
14) James Le Cordeur
15) Choppies (Emile) Marais
“In June 1996, Michaelhouse were the form team, coming into the match at Hilton’s Gilfillan Field on the back of 18 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss… However, three of our most experienced players were not available for selection, but as mentioned, during a derby, history and form mean nothing.
“It was a day of big boots and tough forward battles in what was a hard-fought match, and neither team managed to open a gap on the scoreboard.
“The flyhalves, Andrew Caldwell (MHS) and Grant Gove (Hilton) used their big boots to alleviate the pressure as soon as one team charged into the other team’s 22-metre area.
“Hilton took an 8-3 lead into half-time and Vinno didn’t need to say too much to us. We knew we had a mountain to climb, but we knew what to do. The forward pack, from prop to number 8, covered the pitch and rumbled forward.
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“Mike Fell, steered by Wayne Lister-James, crossed the line from a maul. Justin Sage converted to give Michaelhouse a slender 10-8 lead with 20 minutes to play.
“Each team took advantage of a penalty and even though Hilton pressed hard for a try in the dying moments, Michaelhouse narrowly held out for a 13-11 victory… and the hoodoo was broken.
“It was game-on for the August return match at Meadows. Unfortunately the match was never to be… Hilton came down with a very serious flu bug which affected most of the school and the return derby was cancelled.
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1997 Michaelhouse first XV
1) Marc Larsen / Gavin Erasmus
2) Thomas Modinger
3) Alex Akron
4) Guy Slater
5) John Delport
6) Angus Martyn
7) Ben Parham
8) Barry Jacobsz
9) John Harris
10) James Carmichael
11) Jackal Tshikosi
12) Attie Geldenhuys
13) Simon Greyvensteyn
14) James Le Cordeur
15) Jason McCormick
Michaelhouse number 8 Barry Jacobsz shone in both matches in 1997.
“The Michaelhouse 1997 team grabbed the baton from day one.
“This team ‘gelled’ like no other team that I had been part of. These were big characters and with some incredible individual skill.
“We came into the first Hilton Michaelhouse match on Meadows in a confident mood – on the back of 19 wins and 1 very narrow loss (19-20) away against Maritzburg College.
“We had scored over 700 points and only conceded 220 points. This team did not need to ask for directions to the try-line.
“The first match in 1997 was an open game.
“Both teams spread the ball wide and it was beautiful open running rugby. John Harris, Jackal Tshikosi, Barry Jacobsz and Simon Greyvensteyn all shone, and Michaelhouse grabbed a 32-24 victory.
The Michaelhouse flanker and captain in 1996 and 97 Ben Parham led his side to victory in all 3 derbies against Hilton College during that time.
“The August return match was at Hilton’s Gilfillan Field. There was a buzz around the school all week as this the first-ever televised Hilton Michaelhouse derby.
The spirit in the camp was high and confidence was reaching complacency levels. There was a very large crowd engulfing Gilfillan. It was a quiet first 10 minutes with too many errors.
“Hilton’s left wing, Muzi Tembe, scored the opener after flying around the outside; this after fullback Andrew Richmond joined the line and created an overlap.
“I pulled the team together but did not have to say much.
“Just a quiet reminder about how much this meant. It was our very last match in the Red & White… selfishly; this one was for ‘us’!
The victorious Michaelhouse 1997 first XV players on Hilton’s Gilfillan Field are 12 Attie Geldenhuys 14 James Le Cordeur 7 Ben Parham 13 Simon Greyvensteyn 9 John Harris and 6 Angus Martyn.
Soon after that, fullback Jason McCormick took a gap created by outside centre Simon Greyvensteyn. McCormick let winger James Le Cordeur loose down the right and he popped it back inside for flanker Angus Martyn to score.
James Carmichael popped it over for a slender 7-5 half time lead. We knew we had a lot left in the tank. The final 30 minutes of our Michaelhouse rugby careers was memorable.
