HILTON COLLEGE
Northwood vs Hilton College match Report 27 April
Hilton College beat hosts Northwood 31-15 on a picture perfect day in Durban
Saturday 27 April was a type of day that’s made Durban famous, clear blue skies and an even bluer ocean and a slight South Westerly to keep the temperature down. With the Indian ocean as a breathtaking backdrop, Northwood school hosted Hilton College from the Natal Midlands in an epic inter schools match.
Northwood came into the fixture quietly confident after a successful Easter festival. A late change on Friday though saw influential pivot Juan-Pierre du Preez ruled out because of a stomach bug. In the resultant reshuffle, fullback Ntokozo Makhaza shifted in to cover at flyhalf.
Hilton College started the brighter of the two teams and with what was to become a trend through the afternoon, made much inroads through their forwards.
After working the ball up to the Northwood line the ball was quickly recycled to Michael Booth who, with some deft footwork, spun through a tackle to score under the poles. Wilmans converted putting the visitors up 7-0 after 5 minutes.
Stung by the early pressure, Northwood launched attacking forays of their own and made their way up to the 22 metre, in their attempt to slow Northwood down the Hilton boys were penalised for being offside. Captain Ndlovu elected to kick at the posts and Makhaza stepped up to slot the penalty to make the scores 7-3 after 15 minutes.
After the ensuing kick-off Northwood got pinned in their own half and this gave the Hilton pack the necessary impetus to start taking matters into their own hands. Wave after wave of ball runners in the midfield pushed the Northwood defence further and further back until they were defending for their lives on the goal line. A special mention must be made to the discipline and technique of the Hilton boys during this passage of play, it was something to behold as they marched purposefully up to the Northwood line.
The Hilton pack were a well oil machined against Northwood. (C) Hilton College
Under the relentless assault on their line Northwood were again caught offside as their midfield scrambled to cover the ever increasing holes in their defence. A shrill blast on the whistle and the referee raised his arm in front of the poles. Northwood thinking that Hilton were going to take the 3 easy points momentarily lost concentration. In a flash SA 7’s player Liteca Nela spotted the Northwood boys out of alignment and taking a quick tap penalty, dived over under the poles. Wilmans Converted to make the scores 14-3. A body blow for Northwood.
Hilton again received the kick-off and after some great tactical kicking from Wilmans saw Hilton pin Northwood in their half again. Hilton College were quite simply on fire at this stage with the cohesion between backs and forwards a marked feature. After another clinical clean out at a ruck, the ball was spun through the hands and as the defence rushed up Nela put a deft dink behind the on rushing defenders. Fullback Thabiso Dlamini, reading the play, showed a great turn of pace to beat the cover defence to score 10 metres for the uprights. Wilmans again converted making it 21-3 to Hilton. Northwood were reeling and not a moment to soon the half-time whistle blew.
It was marked how differently the two teams approached the 1st half of the game. Hilton were quite happy to kick out of hand and on countless occasions moved play 30 metres up field by simply kicking into space and allowing Northwood to run it back. When Hilton did have the ball it seldom passed outside centre preferring rather to keep it close to the forwards.
Northwood on the other hand kicked quite little but instead tried to run the ball at almost every opportunity. Against a team like Hilton you need some variation to keep their defence thinking. There were occasions where Northwood created opportunities to get the ball down the line with an advantage of an overlap or a mismatch. All to often though the ball would either stick too long in the hands when a simple draw and pass would suffice or the ball would be knocked on. Frustrating for players and supporters alike.
Hilton started the 2nd half the same way that they ended the 1st and after receiving the kick-off, worked their way up to the 22 before Northwood were penalised for coming in from the side at ruck time. Captain Armstrong elected to kick for poles and Wilmans obliged to make it 24-3.
Up to this stage Northwood hadn’t had any ball to play with and it was from the resultant kick-off that one could see the change in the Northwood game plan. Where as in the first half they were content to throw the ball around, in the 2nd half they kept the play a lot tighter with the ball seldom going down the line in any expansive back line play.
The strategy immediately paid dividends as Northwood started making inroads into the Hilton defence as the forwards took to their task. They were fierce and fiery in ploughing into the rucks and mauls and ran with purpose and commitment. And it was after Northwoods best passage of play that Hilton were caught offside 5 metres out right in front of the poles. Some quick thinking from Makhaza caught Hilton off guard and the slippery flyhalf dived over to score a try. He converted to make the scores 24-10.
In a almost carbon copy of the first half, Hilton’s forwards again decided to up the tempo and set up a ruck in mid field. Northwood expecting the ball to be taken up close to the ruck, got to narrow in defence and paid for it dearly. The ball was quickly moved left and some slick handling released winger Joshua Cox(Featured image (C)HIlton College).
With nothing between him and the goal line except empty grass the winger pinned his ears back and raced 40 metres down the touchline to score in the corner as the defenders raced to cut him off. Wilmans attempting his most difficult kick of the afternoon lined up the conversion and dissected the up rights from the touchline, 31-10 to Hilton with 14 minutes to play.
A series of penalties pushed Hilton further and further into their half and some smart inter play between the Northwoods backs and forwards forced a line out 5 metres from the Hilton line. The resultant maul was sacked by Hilton but the ball was spun to the back line with Northwood looking like they were about to breach the Hilton defence. Some great work at the breakdown by the Hilton forwards, however, resulted in them stealing the ball and with space spotted on left the ball was again given to Cox to stretch his legs.
In a split second the gap closed and in trying to keep the ball alive a wild pass was thrown which bounced ever so close to the touchline. Mpendu showing great dexterity and skill picked up the ball before it could go out and headed for the try line. As the cross cover defence was about to bundle him in to touch he neatly offloaded to Ndlovu who crashed over to score. Unfortunately Makhaza missed the extras and the score stayed 31-15 to Hilton with 9 minutes to play.
That was the end of the scoring for the day as the action moved between the two 22 metre lines for the remainder of the game. That Northwood won the 2nd half 12-10 is an indicator that the Knights stepped up mightily and showed that the final 31-15 scoreline to Hilton was a little more flattering to the visitors than it should have been.
And so it begins…well not really.
Rugby takes center stage
Yesterday marked the start of the 2nd term for the government schools and would traditionally have signaled the beginning of the winter sports season with rugby boots getting the full on Dubbin Treatment and jerseys readied.
Of course much has changed over the last 20 odd years, but with the calendars of the private and government schools being particularly at odds with each other this year, much rugby has already been played. One notable observation has been that Hilton College’s and Glenwood’s 1st teams have played 5 matches already as opposed to Maritzburg College’s 2.
It has, nonetheless, been a busy holiday overall with many of the KZN10 schools taking part in festivals all over the country from U14 all the way up to 1st team with some really encouraging performances from the schools. And to think the Easter festivals are still 2 weeks away! Its no wonder preseason starts in September.
