HILTON COLLEGE
KZN10 pace bowlers, wrist & finger spinners, this is for you
LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
OK here’s the deal. You can make 440 for two declared on any given KZN10 Super Saturday but that’s not much use if you can’t then get the 10 wickets needed to win the match.
(Sure there’s the limited-overs format followed out of necessity and coupled with logistical issues – transport of groups of teams on any given KZN10 Saturday – but what I am getting at it is that we are aiming to develop wicket-taking bowlers not containment safety-first cricketers).
As one climbs the cricket ladder of age-groups, with its better-quality cricket and stronger opposition, by and large it’s the bowlers who (should) win matches, especially when backed by outstanding catchers and fielders. And a reasonable total supplied by your batters of course.
Feature image caption: Glenwood 2019 grade 12 Lifa Ntanzi had a stellar December/January, making the 2018 SA Schools and SA U19 Feb/Mar 2019 tour teams. Athletic, aggressive, accurate, fast bowler Lifa’s got the goods. RenateMontyPhotos
London-based Maritzburg College Old Boy Arthur Wormington was a wizard behind the stumps. Bowlers were in safe hands. So are your UK Property Investment options. Contact arthur@megaprop.co.uk
* Please note: No inference should be drawn that any of the players mentioned below or in the images below, are in some sort of over-training, over-bowling situation. The group represents just a smattering of the hugely promising KZN10 bowling talent we have in our midst and the intention is to recognise them for that talent by including them in this feature.
So, injury free; that’s what we want. If not, dreams could be in tatters in the blink of an eye.
Therefore, KZN10 felt it wise to consult an expert, in PMB-based physiotherapist Neil van Biljon, who has extensive experience in treating KZN schoolboy sportsmen and cricketers, particularly promising fast bowlers.
PBHS and Tuks graduate Neil van Biljon’s physiotherapy practice is in the KZN capital. Neil has extensive experience across the sports codes and is seen here with Kearsney Old Boy Torin Tedder working with the UKZN Impi rugby team a while back.
Neil: “Thanks Jono. I have firm views on the subject, having experienced first-hand in my practice what damage can be done if the teen-age fast bowler is not properly managed. And I am not just talking about high school boys. And not just about fast bowling.
“And it is not only fast bowlers; medium-fast, seam and swing bowlers, the primary school bowler too; the strain exerted on the bowling shoulder of the young, the teenage leg-spinner, the off-spinner, the strain on the hips and knees and so on of every bowler.
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“And what I am going to point out under the next five headings can in most instances also be adapted and applied to many sports codes at schoolboy level.”
WHY WE TRAIN
Says Neil: “To provide the body with adequate load to enforce positive physiological adaptations; that is, improved fitness, skill levels and mental endurance.”
TOO HIGH A WORKLOAD
Says Neil: “Results in negative adaptions from the body (counter-productive) thus forcing the fast bowler to need a longer recovery phase. Worst-case scenario it brings about damage to soft-tissue structures.
“Resuming training to quickly after a period of training overload can result in further negative adaptations and the serious risk of Overtraining Syndrome (OTS).”
Another scalp for Hilton College 2017/2018 opening bowler John Turner at the (first term) 2018 Coke T20 National Franchise Finals. Boys of Hilton team-mate Suubi Mugerwa-Sekawabe rushes in to join the celebration.
LOAD MANAGEMENT
Says Neil: “The onus is on the fast bowler, his coaches, trainers, physios and the school sports scientists to track the player’s loading and try fit them into what is called the loading ‘sweet spot’ where the young fast bowler’s body is positively adapting to the load (i.e. getting fitter) and at the same time protecting the body from damage and overuse injuries.”
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ADOLESCENT PACE BOWLERS AT HIGH RISK
Says Neil: “There are multi-factorial risk factors in this specific group of athletes.
“Vertebral growth plates have been shown to close from age 18 to as late as age 23 in extreme cases. As a general yardstick, though, we can assume in most cases that at age 19 this physeal closing has taken place almost completely.
“This, coupled with maximum bone-mass volume only being reached at around age 18 it does leave the younger fast bowler at high risk of lower-back stress fractures – particularly when they are put through high volumes of bowling week in and week out.
“A typical bowling action can exert up to 30 times your body weight’s worth of pressure through your lumbar spine. In fact, this is increased with bowlers who have a ‘mixed-on’ bowling action.”