We scored another two tries, myself and James Le Cordeur going over in the right-hand corner, both very well converted by James Carmichael.
“Our flyhalf Carmichael added another penalty and Michaelhouse closed out the match 24-5.
Michaelhouse flyhalf James Carmichael was in top form with the boot in The 24-5 Match in front of a very big crowd at Hilton’s Gilfillan Field.
“The Hilton Michaelhouse derby days were not easy.
“The Hilton and Michaelhouse players spent a lot of time together at several events and became good friends off the field, but on the field, with pride at stake, those friendships were put on hold.
“To this day I still have some very close friends who wore the Fleur de Lys while we donned the St Michael’s cross with equal pride.
“I’m still in contact with most of my team-mates from those days. I still treasure my Michaelhouse days like no other period of my life. The bonds and friendships forged during that time are life-long.
“I may not chat to my school friends on a weekly basis as I live in Abu Dhabi, but I have regular contact with them via social media and I see them when we visit South Africa.
“There is something so powerful about the friendship and support bonds forged at an all-boys boarding school, which are almost totally unexplainable to someone who has never experienced it.
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“Spending every waking moment together makes you open your mind and heart to the needs of those around you.
“With that bond comes the passion displayed across all events in which the boys represent the school, be it sport, music, academics or stage productions… and Michaelhouse was certainly no exception.”
*****
Thanks Ben. I felt like I was at the matches! Your detailed memory of those matches all of 22 and 23 years ago is quite remarkable.
It is what I have noticed when asking similar questions to Old Boys of the KZN10 schools. And such detail pays homage to the fortunate few who are so privileged to be part of something so special.
Wonderful to hear from you and may the best team win on Meadows Saturday, the arena of which you have so many unforgettable memories.
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More from Clifton coach Keegan Pearce on the 7-goal thriller-win at Hilton
There have been a number of exciting KZN10 schools’ first team hockey matches this season, but the Clifton College 4-3 at Hilton stakes a big claim to be the pick of the bunch.
RenateMonty feature photo: Clifton first team and title-winning KZN Coastal mentor Keegan Pearce is a tactician of note.
Here is Clifton head coach Keegan Pearce’s thoughts on the match, a match which I personally would never have predicted could go the Durban team’s way.
“Coming into Saturday’s fixture with Hilton, Jono, it certainly was daunting playing away against such a well-structured and tactically astute Hilton College team.
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“The odds were certainly against us and we needed a good start to give ourselves an opportunity to win. The first 20 minutes seemed like a whirlwind. We scored 3 goals inside the first 15 minutes.
“We targeted the counter-attacks, and a key part of our game was to move the ball on early.
“We capitalised on what, at times, was loose marking and we connected passes superbly to get behind the defensive line almost every attacking play. This allowed us to gain entry into the attacking 23-metre area and also make circle entries, and 3 goals was the result.”
A combination of turnovers and counter-attacks from deep plus space in the Hilton midfield led to field goals by Clifton’s Justin Wood, Spencer Klue and Luke Wilson. But could underdogs Clifton maintain such incredible momentum?
Yes indeed. Here’s Keegan:
“We scored a 4th goal in the 2nd chukka to go 4-0 up and that really cemented our lead in the second half.”
With a Hilton player on the receiving end of an umpire’s green card at a point during the second chukka, Clifton pocketed their second deflection goal, Daryl Lotter emulating the same scoring manner of Justin Wood’s opening goal in this high-octane clash.
Remarkably, the rampant Clifton combination nearly went 5-0 up just 5 minutes from halftime after sterling work by John Munford, but the Daryl Lotter effort shaved the wrong side of the left post.
Back to Clifton head coach Keegan Pearce:
“Then we were complacent and conceded a penalty corner in the last 10 seconds of the 2nd chukka.”
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The penalty corner stemmed from an inspired drive and Hilton College’s skilful playmaker and drag-flick king Cameron Pearce made no error in flashing the ball into the left side of the goals.