With that said, most of you would have probably been kept up to date on your schools latest results but here at KZN10 we like to know whats happening in all the schools. So just to get everyone up to speed as to what has happened in the last month I’ll post a summary of the results of the KZN10 schools 1st teams.
Northwood:
9 March: Martizburg College
Score: 30-26
For the casual observer this may have come as a shock, but the Knights were organized, executed their game plan effectively and made the most of their opportunities.
21 March: Grey High School(Grey Festival)
Score: 12-38
23 March: Selborne College(Grey Festival)
Score: 26-28
An absolute heart breaker for the Knights as they lost in the last movement of the game. Credit must go to the Selborne kicker as he nailed a tricky conversion to win the game. Tough going Knights! See the sequence below.
Incidentally the player who scored the winning try for Selborne, Jarrod Taylor, is a awesome player who should be in the reckoning for a SA Schools cap. At the recent World Schools Festival he was simply outstanding.
Clifton School:
04 March: Port Shepstone
Score: 38-12
09 March: Richards Bay
Score: 31-0
13 March: Amanzimtoti High School
Score: 64-5
16 March: Michaelhouse 2nd
Score: 26-24
An encouraging sign for Clifton is that on this day their lower age group A teams played the Michaelhouse B teams on stagger and won their matches fairly comfortably.
DHS:
09 March: Hilton College
Score: 3-20
21 March: Framesby(Grey festival)
Score: 10-54
23 March: Grey High School(Grey Festival)
Score: 14-33
Westville:
9 March: Glenwood
Score: 7-22
Glenwood Rugby Festival:
Wesvalia: 38-21
Montana: 31-10
Piet Potgieter: 19-12
Kearsney College:
16 March: Hilton College
Score: 14-14
23 March: St Charles College
Score: 36-7
Glenwood:
9 March: Westville
Score: 22-7
21 March: KES(Wynberg Rugby Festival)
Score: 48-36
Mar 23: San Isidro Rugby Club-Argentina(Wynberg Rugby Festival)
Score: 33-31
Mar 26: John McGlashan-New Zealand(World Schools Festival)
Score: 32-17
Highlights from the game, clip is about 10 minutes long
Mar29: Asia Pacific Dragons (World Schools Festival)
Score:33-10
Maritzburg College
9 March: Northwood
Score: 26-30
23 March: Noord Kaap
Score: 24-34
Michaelhouse:
16 March: St Charles College
Score: 27-7
23 March: Hilton College
Score: 10-20
St Charles College
16 March: Michaelhouse
Score: 7-27
23 March
7-36
Hilton College
9 March: DHS
Score: 20-3
16 March: Kearsney College
Score: 14-14
23 March: Michaelhouse
Score: 20-10
27 March: USA Schools XV
Score: 41-00
30 March: Italian All Stars
Score: 34-15
This weekend promises to be an action packed one with Glenwood hosting Maritzburg College on Dixons and DHS hosting Westville on Van Heerdens. Both DHS and Glenwood have made these compulsory fixtures for their boys so the atmosphere should be electric at both venues. For those that can’t make the Glenwood/Maritzburg College game it will be televised live on Supersport as part of their Premier Schools coverage, kick off is 13:55.
With the private schools still on holiday 3 of them will be heading down to the Kingswood 125th festival. There are some potentially good match ups for our KZN10 schools particularly against St Andrews College who will play both Hilton and Kearsney. Clifton round out the trio of schools and should have a stern test from Graeme College.
St Andrews had a good set of results at the Grey High Festival so we will definitely keep an eye out as to how our schools fair.
So if you are in and around the Durban go and support the boys.
Thats all from me till next time,
Zeke
How Pivotal Talent changed Michaelhouse head boy Will Norton’s game
| With the myriad of choices available – and new career paths emerging all the time – our high school boys and girls face a daunting task in choosing the correct tertiary education option that is tailor-made for them, personally.
Last year’s (2018) Michaelhouse head boy William Norton faced those same challenges and thanks to a unique career assessment tool, administered by Pivotal Talent, Will is now happily enjoying his first-year studies at the University of Cape Town. Michaelhouse will always be close to Will’s heart and this likeable young man has already made his mark.
 Use KZN10 as your reference code in completing your Pivotal Talent online SubjectChoice (Grade 9s) or CareerGuide (Grade 10, 11 & 12) assessment. www.careerguidesolution.co.za
Let’s hear it from Will as to how his initial career-option path unfolded. KZN10.com’s Jono: Will, in what grade were you at Michaelhouse when you did the Pivotal Talent CareerGuide assessment and what drew you to seek outside help in order to feel comfortable with the course of tertiary study to take?
Will: “Thank you for asking, sir. I was in Grade 12 [last year] and not 100% sure about what I was going to study at university. I needed some guidance and Pivotal Talent helped me realise that being myself and trusting my interests and strengths would lead me to making the right choice.” Jono: Will, given that you already had your school subject choices and were therefore focused on the Pivotal Talent CareerGuide assessment, if you had known at the relevant time (grade 9) that there was a Pivotal Talent SubjectChoice option as well, as to what subjects to take in grades 10, 11 and 12, would you have considered it? Will: “I definitely would have considered it – and used it -because of the personal insight it gives to your preferences. Subject choices are a tricky thing and during the course of high school I changed one of my subjects. I’m sure the Pivotal Talent SubjectChoice assessment would have helped me make a more informed decision the first time!”
Replace uncertainty with accuracy in directing your child’s full potential. Use KZN10 as your reference code in completing your Pivotal Talent online SubjectChoice (Grade 9s) or CareerGuide (Grade 10, 11 & 12) assessment. www.careerguidesolution.co.za
Jono: Will, as far as your experience of Pivotal Talent is concerned, were the following unique processes helpful: – that it is online and could complete from anywhere and on any device; – that you didn’t have to travel anywhere (i.e. you could do at home/school or over a weekend) and – that your report and findings were automatically generated and sent back to you immediately via e-mail? Will: “Yes, it made it accessible and took a lot of stress out of the situation because you could to do it in your own time, at your own pace with minimal pressure from anyone.”
 Michaelhouse Senior Prefect 2018 William Norton stands on House’s beloved Meadows with his War Cry Leader Nzuzo Tshili. Will has fond memories of the House boys’ spirit and support, especially against Hilton College.