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SOLUTIONS
Says Neil: “It goes without saying that ‘core strengthening’ in the off-season is crucial. In my opinion, better communication between health professionals and coaches is key.
“There are numerous ways to manage the bowler’s workload via Apps, questionnaires, or simply counting their overs bowled in a week.
“All bowlers are different and need to be managed individually. Interestingly enough, ‘low workload’ can be just as detrimental to the bowler as too high a workload.
“The key times when injuries tend to be a problem can also be after a long, relatively inactive off-season or after a long injury layoff .
“Coming back to training at high volumes can be dangerous. The basic rule of thumb is low-intensity training that includes low volumes of overs bowled that is then supplemented with a 10% increase per week.”
Fireworks in the offing: Hilton College first XI captain and Dolphins U19 all-rounder Mikey Booth locks on to his target.
BOTTOM LINE, says Neil
“Listen to your body. Consult a professional immediately if anything feels out of the ordinary. The body tends to give warning signs ahead of major injuries. These warning signs must be taken seriously by you.
“Prevention is always better than cure.”
Jono says: Brilliant advice, Neil. I suffered from a major back injury as a 13/14-year-old opening bowler and it put paid to any thoughts of bigger things.
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There is so much promising talent out there on any given KZN10 Super Saturday and it would be a crime to see it denied due to inadequate knowledge.
This may indeed turn out to be the most intrinsically valuable KZN10 story yet.
**********
In KZN10 terms, when one talks talent, one need look no further than the Hilton College bowling attack of what was a stellar 2018 first XI year.
Opening bowlers John Turner and Michael Booth, seam and swing bowler Tom Dixon, left-arm orthodox spinner Michael Frost, leg-spinners Colby Dyer and James Ritchie, off-spinner Michael Sclanders.
The 16-year-old Hilton College first XI and Dolphins U19 leg-spinner Colby Dyer has the ability to break partnerships and get a clutch of wickets in a single spell. Colby is also an accomplished batsman.
Such was the effectiveness of this remarkably varied bowling arsenal one wonders if it stands out among the best seen at schoolboy level in years.
That five of the seven are back in this 2019 year is a prospect to savour – and has already been experienced by yours truly in two matches to date.
But I digress. The punch line here is that in 2018, almost invariably, from match to match, John Turner and particularly Michael Booth knocked over two or three top-order wickets in the first 7 or 8 overs.
This regular match situation afforded Hilton captain James Ritchie the opportunity to maintain attacking fields – and the time and run-space for Dixon, Dyer, Frost, Sclanders and the skipper to weave their destructive webs.
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The good news is that the Hilton bowlers aren’t the only leather flingers of note that we will – and are already seeing – on the green fields of the KZN10 at this early stage of the 2019 year.
I could do the rounds among the schools but for brevity’s sake – and to get back to the point of this story – here are just one or two more examples of what we can, and are already, witnessing in 2019.
St Charles College have promising talent in abundance in the form of Kian Channon, Cameron Spangenberg and Keegan Crawford, especially now that they each have a minimum of one year’s first XI experience in the memory bank.
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Maritzburg College fast bowler Mondli Khumalo is another, as are Northwood’s 2019 captain Jeremy Martins, fellow Northwod Knight Andile Mokgakane the SA U19 all-rounder, and young all-rounder Cade Carmichael of Kearsney College.
Maritzburg College fast bowler Mondli Khumalo delivered a fiery opening spell to the Michaelhouse top-order on the Roy Gathorne Oval during fourth-term 2018. Photo DESDESIGNSDOT
And from 2018, Kearsney left-arm opening bowler Carl Heunis, and Westville captain & right-arm paceman Matthew Pollard.
And what more can one say of SA Schools 2018 and SA U19 Feb/March India tour selection, the then grade 11 and now grade 12 talent that is Lifa Ntanzi of Glenwood.
2018 Westville captain, opening bowler and attacking batsman Matt Pollard lets it fly with keeper Jandre Viljoen watching intently.
Extremely quick, a natural athlete if ever there was one, deadly accurate and a snorter of a bouncer, Lifa is definitely a shining star-in-the-making to watch.
Michaelhouse’s U19 Cricket World Cup paceman Fraser Jones, 2019 St Charles College captain and Zimbabwe U19 off-spinner Wessly Madhevere, joint Player of the 2018 Junior World Cup…
There are more.