Despite Clifton being a remarkable 4-1 up going into the second half, this match was by no means over, as the classy Hilton College team had a good 30 minutes in which to overhaul the Durban side’s impressive, but not unbeatable, 3-goal margin.
Here’s Clifton coach Keegan Pearce:
“With nothing to lose, Hilton put everything they had into the last 30 minutes and pressed us so well that the cracks started to show!
“We defended deep for long periods, and naturally but unfortunately we adopted a defend-at-all-costs mindset. It meant our build-up was rushed and too direct, and Hilton capitalised on that to win a few penalty corners and scored a great goal from a strong flick.”
As KZN10.com reporter at pitch-side, ZekeO, commented in his match report, “Up stepped that man (Cameron) Pearce whose drag flick exploded the back of the Clifton net… 4-2 is how the (third) chukka ended.”
Back to Clifton mentor Keegan Pearce:
“We played out to a 4-2 lead until the last few minutes, when again some great pressing and brilliant intercepting from Hilton saw them score to make it 4-3.”
As KZN10.com reporter Zeke put it: “In the 59th minute (Stephan) Liebenberg guided a bullet cross into the back of the net, making the score 4-3. With a minute to go the tension was palpable as the Clifton boys tried to hold onto the ball.”
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Clifton coach Keegan Pearce praised his boys for hanging on so well in that emotion-charged final minute to seal a memorable 4-3 victory.
Head coach Devon van der Merwe’s Hilton College lads will be looking to end off their successful season on a high note when they visit Aitken’s Astro in Balgowan this Saturday morning and a match-up with captain Ben Rebeck’s buoyant Michaelhouse side, who on Pape’s Astro last Saturday were the first Men of House in 19 years to beat Maritzburg College in their own backyard.
Hilton won this year’s first encounter with Michaelhouse in what was an at-times acrimonious affair, so let’s hope that the 15 June KZN10.com Super Saturday Feature Match will be free of undue tension and full of sparkling schoolboy hockey.
In 2018 the annual two-match Hilton/Michaelhouse series was shared 1 apiece, the Aitken’s Astro match a personal triumph for Ben Rebeck who nailed all 4 of the Men of House’s goals in the Michaelhouse victory.
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Clifton College vs Hilton College hockey match report
Hilton College entered their match against Clifton College as clear favourites as they hosted the boys from Durban on a crisp but clear winters day. An inspired 1st half of hockey from the visitors was just enough to beat a 2nd half revival from the hosts, 4-3.
The match started with Hilton playing their customary brand of attacking hockey whilst employing an aggressive man to man in defence.
Clifton absorbed all the early pressure and were the first team to score. A Hilton turnover led to a breakout and a speculative cross was met by Justin Wood to score a deflected goal in the 6 minute. 1-0, and a dream start to Clifton.
Matt Strauss was simply sublime in the first half as his neat touches had him involved in almost all the goals. Photo – Renate Montgomery
In the 9th minute things got even better, another breakout from Clifton, and a brilliant timed deflected pass from Matt Strauss found Spencer Klue open in the D, who calmly slid the ball past the Hilton keeper, John Turner, to make the score 2-0.
The visitors weren’t done, either. Hilton were guilty of leaving far to much space in the midfield, space which the Clifton links and forwards ruthlessly exploited. A surging counter attack had Clifton again bearing down on the Hilton goal and some slick movement between Lotter and Stauss found Luke Wilson open to neatly tuck the ball in the goal. 3-0 in the 13th minute.
That ended a whirlwind chukka with many in the stands scarcely believing what they had just witnessed but all very aware that there was still 45 minutes of hockey ahead.
Branson Bertasso had an epic match up with Hilton Colleges, Cameron Pearce. Photo – Renate Montgomery
The 2nd chukka had more of a settled pattern of play as the midfield battle intensified between Cameron Pearce and Branson Bertasso, as each took opportunities to try and impose their will on the game. Pearce was his usual self as it sometimes took multiple defenders to halt his forward progress.