Jono: Will, as the 2018 Michaelhouse head boy and now 1st year University of Cape Town student, how important is it in this day and age to know that you are going into something that targets/leverages your core skills and competencies but also your interests and passions? Will: “I think it’s exactly what the whole of High School gears you up for. “I thankfully have fallen in love with my degree and I think it is largely thanks to the Pivotal Talent CareerGuide assessment” “I have begun to realise that studying something you enjoy is essential for your overall happiness. If you are interested in and passionate about your degree, it makes everything fall into place and it allows you to get the most out of your time at university.” |
Jono: Will, how did Pivotal Talent assist you in taking the right option with respect to your university degree?
Will: “Well Pivotal Talent assisted me in discovering that I was passionate in learning about the softer skills, and dealing with people rather than the maths and science options.
“Pivotal Talent took into account my passions and skills, and furnished me with a considered report in double-quick time, which is now allowing me to enjoy every day at UCT!
“I almost fell into the trap of following the crowd and doing what everyone else was planning to do, but Pivotal Talent made me realise that being yourself and trusting in your own choices in responding to the questions is the most important part of finding your true career path.”
Use KZN10 as your reference code in completing your Pivotal Talent online SubjectChoice (Grade 9s) or CareerGuide (Grade 10, 11 & 12) assessment. www.careerguidesolution.co.za
Jono: Will, what attracted you to the Pivotal Talent CareerGuide method of pinning down the ideal tertiary study path for you – perhaps in contrast to the traditional psychometric methods?
Will: “The thought of being able to do it quickly and easily from wherever you were was something that appealed hugely to me.”
Jono: Will, I find that particular answer very interesting. It says to me that Pivotal Talent takes away the pain and angst of over-dwelling on what can develop into an extremely stressful situation, fraught with what could be costly long-term implications should the wrong decision be made. Hence, one might say, the danger of “following the crowd” rather than forging your own, unique-to-you path?
Will: “Absolutely sir, Pivotal Talent pinpointed the right option for me and cleared up the uncertainty that faces many of us.”
FRIENDS for LIFE: Michaelhouse 2018 senior prefect Will Norton and the 2018 Michaelhouse 1st XV & 1st XI’s Liam England. School is definitely over!
Jono: Will, as you know Pivotal Talent CareerGuide is not only directed at Grade 12s. Would you recommend it to Grade 10s and 11s as well? In getting an early start on pinpointing where their core interests, skills and performance strengths should be steering them?
Will: “Sir, I would recommend it 100%. The earlier you can start grasping what you truly enjoy and what your passions are, the earlier you will be able to start developing those passions into a career path that sees you doing what you love.”
Chris Hardie, Will Norton (centre of image) & Michaelhouse mates at what looks like Inter-House Athletics Day 2018.
Jono: Will, you might know that Pivotal Talent is a proudly South African product. A powerful, web-based analytics tool intent on accurately & scientifically assisting individuals in predicting their core interests, skills and performance strengths relative to available and evolving career fields. Did you find it to be so?
Will: “Yes I did. It might seem contradictory, considering that it is completely online, but Pivotal Talent really does feel personal in the way that it paints a picture of who you are and where your passions, strengths and weaknesses lie. It seems to know you better than you know yourself!”
Jono: Will, I love that answer! Power to Pivotal Talent!
FRIENDS for LIFE: 2018 Michaelhouse first XI cricketers Will Norton (left) and Tom Trotter sharing the moment during their last match for the school, against Hilton College on Roy Gathorne Oval in Balgowan. Photo Martin Ashworth
Jono: So Will, is there anything else you would like to add, with regard to Pivotal Talent? Was it professional and efficient in taking you through the process and to the end result?
Will: “Sir, the entire process was professional and efficient, and at the same time I constantly felt that I was in control of the process. It was slick, and the end result was something that has helped me already – and I know it will continue to help me throughout the rest of my life!”
Jono: Will, coming from you, a young man whom I have got to know and like, a young man with proven integrity, I believe that through your words you have opened the doors for many more of our high school boys and girls to follow the Pivotal Talent SubjectChoice and CareerGuide assessment route.
KZN10 is the reference code in completing the Pivotal Talent online SubjectChoice (Grade 9) or CareerGuide (Grade 10, 11 & 12) assessment. Replace uncertainty with accuracy in marrying your high school child’s passions & strengths with a career path. www.careerguidesolution.co.za
Finally, if you will indulge me please Will – I know that you are a modest guy who prefers deflecting praise onto your peers – please list your school achievements, accolades and anything else of interest.
Will: “OK sir, if you insist, here goes…”
- Represented KZN Tennis for 7 years
- Selected as the KZN U19A Tennis Captain in 2018
- Selected for a School Exchange to Australia in 2016
- Senior Prefect of Michaelhouse
- Honours for Academics
- Honours for Tennis
- Colours for Cricket
- Achieved 5 Distinctions in Matric and was placed in the top 1% nationally for Economics and Life Orientation
- Own a business called NORTON&HARDIE
- Co-founded and ran the “Our House” social media presence
- Enjoy all ball sports
- Family and friends are extremely important to me
- Currently studying a B.Com PPE at The University of Cape Town
Men of House! Thomas Trotter and Will Norton enjoying a Varsity moment.
Jono: Phew! That is quite something. Will, once again, thank you for your time. I wish you all of the very best that life has to offer.
Will: “Thank you sir. Likewise.”
* Will was also the first KZN10 head boy from the 2018 year that Jono asked as to what he had learned from his position of leadership at Michaelhouse and what he would advise to the incoming House leadership group of 2019. Check out the link to that widely-read KZN10.com story.
https://kzn10.com/michaelhouse-senior-prefect-will-norton-reflects-on-the-year/
Also: Please read the quotes below to get an idea of the calibre of man that is Will Norton.
Stuart Orwin: “I look forward to seeing the path that Will Norton chooses and how many countless more lives he will have an impact on. No doubt he will cast his light far.”
Barry Haigh: “Will Norton remains one of the most altogether students that I’ve taught. He has always remained consistent and strives to give of his best. Will, everything of the very best for your future – I will be following it closely.”
Jono Cook: “The super-power that Will Norton has, is that he doesn’t have to try anything, do anything, in a group of people to stand out. He simply does – because he is so comfortable in being the William Norton he was always meant to be. Therein lies a lesson for us all.”
Will Norton and Pivotal Talent – leading the way…
Nic C and Roeland B make the best Black Friday Super Sale blush
Last Friday Kearsney College made it 3 excellent outings from 3 for the KZN10 vs English tourists Wellington College. This followed the Wednesday clash at Hilton that saw the visitors saved by the rain, and the Thursday clash buttoned up by Michaelhouse.
Bowling was at its best in the performances of Hilton College U17A off-spinner Nic Campbell and Michaelhouse first XI seamer Roeland van den Berg, who were in irresistible form, snapping up 12 wickets at a giveaway price.