We in KZN are fortunate to blessed with so much talent.
Roll on 2019 KZN10 cricket!
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January 19’s KZN10 basketball results throw up interesting pointers
The first full weekend of school basketball matches in the KZN10 took place over this past weekend. Rain did have a say in a few of the clashes but without exception every 1st team got an opportunity to play:
Michaelhouse vs Westville
Of note in this particular fixture was going to be the match-up at 1st team level. Michaelhouse were the form team of Stayers season and they produced a convincing win at the Westville Multipurpose Centre. Michaelhouse 4 victories/Westville 10 victories.
Michaelhouse next host DHS while Westville’s next game – against Glenwood – has been cancelled.
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Clifton vs Northwood
A good win for Clifton 1sts against their Durban North rivals. Northwood won the A team games in the age groups which bodes well for their future performances. The win total – Clifton 4 victories and Northwood 5 victories – indicates a great match-up for the schools.
Clifton next make the journey up to Bothas Hill to take on Kearsney and Northwood travel to Hilton College.
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St Charles College vs Glenwood (Glenwood scores first)
A tough day at the office for the lads from Glenwood – there is hope that they can build on their U16A result as it seems like it was a tightly contested affair.
St Charles will feel relieved to finally get their season under way. As our interview with * Craig Gilchrist suggests, the Maritzburg private school is looking to make waves this season. St Charles 4 victories Glenwood 0.
* Check out Mr Basketball, the SA men’s head coach, SA legend and Saints’ full-time Basketball Specialist Craig Gilchrist’s fascinating KZN10.com video interview by clicking on his name link in the paragraph above.
Glenwood’s fixture this week against Westville has been cancelled, whilst St Charles play host to Maritzburg College in a 6pm evening game on Friday 25 January 2019.
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This is a match that heralds the culmination of a special day in the life of the 144-year-old institution, the opening and renaming of their revamped basketball venue – splendid facility.
At 10.30am Friday a ceremony will be held at the St Charles College Indoor Centre, in which the facility will be named the Samukele Khumalo Arena, in honour of the recent former Saints head prefect and basketball star whose burgeoning young life, so full of promise, was so tragically cut short.
Come 6pm Friday, just under 8 hours after the christening of the brand new Samukele Khumalo Arena, the much-anticipated local derby between Saints and their cross-town friends Maritzburg College will play out to a packed arena.
Sam, the boys will do you proud.
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DHS vs Kearnsey College
The matches were originally supposed to be held at DHS but the inclement weather which affected most of the KZN10 cricket prevented DHS from defending their home court.
The A team games and 1st team were moved to Kearsney College to at least give the boys a game.
The results indicate that the Kearsney basketball programme is operating at elite level. DHS can be disappointed, as zero victories on the day is not indicative of their quality.
Next up for Kearsney is Clifton at home whilst DHS make the journey up to Balgowan to take on a powerful Michaelhouse side.
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Maritzburg College vs Hilton College
A good set of results for Maritzburg College whilst Hilton could feel that they were slightly underdone coming into this fixture.
With a new coach at the helm of Hilton it may take a few weeks for them to develop an identity but if last season’s results are anything to to go, success is round the corner. College 10 victories – Hilton 1 victory.
Next up for College is, as mentioned in some detail above, St Charles, whilst Hilton host Northwood.
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A rough guide to KZN10 first term cricket fixtures
Here is the rough fixture list for KZN10 Cricket in t
he 1st term of 2019. There are some T20 games not included. Be aware that fixtures may change to what is reflected here. The home team indicates where the 1st team will play on the day.