Hilton continued pressing up the field in man to man coverage leaving space for Bertasso, Munford and Strauss to work as they ran onto passes from the back.
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Cliftons 4th goal in the 23rd minute came after a Hilton green card and a change in defensive formation. With a man down there was just a little more space for Jonathan Munro to smash a ball at goal from the top of the D. Through the crowd of bodies and hockey sticks the ball somehow found the end of Daryl Lotters stick who deflected the ball past Turner. 4-0 to the visitors it couldn’t get any better, could it?
In the 25th minute it almost was. Clifton had a great opportunity to make it 5 in the half, and surely seal the game in 2 chukkas, as a strong Munford breakout opened up space for Lotter. Turner did a great job of closing down the angle for Lotter whose push shot rolled agonisingly past the left upright.
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The question was with time running down could Clifton keep a clean sheet or could Hilton, at least, get 1 goal back before the half? With time running down a lively run by Hiltons, Stephan Liebenberg, caused panic in the Clifton defence.
In the scramble Clifton were penalised for deliberately pushing the ball over the back line. PC to Hilton with 20 seconds remaining in the half. Pearce who had already had one of his efforts saved made no mistake this time as he beat keeper, Rajcoomar, to his left ending the 1st half 4-1 to the visitors.
After the game Keegan Pearce, coach of the Clifton College 1st side, had this to say regarding the opening half.
‘I think that what we were very good at was playing on the counter. They committed to many numbers at times, just because its their attacking style, and we just set up some great combination passes and got behind their lines which ultimately led to us scoring 4 goals in 25 minutes which was brilliant.’
Devon van der Merwe speaks to his troops. Photo- Renate Montgomery
Brilliant indeed and with only 30 minutes to play Hilton College Coach, Devon Van der Merwe, needed to make some adjustments.
The 2nd half a decidedly different feel to it as Hilton committed more numbers into the midfield and crammed the passing lanes. Keegan breaks it down for us.
’From an out letting perspective, they pushed extra numbers on the overload and we struggled to adapt.’
At times Clifton were guilty of just trying to be to clever with the ball when the the more prudent option would be to get the ball out of the red zone by any means necessary.
Hilton were camped in the Clifton third and in the 34th minute a strike from Liebenberg was well saved by Rajcoomar. Suubi Mugerwa-Sekawabe started putting his mark on the game as he directed the Hilton attack down the left and right channels as sprayed passes to eager runners.
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Clifton defended valiantly as they threw themselves across the astro keeping the skilful Hilton players at bay. In the 42nd minute it seemed that the dam wall may be showing a few cracks. A racking slap stick pass from Sekwawabe earned Hilton a PC.
Up stepped that man Pearce whose drag flick exploded the back of the Clifton net making it a brace for the burly midfielder. 4-2 is how the chukka ended, but Hilton were quite clearly in the drivers seat at this stage.
Saurav Rajcoomar making one of his many stops on Saturday as he kept Clifton College in the game. Photo – Renate Monty Photos
With the the start of the 4th chukka Hilton ,again, increased the pressure by man marking the Clifton players. With the Clifton midfield and strikers seeming to tire a little there just didn’t seem to be the same kind of space for the backs and midfielders to operate in.
In the 49th minute came another Hilton PC with Pearce once again taking the flick forcing a great save from Rajcoomar. It was all Hilton as the probed and prodded trying to get to the by line. In the 53rd minute Rajcoomar was again the Clifton saviour as the keeper first saved a shot from Pearce and the follow up from Liebenberg.
The pressure on the Clifton goal seemed relentless, but just it looked like they would break the Clifton boys would rally and clear the danger.