Back to the Kearsney match: After the disappointment of the Feb 9 first XI drubbing to the tune of 9 wickets by the Hilton College first XI at the Jack Hart-Davis Oval, the Kearsney 1st XI enjoyed a morale-boosting 7-wicket win against visiting England school Wellington College.
(To be fair, Feb 9 was not all a tale of woe for the Kearsney Cricket programme, as the U14A’s and 16A’s beat Hilton).
Feature pic* Hilton College U17 finger spinner Nic Campbell was devastating in picking up a six-fer virtually nothing against Wellington College. A Philippa photo image
So on a balmy Friday Feb 8 at the AH Smith Oval, Kearsney won the toss and elected to field first against Wellington College UK in a match reduced to 45 overs per side.
A somewhat sticky wicket gave some advantage to the bowlers with wickets falling at regular intervals.
Kearsney College U15s and the Chatsworth Regional Performance Centre XI had a cracker T20 at Chats Oval.
Pick of the Kearsney bowlers were Chase Kelly with 3/19 in 9 overs, ably supported by Joshua Stocks as well as newcomers Matt Murray and Matthew D’Eramo.
Wellington College made 141/9 to which Kearsney replied with 142/3.
Louis Nel (45) and Dylan Hulett (61*) played well, working the singles nicely and punishing any loose deliveries.
A good win by 7 wickets for the home side in a match played in good spirit.
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This Kearsney win was preceded by last Thursday Feb 14’s equally emphatic 6-wicket T20 victory by Michaelhouse over the Wellington lads on the Roy Gathorne Oval in Balgowan.
The strongly built seamer Roeland van den Berg ran through the heart of the Wellington innings in picking up a six-fer next-to-nothing as the English tourists were bundled out for 88.
Michaelhouse ran down the target with 30-plus balls to spare, with a Luke Gammie 53 underlining the six-wicket House win.
To complete the back-to-back-to-back domination of the three KZN10 teams over Wellington College (a stately school with its own 18-hole golf course), their first match was a 40-over Wed Feb 13 vs a Hilton College U17A team led by Colby Dyer, the 16-year-old Dolphins U19 Cubs Week wrist-spinner and handy batsman.
Replace uncertainty with accuracy. KZN10 is your reference code in completing your Pivotal Talent online SubjectChoice (Grade 9s) or CareerGuide (Grade 10, 11 & 12) assessment. www.careerguidesolution.co.za
Hilton made 222/5 in 40 with Slade van Staden hitting a majestic unbeaten 127 in his first innings for his school, and Ethan Bain 29. Wellington were teetering on 74/8 after 20 overs when the weather conditions forced the match to end.
Hilton U17 off-spinner Nic Campbell conjured up a stunning exhibition of control and guile in setting his six-pack up.
Nic’s flight, line, length and turn were fundamental in his six wickets coming at a price that would make the best Black Friday sale blush.
Campbell’s skill set up a series of batsmen in quick succession – enticed forward and bowled through the gate.
For the Slade batting and Campbell bowling alone it was worth the trip up or down the N3 for the group of Hilton fans and UK parents at the Jack H-D Oval.
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* Thanks for the Kearsney-Wellington info Neil Peacock.
Meanwhile, a match that took place towards the end of last month has recently come to my attention.
Kearsney U15’s emerged winners in the last over of a low-scoring yet thrilling Momentum Friendship Games encounter with the Chatsworth Regional Performance Centre side at the immaculate Chatsworth Oval.
Captain Callum McKoen top-scored for Kearsney U15’s in that last-over 8-run win.
McKoen played a controlled innings of 43 off 42 deliveries (3x4s) to help his side recover from a shaky start (the total was 4 runs for the loss of 2 sticks).
Nothing quite like it when a plan comes together. Go Kearsney U15s!
Kearsney eventually posted 101/6 after the allotted 20 overs.
Matthew Bergsett (9) helped McKoen to steady the ship, notching up a 32-run stand for the third wicket before Chatsworth RPC’s Bonga Shezi (1/17) got Bergsett to leave Kearsney 36/3 in the eighth over.
Despite losing his partner, KC skipper McKoen continued the battle at the crease, recording three boundaries as he played the role of the aggressor in a 42-run partnership with Bryce Wiggett (17).
McKoen was finally dismissed, with Chats RPC’s Vumani Magwaza (1/19) taking a smart caught and bowled to remove the dangerous Kearsney skipper just seven runs short of a half-century.
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Following the dismissal of their captain, Kearsney College added a further 19 runs to end on the triple-figure score for the loss of six wickets.
Mohammed Shaik (1/3) and captain Kamaran Naraidu (1/17) were the other wicket-takers for home side Chatsworth RPC U15’s.
In reply, the Chatsworth RPC got off to a slow start.
The hosts could only score 15 runs in the opening five overs before Joshua Page was skittled for four in the sixth over.
Ryan Naicker then partnered with Ndumiso Xolo (8) and the pair took their side to 41/1 before disaster struck.
Teamwork is key when it comes down to making every ball count in your favour. Kearsney 15s have got this one!
Chats RPC lost four wickets in four consecutive overs, one of them Naicker (27) at the expense of just six runs thanks to three run outs and a wicket from Wiggett (1/13).
Faced with an uphill battle on 47/5 after 15 overs, requiring 55 runs to win, the Chatsworth outfit had to dig in to secure a result.
Braydon Naidoo and Asanda Khanyile fought hard to add 20 runs to the score before the latter was bowled by Lethu Gwarube (2/9) for nine.
Mihir Behari (15) joined Naidoo out in the middle and got off the mark with a lovely drive to the boundary before adding another one 3 balls later.
London-based Maritzburg College Old Boy Arthur Wormington enjoyed tussling with KC stars Mark Pearse & Paul Logan. Arthur is in KZN for a short while. Contact your UK Property Investment expert now. arthur@megaprop.co.uk
Mihir’s efforts to up the run rate were short-lived, though, with Kearsney U15’s Jayce van Eeden (2/16) claiming his wicket.
Heading into the final over, the home side required 17 runs for the win but despite conceding nine off it, Van Eeden kept his nerve.
Van was the man for the moment, dispatching Braydon Naidoo back to the hut for 16 and helped restrict Chatsworth to 93/8 in their 20 overs to take his team to that slender 8-run victory.
WELL DONE BOYS OF THE KZN10
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Clifton College blazing a trail in KZN10 water polo
With many of the schools in the KZN10 water polo fraternity involved in the big boys galas over the weekend allot of the KZN10 fixtures were rescheduled for during the week.
The eagerly anticipated match-up between Clifton College and Hilton College (featured image) finally took place after Cliftons water polo forays took them out of the province last week.