| Day | Date | Home Team | Away Team | |
| Sat | 12 Jan | M College | vs | Westville |
| Thu | 17 Jan | Hilton | vs | Scotch College |
| Sat | 19 Jan | M College | vs | Hilton |
| Westville | vs | Michaelhouse | ||
| DHS | vs | Kearsney | ||
| Clifton | vs | Northwood | ||
| St Charles | vs | Glenwood | ||
| Sat | 26 Jan | Kearsney | vs | Clifton |
| Northwood | vs | Hilton | ||
| Michaelhouse | vs | DHS | ||
| Glenwood | vs | Westville | ||
| St Charles | vs | M College | ||
| Sat | 02 Feb | M College | vs | Glenwood |
| Northwood | vs | Michaelhouse | ||
| Kearsney | vs | Westville | ||
| Clifton | vs | Hilton | ||
| DHS | vs | St Charles | ||
| Sat | 09 Feb | Northwood | vs | Westville |
| Michaelhouse | vs | M College | ||
| Hilton | vs | Kearsney | ||
| Clifton | vs | St Charles | ||
| DHS | vs | Glenwood | ||
| Wed | 13 Feb | Hilton | vs | Wellington |
| Fri | 15 Feb | Kearsney | vs | Wellington |
| Sat | 16 Feb | Glenwood Hilton |
vs vs |
Northwood Michaelhouse |
| Sat | 23 Feb | Northwood | vs | DHS |
| Kearsney | vs | M College | ||
| Westville | vs | Clifton | ||
| Sat | 02 Mar | Michaelhouse | vs | Clifton |
| Kearsney | vs | St Charles |
Big afternoon & evening for Mikey Booth’s Hilton College
After Wednesday’s underdone defeat to Rondebosch captain Michael Booth’s Hilton College first XI are looking for back-to-back victories in the Independent Schools Cricket Festival’s Thursday action.
Feature image: Michael Booth, Hilton College first XI captain, U17 National Week All-Rounder of the Tournament in action here for Dolphins U19 at Cubs Week a few days ago. Image courtesy of RenateMontyPhotos
It’s the 50-over vs St John’s Harare today and the T20 tonight vs fellow Zimbabweans Falcon College.
Hilton posted 224 in 47 of 50 vs St John’s Harare this Thursday morning after Boothie won the toss. St John’s beat Kearsney in a T20 this week.
Hilton College’s Colby Dyer in action for Dolphins U19 a few days ago. RenateMontyPhotos
At the time of this posting (14h49 Thursday) St John’s had just been bundled out for 93 with 16-year-old Dolphins U19 leg-spinner and promising batsman Colby Dyer (4), young fast bowler Matt Boast (2) the outstanding KZN Inland U17 left-arm spinner Mike Frost (3) and the excellent 2018 HC first XI opening bowler John Turner (1) among the HC wickets.
So Hilton 224 to St John’s Harare’s 93. Orando et Laborando by 131.
Of Hilton’s 224 all out vs St John’s on Oaks Field at Bishops the heavy-scoring age-group batsman Nick Hatton made his maiden HC first XI 50 (62 in the end) with the other notable scores coming from opener Joshua Watt 31 and Chris Meyer 29.
Hilton got off to a champion start at 55/1 after 7 then 105/2 in the 18th and the momentum was still positive with the total 131/3 at the 25-over halfway stage, before the Goddess Cricket continued smiling on Orando et Laborando at 176/3 off 33, but the feisty Zimbabweans pulled it back.
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In the 50-over WEDNESDAY home side Rondebosch (187/8) beat Hilton (105) by 82 runs.
Here’s Warwickshire County pro Tim Groenewald, the Maritzburg College Old Boy, on his Hilton team vs Rondebosch:
“We put ourselves in a decent position with the ball restricting them to around 80 for 5 before some very good partnerships from their lower middle order, which saw them get 187 off their 50 overs.
“We never really got going with the bat struggling to put any meaningful partnerships together; at 34 overs we were 98 for 4 and giving ourselves a chance, but we fell apart to some quality bowling.
Fast bowler Matt Boast – pictured here in Feb 2018 alongside his then Hilton U15A coach Shaun Sinclair, was in outstanding form last year and he’s slotted into first XI cricket as a rookie grade 10 with no trouble at all.
“It was a tough first game but hopefully one that we can learn from and improve going forward.”
* Tim heads the HC first XI coaching role in the absence of Dale Benkenstein who as Proteas batting coach is presently fulfilling those duties.
# Hilton left out Colby Dyer and Nick Campbell for Wednesday’s Rondebosch match.
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Rondebosch were on a precarious 68/5 after electing to bat on their picturesque Oval with outstanding HC seamer Tom Dixon (10-2-26-3) and first XI debutant the grade 10 paceman Matt Boast (5-2-10-2) knocking over the Bosch top 5.
It was a special moment for the Dixon and Boast families watching the two cousins bowling in tandem and with such success.
But cometh the hour… Keagan Mountjoy (58 80b 5×4 2×6) and player of the match Guy Sheena (36) adding 60 for the 6th wicket which in turn enabled the Bosch tailenders to finish off the innings strongly.