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Clifton escaped up field and in the 55th minute and earned a precious PC of their own. Munford, showing great strength on the ball, was dragged to the ground buy a Hilton defender far outside the D. The PC didn’t yield any fruits but it had moved play into the Hilton defensive third.
A Strauss reverse stick strike beat Turner to the left to make it 5-2 to the visitors? No, the umpire blew his whistle for an third party obstruction on Clifton. That certainly would have sealed it, but on we played as the time continued ticking down.
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Back came Hilton as they searched desperately for their third goal and in the 59th minute Leibenberg guided a bullet cross into the back of the net making the score 4-3. With a minute to go the tension was palpable as the Clifton boys tried to hold onto the ball. Mercifully time ran out with the Clifton in control and, more importantly, holding a 4-3 advantage over the top ranked school in the country.
Keegan had this to say,
‘in the last chukka they went 10 v 10 against us which made it very hard for us to get connections which is what we thrived on in the 1st half. They were great interceptors and won some proper balls so it was tough for us to get forward.’
Keegan Pearce was masterful as he organised his troops on Saturday. Photo – Renate Montgomery
When asked about the season as a whole and his teams performance on Saturday.
‘I think our biggest problem is that we have so many junior boys, so we have only 3 matrics, so its very hard to find consistency as boys have up and down games as teenagers do… I think we have gotten better and better which is to be expected if the boys put in the hard work.
I just think today we just capitalised and scored the goals where in the first five our six games we just didn’t score enough goals. If you not going to score goals you not going to win matches.’
Thank you Keegan for your time and what a great way for Clifton to end their 2019 season with a win over Hilton College away from home. Next up for Hilton is a trip to frenemies, Michaelhouse.
Hilton College 3(1)
Goals: Cameron Pearce x 2, Stephan Liebenberg
Clifton College 4(4)
Goals: Spencer Klue, Luke Wilson, Justin Wood, Daryl Lotter
Watch: Brief highlights Hilton College vs Westville Boys
Here are the brief brief highlights from the action this last weekend, great moments from these boys!
KZN School Hockey match report Hilton College vs Westville
The highly anticipated clash between Westville boys High and Hilton College was about as tight as their positions in the rankings indicate. Numbers 1 + 2 and a right to claim the outright number 1 spot. A 0-0 draw most probably doesn’t satisfy the hockey lover but both teams would have taken the scoreline if given the option before the game.
Games of this magnitude come with pressure, something which seemed to affect the Hilton players a little more than Westville. During the course of the game Hilton had no less than 7 players sent off the field with green and yellow card offences.
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With 3 players being sent off in the 1st chukka alone, any rhythm that Hilton College might have created was hamstrung by ill discipline. Consequently, coach Devon Van der Merwe had to a employ a very tight, compact defence for large portions of the game to plug passing lanes into the Hilton D. Credit must go to the Hilton defence, however, as they maintained their discipline and shape during these periods to keep a clean sheet.
The Hilton 1st XI as a group are capable of playing great hockey, and are a highly competitive bunch of boys but they are inclined to push the boundaries much to the ire of the officials.
That being said the Hilton team is filled with great players but in my estimation the heart and soul of this team is Cameron Pearce(featured image). The powerfully built midfielder is rock solid on the ball and plays with a determination and drive that is eye catching. His runs from midfield were difficult to contain and it was after one such run that Hilton had their best chance to score 4 minutes from time.
Randal Govender harried and hassled the Hilton players the whole game. photo – Carina Haynes
Westville, a player down themselves, coughed up the ball in a strong tackle from Pearce. The number 9 put his head down and drove purposefully to the right of the Westville D. With great vision he threaded a pass to an unmarked Rory Duffy to his left, unfortunately, the striker pulled his shot just wide to the left as he tried to pull it from under his feet.
Westville, themselves, got around the edges of the Hilton defence with some great running from Randal Govender and Joshua Davies but could not apply the final pass to either earn a PC or get a shot at goal. The numerical advantage handed to them seldom saw them pressured into any mistakes.