6 Feb
Northwood vs Michaelhouse
An encouraging sign for Michaelhouse as both U15A and U14A record good victories.
| Northwood | Michaelhouse | |||
| 1st | 10 | ~ | 8 | 1st |
| 2nd | 1 | ~ | 3 | 2nd |
| 3rd | 3 | ~ | 5 | 3rd |
| U15A | 3 | ~ | 10 | U15A |
| U14A | 2 | ~ | 6 | U14A |
| U14B | 7 | ~ | 4 | U14B |
| Goals | 26 | 36 | Goals | |
| Wins | 2 | 4 | Wins | |
| Win Ratio | 33% | 67% | Win Ratio | |
| Ave Goals | 4 | 6 | Ave Goals | |
7 Feb
Michaelhouse vs Maritzburg College
Maritzburg College sweeps the open age group but Michaelhouses juniors come on strong with some fine performances at home.
| Michaelhouse | vs | Maritzburg College | ||
| 1st | 6 | ~ | 7 | 1st |
| 2nd | 2 | ~ | 3 | 2nd |
| 3rd | 1 | ~ | 11 | 3rd |
| 4th | 4 | ~ | 6 | 4th |
| 5th | 3 | ~ | 7 | 5th |
| U15A | 12 | ~ | 3 | U15A |
| U15B | 8 | ~ | 2 | U15B |
| U14A | 9 | ~ | 3 | U14A |
| U14B | 4 | ~ | 7 | U14B |
| Goals | 49 | 49 | Goals | |
| Wins | 3 | 6 | Wins | |
| Win Ratio | 38% | 75% | Win Ratio | |
| Ave Goals | 5 | 5 | Ave Goals | |
Northwood vs Westville Boys
Westville shows its pedigree in scoring twice as many goals as Northwood. Northwood shows some nice depth in the open age group.
| Northwood | vs | Westville Boys | ||
| 1st | 3 | ~ | 13 | 1st |
| 2nd | 5 | ~ | 6 | 2nd |
| 3rd | 0 | ~ | 13 | 3rd |
| 4th | 7 | ~ | 4 | 4th |
| 5th | 10 | ~ | 8 | 5th |
| U15A | 0 | ~ | 7 | U15A |
| U14A | 2 | ~ | 5 | U14A |
| U14B | 6 | ~ | 4 | U14B |
| Goals | 33 | 60 | ||
| Wins | 3 | 5 | Wins | |
| Win Ratio | 38% | 63% | Win Ratio | |
| Ave Goals | 8 | 15 | Ave Goals | |
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9 Feb
Clifton College vs Hilton College/St Charles College
An eagerly anticipated clash. The Hilton College junior teams through down the gauntlet earlier in the week but the Clifton College seniors responded with a well rounded, polished display.
| Clifton College | vs | Hilton College | ||
| 1st | 8 | ~ | 6 | 1st |
| 2nd | 11 | ~ | 1 | 2nd |
| Goals | 19 | 7 | ||
| Clifton College | vs | St Charles College | ||
| 3rd | 9 | ~ | 7 | 1st |
| 4th | 7 | ~ | 5 | 2nd |
| U15B | 6 | ~ | 4 | U15A |
| U14B | 3 | ~ | 6 | U14A |
| Goals | 25 | 22 | ||
| Wins | 3 | 1 | Wins | |
| Win Ratio | 75% | 25% | Win Ratio | |
| Ave Goals | 6 | 6 | Ave Goals | |
With midterms coming up for allot of the schools, it means that its tournament time. From The Cape to Joburg and back to Durban our KZN10 boys will be busy flying the flag.
Michaelhouse and Kearsney College march on…
In the last full weekend of schools basketball between the KZN10 schools before the half term breaks there were some clear markers laid down as to supremacy in the KZN10 basketball landscape.
Impressive wins for Michaelhouse in hosting Maritburg College, Kearsney College going to Hilton College and coming away with a well deserved victory.
A win for Glenwood U14’s (featured pic) against DHS is something these boys will remember for a long time..
We have included some midweek fixtures just to give a more fuller picture of what the basketball schools have been up to.
6 February
Hilton College vs Grace College
7 February
St Charles College vs Hilton College
9 February
Michaelhouse vs Maritzburg College
Hilton College vs Kearsney College
St Charles College vs Clifton College
06 Feb
Hilton College vs Grace College
| Hilton College | vs | Grace College | ||
| U15B | 23 | ~ | 15 | U15A |
| U14B | 26 | ~ | 6 | U14A |
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Martizburg College vs Alex
Maritzburg College had a tough away encounter against a plucky Alex side who showed, that on their home court they have allot of spirit.
| Maritzburg College | vs | Alex | ||
| 1st | 30 | ~ | 18 | 1st |
| U16A | 31 | ~ | 18 | U16A |
| U15A | 65 | ~ | 9 | U15A |
| U14A | 17 | ~ | 7 | U14A |
| U14B | 17 | ~ | 11 | U14B |
| Games Played | 5 | |||
| Win Ratio | Points for | Ave: | ||
| Maritzburg College | 5 | 100% | 160 | 32 |
| Alex | 0 | 0% | 63 | 13 |
7 February
St Charles College vs Hilton College
| St Charles College | vs | Hilton College | ||
| 1st | 78 | ~ | 38 | 1st |
A tough away fixture for Hilton College as they try and get in as many fixtures as possible before the St Johns tournament.
9 February
Michaelhouse vs Maritzburg College
An epic clash between two schools in a rich vein of form. Michaelhouse again were led by all star performers Kwanele Khumalo and JC Oelofse who, when their team needed crucial baskets, were able to click into a higher gear and maintain the Michaelhouse lead.
Maritzburg College fought manfully the whole afternoon, but crucial defensive lapses at key moments cost them dearly and were never really able to exert enough pressure on the Michaelhouse team to knock them off their stride.
An encouraging sign for the College program was that not one game was lost in the U14 and U15 age groups whilst in the open age groups there seemed to be a great deal of parity.
| Michaelhouse | vs | Maritzburg College | ||
| 1st | 50 | ~ | 31 | 1st |
| 2nd | 34 | ~ | 25 | 2nd |
| 3rd | 19 | ~ | 28 | 3rd |
| 4th | 40 | ~ | 22 | 4th |
| 5th | 23 | ~ | 25 | 5th |
| 6th | 32 | ~ | 7 | 6th |
| U16A | 24 | ~ | 37 | U16A |
| U16B | 23 | ~ | 26 | U16B |
| U16C | 29 | ~ | 25 | U16C |
| U16D | 11 | ~ | 12 | U16D |
| U15A | 18 | ~ | 24 | U15A |
| U15B | 8 | ~ | 59 | U15B |
| U15C | 10 | ~ | 15 | U15C |
| U15D | 9 | ~ | 45 | U15D |
| U14A | 17 | ~ | 23 | U14A |
| U14B | 14 | ~ | 45 | U14B |
| U14C | 8 | ~ | 14 | U14C |
| U14D | 0 | ~ | 43 | U14D |
| Games Played | 18 | |||
| Win Ratio | Points for | Ave: | ||
| Michaelhouse Wins | 5 | 28% | 369 | 21 |
| Maritzburg College Wins | 13 | 72% | 506 | 28 |
Hilton College vs Kearsney College
Hilton showed a much improved performance against Kearsney at home. Buoyed on by their vociferous fans the Hilton team showed that they are fast developing under the tutelage of Coach Shange.Kearsney again showed the rich pedigree that they have established under Coach Delport. At times it seemed that Hilton were making a run and threatening an upset only to be thwarted by an organized and polished Kearsney team.