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Chasing 188 off 300 it was very much Hilton’s game for the taking – and at 93/4 after 16 it was still HC holding the baton… but finger spinner Sheena had other ideas – and 8 overs 5 maidens 5 wickets for 9 runs was the result.
Hilton all out for 105. Defeat by 82.
The great thing is that at the close of each and every day one page closes and a clean sheet emerges at the dawn of the next.
Go Boys of Hilton. It’s BIG THURSDAY.
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Magic batting from Hilton College maestro Mikey Sclanders
MICHAEL Sclanders has scored exactly 2 300 runs for the Hilton College first XI and taken 54 wickets.
Michael Sclanders’ time in the school first XI ended 4 days ago.
When it comes to watching Michael Sclanders bat for Hilton firsts, I have certainly struck it lucky this year.
When all the elements weave into a day to remember.
Come to think of it, much of that “luck” is due to Mikey’s remarkable consistency rather than the goodwill of Lady Fortune.
On Sunday, 30 September, after Mikey was out for 30 the day before, I saw this composed number 3 batsman make a masterful 150 on Day 2 of the Maritzburg College-hosted 59th Oppenheimer Michael Cricket Week.
Convinced he could do it again, I then watched the Winterton farmers’ son well set for another 150 the next day, only to be adjudged run out on 52 in a situation that would have been well served by a slow-motion third umpire review.
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The day after that, on October 2, I saw Michael compile a superb 84 against KES.
And then a wonderful 104 against Clifton College 4 days later. All of these innings were played out on the Jack Hart-Davis Oval at Hilton College.
That’s 420 runs in 5 innings on Mikey’s home turf – inside 8 days – at 84 per innings.
That’s tapping into a rich vein of form.
And I saw further examples of the same at the Independent Schools’ Cricket Festival hosted by St Alban’s College in Pretoria 9 months ago.
Moments like this.
It’s difficult to differentiate between the excellence and then the still-more excellence I have been so captivated by this year, but 4 days ago might have been the best yet. And fittingly, in Mikey’s last school innings
The picturesque Roy Gathorne Oval setting at Michaelhouse was complemented by a beautiful summer’s day. Michaelhouse put Hilton in and SA U19 Cricket World Cup fast bowler Fraser Jones had knocked over the opening batsmen alarmingly quickly.
“Flustered” doesn’t seem to be a word when it comes to Michael Sclanders.
Barring a superb fifth-wicket partnership between Sclanders and Michael Booth, Hilton wickets were lost at various intervals but Michael Sclanders was always there, piloting the ship and his batting partners… deft placements here and carefully chosen moments there, triggering off boundary balls when most needed.
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His unbeaten 135 was not without its awkward moments – nothing worthwhile ever is – but my word it was a knock that anchored Hilton’s three-from-three over the Men of House this year.
It appears there is something about the Michaelhouse bowling – or the appeal of the challenge in meeting Hilton’s longest standing and most-anticipated opponents, that quickens the competitive instinct in Michael Sclanders.
On all three occasions the teams met this year, Sclanders played prominent roles with the bat – and, as with 4 days ago at Michaelhouse, has snared 2 or 3 wickets with his off-spin.
With such prolific opening batsmen in James Ritchie and the Hilton College captain’s fellow KZN Inland U19 opener Robbie McGaw ahead of Mikey in the top order, there have been times where the platform has been laid for the number 3.
However, this was not necessarily the case on the numerous occasions where Michael Sclanders has scored so heavily.
Knowing when to go big.
Indeed, it is his unruffled, oh-so-calm disposition that is one of Michael’s strongest attributes. Whatever the situation, he gives the impression that he is on top of it – a hugely reassuring feeling for captain, coach and team.
And he has the ability to read the flow of an innings, is able to advise his batting partner as to what is needed in the “now” so that the team’s innings can get through to the “then” in the closing overs.
All those hours spent when no-one is watching earns its day in the sunshine.
Watching Mikey pace his own innings is a fascination all on its own: the Hilton College nearly-finished grade 12 manipulates the bowling according to the needs of his team; working the ball into gaps seemingly at will, farming the strike when a new batsman comes to the crease at a late stage in the innings; knowing the opportune time to start launching his array of big shots.