Luke Allen was poised in attack and defence as he held the line. Photo- Carina Haynes
A sign of truly great player is that they seem to play the game at their own pace and are never hurried, Luke Allen of Westville is such a player. More often than one could count he relieved pressure through sheer guile and ball craftiness as he coolly and calmly dealt with the Hilton forwards.
That the game ended at 0-0 will probably leave Hilton happier of the two schools considering the disadvantage that they had. In the end its hard to gauge as to which team is better. Possibly the best way to explain the difference between the two would be one is a bit more dynamic whilst the other is more workmanlike. Both, however, are highly skilled and well coached and it will take an inspired performance to beat these two teams.
Westville and Hilton both have fixtures against perennial hockey powerhouse, Maritzburg College, in the next couple of weeks which will test these two teams.
In KZN10 world, though, we are just happy that these two top hockey schools in the country come from the province. One from Coastals, one from Inland; lets trust that these two regions meet in the finals of the Hockey IPT again highlighting the excellence of the sport in the province.
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KZN School rugby match report Westville vs Hilton 18 May
Perhaps you would think it strange that we would use this now famous picture of Naas Botha’s clean pants in a match report between Westville Boys and Hilton College. But, this is probably the most vivid way to describe what happened on Bowdens on Saturday afternoon as Hilton College walked away with a 25-22 victory over Westville Boys High School.
Despite playing all the rugby and dominating territory for large portions of the game, Westville couldn’t make it count where it mattered most, and that was on the scoreboard. Pacey and dynamic in attack, with game breakers all over the park, the griffins will look back on this game and realise that costly errors at key moments contributed to their loss.
Hilton, for their part, were clinical and efficient in almost every aspect of the game. Seldom did they play above themselves, seldom did they make errors. Make no mistake, Hilton College are far from perfect, neither do they have other worldly talent that just overwhelms the opposition. Rather, this a team that is extremely well coached, and where everyone just does his job, to borrow a quote from the New England Patriots Head Coach, Bill Bilechick.
The opening score in the 4 minute epitomised everything about this Hilton team. A penalty deep inside the Westville 22 metre led to a text book score via a rolling maul. A pin point throw from Holdsworth found Luke van Ryswyk and, with perfect technique, the Hilton pack marched over to score. Simple rugby, done with excellence. Wilmans missed the conversion to make the scores 5-0
From then on it was Westville who spent the larger part of the next ten minutes camped inside the Hilton half. Their
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ball carriers ran with purpose and in the 15th minute were rewarded with a try of their own. A great line busting effort from Kgopotso Matlena who, quite literally, dragged defenders with him, was rewarded with an offload to Ockie Barnard who scored next to the uprights. Redemption for the big number eight who had knocked the ball on with the goal line begging a few minutes earlier. Grove Akker stepped up to convert making the scores 7-5 to Westville and just rewards for some great play.
Hilton scored almost immediately after Westvilles opening salvo. A high, hanging kick from Wilmans at the restart was knocked on by Westville handing Hilton vital field position inside the Westville half. From the resulting phases Westville were penalised for being offside in the midfield and in the 18 minute Wilmans slotted the penalty making the scores 8-7 to the visitors.
From the kick off Westville again started to apply pressure on Hilton who just couldn’t seem to get out of their half. In the 22 minute a brilliant box kick from Braden Van Wyk led to a key moment in the half. With Westville metres from the line, Hilton were penalised for not rolling away at a ruck. Westville Captain, Gareth Bevan, sensing that they had the momentum took a quick tap and charged at the line.
The ball was recycled quickly and with a huge overlap on the left a try looked certain. Instead it was taken to the line and a ruck was set up in front of the Hilton uprights. A quick pick and go from ever lively Matlena got him close to the line and as he was tackled he slammed the ball over the line, or had he knocked it on? The ref, being unsighted, ruled knock on. So close for Westville after some great build up play once again.