| Hilton College | vs | Kearsney College | ||
| 1st | 50 | ~ | 63 | 1st |
| 2nd | 21 | ~ | 41 | 2nd |
| 3rd | 25 | ~ | 22 | 3rd |
| 4th | 14 | ~ | 23 | 4th |
| 5th | 8 | ~ | 13 | 5th |
| U16A | 37 | ~ | 42 | U16A |
| U16B | 19 | ~ | 26 | U16B |
| U16C | 19 | ~ | 26 | U16C |
| U15A | 24 | ~ | 21 | U15A |
| U15B | 27 | ~ | 25 | U15B |
| U15C | 14 | ~ | 43 | U15C |
| U14A | 26 | ~ | 23 | U14A |
| U14B | 25 | ~ | 15 | U14B |
| U14C | 10 | ~ | 26 | U14C |
| Games Played | 14 | |||
| Win Ratio | Points for | Ave: | ||
| Hilton College Wins | 5 | 36% | 319 | 23 |
| Kearsney College Wins | 9 | 64% | 409 | 29 |
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St Charles College vs Clifton College
St Charles who seem to be hitting their straps this season had a handy victory against Clifton College.
| St Charles College | vs | Cllfton College | |||
| 1st | 87 | ~ | 41 | 1st | |
| 2nd | 39 | ~ | 14 | 2nd | |
| 3rd | 34 | ~ | 14 | 3rd | |
| 4th | 5 | ~ | 17 | 4th | |
| U16A | 43 | ~ | 10 | U16A | |
| U16B | 30 | ~ | 10 | U16B | |
| U16C | 51 | ~ | 4 | U16C | |
| U15A | 26 | ~ | 18 | U15A | |
| U15B | 29 | ~ | 12 | U15B | |
| U15C | 13 | ~ | 25 | U15C | |
| U15D | 9 | ~ | 28 |
|
|
| U14A | 43 | ~ | 10 | U14A | |
| U14B | 41 | ~ | 4 | U14B | |
| U14C | 22 | ~ | 2 | U14C | |
| U14D | 2 | ~ | 6 | U14D |
| Games Played | 15 | |||
| Win Ratio | Points for | Ave: | ||
| St Charles College wins | 12 | 80% | 474 | 32 |
| Cllfton College wins | 3 | 20% | 215 | 14 |
Westville Boys vs Northwood
Westville had an impressive clean sweep of victories when they hosted Northwood on Saturday. Northwoods U15A who has put up some impressive displays this season was again the pick of the Northwood teams.
| Westville Boys | vs | Northwood | ||
| 1st | 82 | ~ | 49 | 1st |
| 2nd | 51 | ~ | 22 | 2nd |
| U16A | 28 | ~ | 13 | U16A |
| U16B | 22 | ~ | 16 | U16B |
| U16C | 73 | ~ | 13 | U16C |
| U15A | 25 | ~ | 22 | U15A |
| U15B | 62 | ~ | 14 | U15B |
| U15C | 28 | ~ | 23 | U15C |
| U15D | 45 | ~ | 11 | U15D |
| U14A | 54 | ~ | 21 | U14A |
| U14B | 27 | ~ | 5 | U14B |
| U14C | 16 | ~ | 9 | U14C |
| U14D | 12 | ~ | 11 | U14D |
| U14E | 13 | ~ | 4 | U14E |
| Games Played | 14 | |||
| Win Ratio | Points for | Ave: | ||
| Westville Boys wins | 14 | 100% | 538 | 38 |
| Northwood wins | 0 | 0% | 233 | 17 |
DHS vs Glenwood
In what must be considered an upset, Glenwood U14A (featured picture) beat their DHS U14A counterparts for the first time in many years. Credit must go to the Glenwood coaching staff who haven’t had an easy time of it this season but have soldiered on under difficult circumstances.
| DHS | vs | Glenwood | ||
| 1st | 101 | ~ | 20 | 1st |
| U16A | 27 | ~ | 17 | U16A |
| U15A | 44 | ~ | 9 | U15A |
| U14A | 8 | ~ | 17 | U14A |
| Games Played | 4 | |||
| Win Ratio | Points for | Ave: | ||
| DHS wins | 3 | 75% | 180 | 45 |
| Glenwood wins | 1 | 25% | 63 | 16 |
This week in basketball 30 Jan-5Feb
It was another thrilling week amongst the KZN10 basketball schools as their buzzer beaters and strong performances from all the schools
Clifton College vs Hilton College:
A evenly contested day between the two schools. With the points differential of 107-103 in favour of Hilton College across the age group A and 1st teams shows just how tightly contested the day was.
And of course, who could forget this from young Jacques Mahanga of Clifton College to win the game for Clifton:
This game, wow what a finish!
Kearsney College vs Westville Boys:
A great day for Kearsney as they win 10 of their games at the A and B team level. Westville’s depth came into play wining 9 of their own.
Northwood vs Michaelhouse
The scores may not be that big but Northwood at home is a tricky fixture as home court advantage really plays a huge factor.
And also Northwood stepped up its game off the court as well:
KZN10 Schoolboy sport really is special.
Maritzburg College vs Glenwood
A productive basketball day for College who played played 14 won 13 lost 1.
This week in Water polo 30 Jan-5 Feb
With a number of Water-polo fixtures happening during the week we have changed the format somewhat of our results page to give a far more rounded view to the KZN10 water polo results.
30 Jan
School Fixtures
Northwood vs Glenwood
31 Jan
Pearson 2nd team tournament Port Elizabeth
Northwood:
Clifton: 
Michaelhouse:
St Andrew’s College Shield Tournament
Clifton College:
01 Feb
School Fixtures
Northwood vs Glenwood
Pearson 2nd team tournament Port Elizabeth
Northwood:
Clifton:
Michaelhouse:
St Andrew’s College Shield Tournament
Clifton College:
o2 Feb
School Fixtures
Clifton College vs Hilton College:
A good day for Hilton College won 5 lost 1 drawn 1
Kearsney College Vs Westville Boys:
Nice set of results for Kearsney against a quality Water Polo program. Victories in all the age group A teams with the 1st team capping off a great day for them.