And like all fine batsmen, Mikey seems to have all the time in the world: there is never a rush – I can’t recall a single hurried, evasive action – it’s like the delivery’s direction and trajectory have already been worked out beforehand.
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As I wrote in a Witness article earlier this year:
The grade 12 Hiltonian, like many who immediately catch the eye, has that vital fraction-of-a-second extra time to consider which of an array of cricket shots would be best employed for any given delivery.
Calm, unflustered – be it fast, off-spin, leg-spin, seam or swing – this stylish right-hander is equally at home.
And possibly the key to Sclanders’ success is that he is not concerned about “dot balls”; the opposition bowling attack strangling the run rate for a time.
He knows when it’s time to launch; he knows he’s got the repertoire, the shot selection, to turn defence into exponential attack in the space of two or three overs.
Michaelhouse number 3 bat Tom Trotter congratulates Mikey on his ton.
Mike Sclanders: a batsman cricket lovers would be happy to watch all day, every day, knowing that boredom borne of familiarity would not enter the equation.
No-one achieves success in isolation.
Michael has benefited from the world-class facilities at Hilton College. Similarly during his initial time at St Charles College, not to mention coaches such as the Proteas batting coach Dale Benkenstein – who is his primary Hilton College first XI coach.
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Michael Sclanders has also helped himself with his own steadfast dedication and application.
Early mornings in the gym, hours spent honing his batting skills; his mom has had two shoulder operations following countless throw-downs in the cricket net on the family’s Winterton farm.
Fortunately dad has not been subject to the knife – yet – following the ill-effects of his 1 000s of throw-downs, but the family medical aid is readying itself for some more heat.
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Best wishes at Coke Week, Michael.
December 16 to 20 on Cape Town.
See you there.
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The 2018 Hilton College head of school Stuart Roy reflects
The 2018 Hilton College Head of School or head boy, Stuart Roy, has handed the baton of office to his successor, the 2019 Boys of House leader Cameron Coley.
Towards the end of his time as Head of School I asked Stu what he had learned from his leadership position, what was the highlight of his year and what advice would he like to give to his successors in the 2019 school leadership positions.
“Thank you for the opportunity Mr Cook.
“I have been privileged to have been the Head of School for 2018.
“The experience has allowed me to learn much and grow as an individual.
This year’s Hilton College Head of School Stuart Roy and deputy Luyanda Cingo.
“This year has had its share of ups and downs. I think I have learnt more from the down times.
“A major point for me has been learning how to deal with a tricky situation effectively but also keep various people satisfied at the same time. I think this has developed my emotional awareness.
“My role has involved a lot of people interaction and consequently I think I have learnt how to deal with people according to who they are.”
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Stu there is much food for thought in your response. I will take the time to return to it when I get a chance, as I think there is much I could learn, or at least re-visit.
The constant battle between meeting the needs of others and staying true to oneself – never easy.
Let’s get on to the less tricky stuff, the things that make the difficulties so worthwhile. So Stu, as head of the learner body, what has been your personal highlight of the year?
“Each year, the night before the Hilton vs Michaelhouse rugby and hockey derbies, we have several traditions within the school, Mr Cook.
Head of School Stuart Roy and first XV captain Patrick McVeigh with their rugby jerseys.
“It was enriching and thrilling for me in leading these traditions, addressing the boys and seeing their emotional response. This is just one example where I have felt what we call a ‘brotherhood’.
“All my best memories come from the times when it’s been all the boys together. I love seeing boys passionate about their institutions.”
Yes indeed, Stu, there are few more thrilling sight-and-sound moments than a group of our schoolboys as one, in song when supporting their teams.
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What would be the one best piece of advice you would give to the head of school of next year and his leadership group? (This interview took place before the 2019 leadership group was announced but is pertinent nevertheless).
“I have learned Mr Cook, that this is a role that can be very demanding: balancing leadership and school work is tough.
“The [2019] leadership group – and those to follow – need to be proactive in order to remain on top of the different challenges that present themselves.
“Most importantly, the leaders should stay true to themselves once they are placed in positions of leadership. They are appointed because of who they are and should not change that.
Stu Roy giving his matric dance speech.
“In closing, I think something that ties in nicely with this is what my brother once said to me about my role as head boy, “Stu, you are not the leader of the free world”.
“It was his simple way of saying, don’t take yourself too seriously, and remain humble.”
Thanks for that, Stu, I think your brother’s advice serves us all well. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in things, which seem so huge in that moment.