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In the 43 minute, after another line break from Ockie Barnard, Hilton were penalised for tackling a player without the ball. Akker duly stepped up adding the the 3 points making the score 10-8
Hilton came back immediately with some bone jarring runs, from particularly Zigiriadis, the ball was passed to Wilmans who spun a teasing pass in front of the defence to Mark Armstrong. With the defence slightly out of alignment Armstrong beat the the first tackler. The eighth mans explosive pace drove him through the gap before unleashing a beautifully floated pass as he was falling to the ground to find flying fullback Thabiso Dlamini to score in the 47 minute. Wilmans converted making the score 15-10.
Hilton scored again in 52nd minute. After going through a number of phases Hilton had set up a pod on the Westville left. Zigiriadis who had been a willing ball carrier the whole game just held his run for a moment and threw a
Hilton Colleges Leftheri Zigiriadis continued his fine play with some powerful ball carry’s against Westville. Photo Credit Hilton College
perfectly timed inside pass to hit a speeding Latica Nela who sliced through the gap near the ruck. The graceful outside centre sped away and with a beautiful step off his right foot beat the fullback to score to the right of the uprights. Wilmans converted making the score 22-10 with 18 minutes left.
Westville, though, were the next to score in the 56th minute. After a great run by fullback Mbaso Nkonki set up the
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play inside the Hilton half the ref awarded a penalty to Westville on the Hilton 5 metre line. A dominant Westville scrum gave the necessary platform for dynamic runner Mambo Mkhize to crash over next to the posts. Akkers converted making the score 22-17.
Hilton again scored straight from the kick off in the 57th minute. Another perfect restart from Wilmans was knocked on by Westville and smartly collected by Hilton. The composure shown by the Hilton players in the next few passages of play was exemplary as they calmly worked through the phases creating a great angle for Wilmans who, taking a neat drop kick, made the scores 25-17. Great game control from the pivot putting Hilton two scores ahead with 13 minutes to play.
Back came Westville in the 60th minute, Hilton, trying to play the territory game, kicked deep to the Westville right. A long pass infield from Barnard found Nkonki who, with blazing acceleration, got around the edge of the Hilton cover. The Hilton defensive line was to slow and disorganised and up the field flew the diminutive fullback making his way to the Hilton 22 metre line. After some great support from Josh Aigner the ball was recycled and got into the hands of Simelela Nkomo who released Cameron Best to score in the corner.
With 5 minutes left to play Westville had their chance to possibly win the game. One of the few errors on the day from Wilmans handed possession to Westville on the Hilton 22 metre line. From the throw in Mkhize fed Khalishwayo who passed to Nkonki who stretched play all the way to the left. Westville recycled and Matlena putting his head down charged to the line.
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After another ruck, the ball was passed to Barnard who seemingly ran straight at the base of the poles and somehow didn’t score. With numbers to burn the ball was swung to the right and with a clear run in to score the ball was knocked on. Oh my word an absolute heartbreaker for the Westville boys!
Hilton had dodged a bullet and fittingly it was Wilmans that iced the game for the visitors who, with a telling touch finder, took the game to within 7 metres of the Westville line. Another line out error from Westville handed possession to Hilton who ran out the clock to win 25-22.
Well played to Hilton College who continue their unbeaten march through KZN opposition. They head into half term with some big matches still to come but quietly building a great body of work. Westville will again rue some costly errors and with a trip to Martizburg College next week things aren’t going to get any easier.
WESTVILLE BOYS: 22 (7)
Tries: Ockie Barnard, Mambo Mkhize, Cameron Best
Con : Grove Akkers (2)
Pen: Grove Akkers
HILTON COLLEGE: 25 (8)
Tries: Connor Holdsworth, Thabiso Dlamini, Latica Nela
Con: Ruan Wilmans (2)
Pen: Ruan Wilmans
Drop kick: Ruan Wilmans