Maritzburg College vs Glenwood:
A great set of results for Maritzburg College who started off the season pretty slowly but have gradually built some momentum. Played 9 Won 8 Lost 1.
Pearson 2nd team tournament Port Elizabeth
Clifton College:
Clifton College 2nd team beat Grey High School 2nd team in the final of the tournament.
St Andrew’s College Shield Tournament
Clifton College:
o3 Feb
St Andrew’s College Shield Tournament
Clifton College:
In the battle of for Water polo supremacy Clifton College dispatched Bishops in the semi-finals of the Tournament but unfortunately came up short against a great SACS side.
Hilton College vs Kearsney College 04+05 Feb
| Hilton College | vs | Kearsney College | |||||||
| 1st | 20 | ~ | 11 | 1st | |||||
| 2nd | 11 | ~ | 4 | 2nd | Goals | 79 | 36 | ||
| 3rd | 10 | ~ | 4 | U16A | Average | 9.875 | 4.5 | ||
| 4th | 4 | ~ | 6 | U18C | Hilton Wins | 6 | |||
| 5th | 10 | ~ | 1 | U16B | Kearsney Wins | 1 | |||
| U15A | 3 | ~ | 3 | U15A | Dra | 1 | |||
| U14A | 14 | ~ | 3 | U14A | |||||
| U14B | 7 | ~ | 4 | U14B | |||||
Good set of results for Hilton, their impressive U14A’s keep marching on.
Pivotal Talent can change your game
“Pivotal”: of crucial importance in the development of success.
“Talent”: a natural aptitude, gift or skill.
KZN10.com introduces Will Hardie of Pivotal Talent:
Jono says, “Hi Will, I am so chuffed to discuss subject choice and career guidance options with you, as it is close to my heart, based on my history, as well as my having children who will shortly be faced with the challenges these crucial choices can have on their future in the workplace.”
Feature image: Maritzburg College Old Boy Joel Stransky and Michaelhouse Old Boy Will Hardie, Pivotal Talent business partners.
Jono continues, “I went the traditional psychometric testing route when I was in grade 9 and then again in grades 11 and 12.
“Unfortunately the results were so off the mark that it took 14 years in the ‘workplace wilderness’ before I stumbled – purely by chance, into sports journalism, an occupation I have happily been in for close on 25 years now.
“If only I had had the opportunity to go the Pivotal Talent route.”
Pivotal Talent’s Online SubjectChoice (Grade 9) & CareerGuide (Grades 10, 11 & 12) solutions replace uncertainty with accuracy in directing your children’s full potential. Check out www.careerguidesolution.co.za
Upon accessing the Pivotal Talent web link, KZN10 is your reference code in completing the assessment.
“So what is Pivotal Talent, did you devise it or is it a product that originates from elsewhere?
Michaelhouse Old Boy Will Hardie says, “Thanks very much for the opportunity Jono!
“Pivotal Talent is a proudly South African-based technology entity (part of the Pivotal Group of Companies) and is a powerful web-based analytics tool that accurately & scientifically helps individuals predict their core interests, skills and performance strengths relative to available and evolving career fields.
“The solution was founded and developed by Dr Juan Swartz to primarily help companies more accurately and intelligently recruit, develop and retain key staff in their organisation.
“However, as the solution evolved and matured, a further opportunity was identified to help students, sports professionals and individuals interested in a career change.
“From a Schools Focus perspective, and for the purposes of this discussion, Pivotal Talent offers SubjectChoice for Grade 9s and CareerGuide for Grade 10, 11 and 12s.”
Jono says, “Will, your Pivotal Talent business partner is Joel Stransky, one of the founding members of the Pivotal Technology Group AND the 1995 Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok flyhalf – I was sitting behind the posts when Joel snapped over that matchwinning drop-goal!
“Will, you were an accomplished loose forward in your days at Michaelhouse and then at Varsity. Joel was at Durban Varsity around the same time you were playing for Maritzburg Varsity; did you ever play in the same team or perhaps against each other?
Joel Stransky & Will Hardie are Pivotal Talent. KZN10 is your reference code in completing the SubjectChoice (Grade 9) or CareerChoice (Grades 10, 11 & 12) assessments at www.careerguidesolution.co.za
Will says, “Jono, I wish I had played in the same team as Joel! Unfortunately, that never materialised for me. However, I did play against Joel in my Michaelhouse grade 12 year (we got hammered) when he was at Maritzburg College and we may have crossed paths on the rugby field at Varsity.”
Jono says, “So Will, what was the unique motivation for you and Joel around Pivotal Talent?”
“Jono, we believe that Pivotal Talent is a world-first augmented intelligence (AI) analytics solution that goes well beyond the traditional aptitude & psychometric evaluation process and which very accurately helps to predict an individual’s full potential.
“It’s a carefully calibrated questionnaire that can scientifically and automatically match an individual’s interests and skill-set to suitable careers (and, in turn, also subject choices).
“In short, Pivotal Talent is a cost-effective and efficient online assessment that takes no more than 60 to 90 minutes to complete; is simple and very easy to follow and generates a highly detailed, individualised report instantaneously.
“As an aside, my 2 older children, currently studying at University, both completed their Pivotal Talent SubjectChoice and CareerGuide assessments at School and are now studying degrees that are 100% aligned to respective careers – as predicted originally by Pivotal Talent!”
Jono: “That happy situation would certainly take the weight off many parents’ shoulders, including a number of moms and dads that I know.
“So what makes Pivotal Talent a fresh option, when our high school boys and girls must make subject-choice or career-choice – and thereby tertiary studies – decisions?”
Pivotal Talent SubjectChoice (Grade 9) and CareerGuide (Grades 10, 11 and 12) takes the uncertainty out of choosing the right subjects for you.Upon accessing the Pivotal Talent web link www.careerguidesolution.co.za and completing one of the assessments, please use the KZN10 reference code.
Will’s response: “Jono, we believe that the Pivotal Talent value proposition, namely SubjectChoice and CareerGuide, is a unique solution to what can be a daunting undertaking.
“Apart from the obvious ‘softer’ benefits of Pivotal Talent, such as convenience (can complete the online assessment anywhere in the world and on any device), being substantially more cost-effective and its instant reporting capability, the compelling differentiators we advocate are as follows:
“Unique algorithms for matching – Pivotal Talent uses complex and proprietary algorithms which scientifically match individuals based on the skills, characteristics, capabilities and faculties that predict performance to the unique tasks, performance criteria and success factors required in different careers.
“Scientific approach – Pivotal Talent is based on objective, validated research from top global institutions compiled from research into multiple fields over the last 60 years, and we use this information in our model to more accurately match individuals with the right career options.
“Automated – Pivotal Talent is an automated solution. Results are available immediately after completing an online questionnaire, and focus is provided to help individuals develop a plan of action that moves them towards a particular career path and ultimate employability.
“Multifaceted – The suitability of a career path is based on, 1) how the scholar measures against the key performance criteria in that career path, 2) the scholar’s interest in the tasks performed in the career path, and 3) the desirability of that career path, including elements such as opportunities.
Jono says, “Will, I found the 4 differentiators mentioned above particularly interesting… it makes a lot of sense. So with respect to the genesis of the Pivotal Talent model – did you and your team research and then align with international ‘best practice’ variants in establishing the necessary validity and reliability of the Pivotal Talent blueprint?”
Will: “First and foremost, our solution is theoretically valid, as it only draws on corroborated research from the top institutions globally. We ensure reliability and validity by only incorporating constructs that are supported through extensive quantitative research.
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“Our solution is corroborated by integrating constructs that have been found to be predictors of performance across different fields of study.
“These theoretical models are then validated by statistical analysis, whereby the model utility -and thus the predictive power of the model within the client’s environment – is tested to ensure precision and accuracy.
“Where construct validity is a theoretical concern, our model is based on constructs that have been theoretically postulated to have a causal link to performance.
“Accuracy and precision are our main proof points, as our solution is not a standardised assessment, but rather an analytical model that accurately and precisely predicts performance in a career.”
Jono: “Will, once again you have hit on a point that resonates with me, Accuracy and Precision, something sorely lacking in my case when it came to subject- and career-choice decisions during my schooldays.
“Will, is there anything else you would like to add?”
“The Pivotal Talent SubjectChoice and CareerGuide have been available to the South African market for 2 years now and have already seen a lot of interest and adoption across several provinces and multiple Schools. The feedback from Schools, scholars and parents has been incredibly positive on all fronts.”
Jono wraps it up: “Thanks for the chat, Will; I have personally found this to be one of the most interesting and rewarding interviews in my going-on 25 years in the media workspace. I have no doubt that Pivotal Talent will greatly assist Scholars to accurately predict subject choices and career choices – the 2 areas of uncertainty that plague our children and parents daily – and yet are both so crucial in plotting the way forward.”
Will’s response: “Thank you for the opportunity to share the exciting Pivotal Talent SubjectChoice and CareerGuide story with you Jono. KZN10.com has a fantastic following thanks to your efforts, and Joel and I are hugely excited at the prospect of working with and adding value to your wonderful cause. All the best!”
Pivotal Talent SubjectChoice (Grade 9) and CareerGuide (Grades 10, 11 and 12) takes the uncertainty out of choosing the right subjects for you. Check out www.careerguidesolution.co.za
KZN10 is your reference code in completing your assessment.
Saints vs Maritzburg College the basketball derby to end all derbies!
FAST Breaks, Lay-Ups, Double Dribbles, Bank Shots and Box Outs –
We can expect it all and more come the 6.30pm refs’ Jump-Ball signal and the long-awaited Classic Clash, the PMB Derby to end all Derbies, hits lift-off!!!
Yes KZN10 sports lovers it’s St Charles College firsts vs Maritzburg College firsts 6.30pm this Frosty Friday Night in the KZN capital… and in Saints’ revamped and freshly-named Samukele Khumalo Arena, in honour of the former Saints head prefect and basketball, rugby and soccer star Samke Khumalo, whose life was so tragically cut short when it promised to add so much to our country South Africa.
First team line-ups
Among the glittering additions to this magnificent Saints theatre of basketball are glass-fibre drop-down boards and new stands that have added huge value to the ever-increasing KZN10 demand for fan seats in the pressure-cooker and precocious skill-set bouquet served up by our flagship KZN10 basketball teams, which include the likes of Michaelhouse, Kearsney College, DHS and Westville to name just four.
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While the Harwin Road Side of the Samke Khumalo arena remains much the same, the court at the Astro End has been moved forward to enable a new bank of stands to accommodate the Saints boys, while the visiting boys populate the raised stands at the Gym End and the adult spectator stands that run the length of the Court of Hoops and parallel to Saints premier rugby field, Old Orchards, has been considerably heightened.
Yes fans of KZN10 much of the KZN10 basketball fan-focus is on this long-awaited and much-anticipated St Charles College Maritzburg College showdown.
Those in the know are saying pre-game that it’s way too tough to call a winner but what appears clear is that the team bringing their A-Game will prevail… and if history teaches us anything, by the slenderest of margins.
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Sadly the wet weather forced the officials to cancel all the early matches on the outside courts but the age-group boys who have missed out on their match will definitely not allow that disappointment to diminish their support for their senior schoolmates tonight.
The scheduled St Charles College vs Maritzburg College fixtures, many of which were cancelled due to the slippery outside-courts’ surfaces:
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- Current Saints first team head coach and Head of the Upper School, the former SA standout national basketballer Mr Darren Holcomb, has enviable tactical and technical back-up from the full-time Saints Basketball Specialist Mr Craig Gilchrist, who is also the current SA men’s head coach and a legend of the SA game in his playing days.
Given that the Saints Old Boys are expected to be out in force, one can surmise that Saints go into into this fixture as slight favourites.
But Maritzburg College under head coach Zeke Oosthuis have bounced back from an early-season defeat to Westville and have got their game back on track. Significantly, this week’s training sessions have revealed this: The Red Black & White line-up are in determined mood for an upset.
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It’s set up for a wonderful occasion. The atmosphere, Razmattaz, drum beats, war cries and so much more from both sets of supporters will add an intoxicating rhythm to a festive and passionate atmosphere.
May the best team win!
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*****
SATURDAY
Michaelhouse vs DHS
This is another cracker set to play out at House.
Michaelhouse must go into this fixture as favourites as they have been the most dominant of the KZN10 schools and haven’t been beaten by any of the local sides the last season. Playing in front of their expectant supporters will surely motivate them to greater heights.
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DHS head to Michaelhouse after a tough loss at Kearsney. They will be looking to bounce back with a determined display.
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Hilton College vs Northwood
Both schools will be looking to get back on the winning trail with this KZN10 fixture.
The weekend seems set for a determined push by one of these schools.
Hilton will be better as new head coach Ayanda Shange gets his troops organised. Northwood will be at their plucky best.
Kearsney College vs Clifton College
Clifton head to Kearsney quietly confident of a good performance after a solid early-season win against Northwood.
Kearsney, who have set themselves apart as the top basketball programme in the KZN10, will look to dominate at home.
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Westville vs Glenwood
Westville host Glenwood at home with the Westville 2nd team taking on the Glenwood 1st team.