What I [Jono] need to say to myself is, “I’m going to take a step back, step out of this, simplify what actually is happening, then break it down into one-step-at-time and go from there.
I appreciate your time, Stu, best wishes in you further endeavours.
“Thank you Mr Cook. I wish the same for you.”
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Manchester City trial for Hilton’s Costi
Hilton College’s 16-year-old first team soccer goalkeeper Costi Christodoulou is on trial with English Premiership football giants Manchester City.
Costi jetted off to the UK over the weekend and for the grade 10 boy it’s a wonderful opportunity to reach for his dream.
Sunday saw Costi watch the Manchester derby between City and United and he began his trial with Man City yesterday.
City are hosting Costi over the next fortnight in order to have a close look at this young shot-stopper.
English champions City have been following Costi’s progress since he first started for SA U17 as a15-year-old prodigy.
The 16-year-old Costi is the current SA U17 captain.
Costi has been attending Maritzburg United training sessions since grade 9 and is the youngest player to have played in the Diski Challenge.
Hilton College has done its utmost to support Costi and has granted him leave of absence to attend training in the mornings at Maritzburg United’s Harry Gwala Stadium and made allowances for this highly intelligent lad to recoup time lost in the classroom later.
Being a boarder certainly helps this process and Costi has been hitting the 90 percentile academic average in his subjects.
Prior to this one, KZN10.com had written three stores on Constandino “Costi” Christodoulou – and Jono has written another on Costi for a national magazine.
* You can find the earlier KZN10.com Costi stories on the soccer page or the Hilton College page.
KZN10.com knows how to pick ‘em.
To be honest it’s not that difficult – and certainly pretty obvious to many – just a few minutes watching Costi in action for Hilton firsts or as captain of the Amajimbos (SA U17) and you can tell he’s got the elusive “it” that sets him apart.
The KZN10 family wishes Costi everything of the best over the next two weeks.
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Kingsmead Mynahs tour trials for KZN grade 11 boys on Sunday
The Kingsmead Mynahs invite all cricketers who are returning to school next year and have not made a representative side to a trial in the indoor facility at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead on Sunday 4th November 2018 starting at 8.30am.
Mynahs are particularly looking for cricketers who made the final trials for KZN Coastal and KZN Inland but missed the cut.
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“We do understand that the boys may be preparing or writing exams so we aim to finish by 11am,” Mynahs coach Philip Lanz told KZN10.com.
“If there are boys playing premier league cricket on Sunday we will try and put them first but can’t guarantee this as it depends on numbers.
“Players are to wear cricket practice kit and must supply their own equipment and cricket ball. If they have stats from the season this will enhance their chances of selection.”
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The Kingsmead Mynahs XI will be chosen at this trial and will play cricket at a competitive level.
Mynahs will play on Friday 30th November in the afternoon and then go on a tour to the Midlands on Saturday 1st December to Monday 3rd and then play 2 more games on the 5th and 6th.
“It is important to note for parents and the boys that they must please ensure players are available for these dates before sending them to trials,” says Philip.
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“We are looking for boys who have played in their school 1st team, 2nd team or U16A this year and who will more than likely play in the 1st team in 2019.
“We are looking for players who have the potential to play representative cricket at a later stage.
“From the last couple of years a number of players have made the KZN U19 or U17 Coastal and Inland teams after making the Kingsmead Mynahs side the year before.
Have a quick eye-check with the friendly experts in their field. Phone 033 342 9673 before you go to trials or Saturday’s match. You need a Super Saturday to round off the year. http://www.hilliarandgray.co.za/services/comprehensive-eye-exams/
“This is a wonderful opportunity for boys to develop their game if they want to aspire to play better cricket.
“We also want to spread the net as far as possible to give opportunity to all who qualify for this team.”
Philip Lanz is the Senior HOD Outreach/Operations and MIC Cricket at Thomas More College in Kloof.
Philip can be contacted at Thomas More College on 031 764 8640 and at planz@thomasmore.co.za
Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week Umpires named
It gives KZN10.com great pleasure to reveal the names of the umpires who will officiate in the 59th edition of the Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week, so splendidly hosted as always by Maritzburg College.
The four days of cricket, starting Saturday 29 September to Tuesday 2 October sees a remarkable 22 top-tier cricket schools from across the country field their first XI’s in a mammoth 44 matches in and around the KZN capital and further afield at picturesque Eston Country Club and Richmond Country Club.
Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week & Hill Premium Quality Cricket Balls go hand in glove. Maritzburg College Old Boy Stuart Hill (082 752 1494) will tell you why.
Featured image: Umpires Craig Macauley and Sibonelo ‘Sibs’ Mashimane will be busy men on Goldstones and elsewhere during the four days of Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week. Photo Jono Cook
Without these guys, who are more than willing to give of their time and knowledge over four gruelling days of arguably the most intense schoolboy cricket in the country, there simply would be no matches, no cricket week, no nothing.
The Pietermaritzburg-based John Carstens is one of the highly regarded umpires who will officiate at the 59th annual Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week hosted by Maritzburg College.
That said, it is remarkable how many of these steadfast cricket men are, to maul a metaphor, “repeat offenders”.
Umpire Pius Nkosi is back for his umpteenth Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week. Photo Jono Cook
Indeed many of these good men in the trademark black pants, white shirts and hats hail the Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week (OMCW) as their cricketing highlight of the year.
Hence the repeat offenders, many of whom have officiated at Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Weeks into double figures now.
Kershan Moodley is one of the many Durban-based umpires who relish the annual pilgrimage to Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week. Photo Jono Cook
One of the stalwarts of OMCW is umpires’ co-ordinator Mike Wolstenholme.
Umpires gathered last year at the 58th OMCW Dinner in the iconic Victoria Hall, and sponsored once again by caterer supreme Heather Lawson of Granny Macs. Mike Wolstenholme is back row, fourth from the left. Photo Jono Cook
Thanks Mike for sharing the Team Umpire list.
OMCW TEAM UMPIRE 2018
| Andrew Ngubane |
| Cameron Boock |
| Chris Govender |
| Chris Ndlovu |
| Craig Macauley |
| Daryl Govender |
| Jayden Knipe |
| John Carstens |
| Kershan Moodley |
| Matt Ducasse |
| Muhammad Jooma |
| Mike Wolstenholme |
| Pete Osborn |
| Pius Nkosi |
| Saxon Colling |
| Sibonga Shabangu |
| Sibonelo Mashimane |
| Siyabonga Mjojo |
| Stenly Mpofu |
| Yameen Godil |
| Tyler Trenowerth |
| Vaughan Meyer |
Attention, all ye good umpires: Hilliar & Gray offer in-depth assessments that include eye focusing, eye tracking, visual perception and visual processing speed. Look no further.
Why the KZN10 schools are getting it right
The success to date of Hilton College’s grade 11 triple first XI sportsman Suubi Mugerwa-Sekawabe is a combination; a three-pronged structure – raw talent, parental support and the school coaches’ guidance.
A PROUD HISTORY AND TRADITION: First XV front-ranker Henty Beukes enters Graeme Gilfillan Field ahead of the 200th Hilton Michaelhouse match.
Given Suubi’s sports career, I am surmising that raw talent is the base; and more than that, his achievement so far is the consequence of his Hilton College first XI coaches Celo Mbanjwa (football), Devon van der Merwe (hockey) and Dale Benkenstein (cricket) instilling in Suubi the more important values that indicate success is more about preparation than raw talent.
Featured image: SHARING A MOMENT – The St Charles College boys express themselves on Meadows during the first XV rugby match on 28 April 2018.
It is also a consequence of the support given Suubi in preceding years. It is no accident that Suubi has achieved success in all walks of life.
BROTHERS FOR LIFE: Clifton College first XV boys standing together, one for the other.
National recognition and regional/provincial recognition – be it academic, cultural, sporting – is the culmination of a step-by-step learning process that takes much time, blood, plenty of sweat – and yes, frustration and disappointment when a desired outcome is denied.
And it is not for all to achieve the heights, but it is for all to be the very best they can possibly be, given the talents they have. And here again I feel that my chosen KZN10 schools are on the right path – endeavouring as best they can to make each boy aware that there is an avenue for his “special power”; that his particular gift will be acknowledged, valued and nurtured.
More than just winning it, it’s about LIVING IT: Kearsney College 1st’s Dane Mertsch… living and loving every moment.
Photo TRACEY VAN DEN AARDWEG
Please note: Suubi and Hilton College is an example. There are numerous other examples amongst all the K10 schools, as evidenced in the links below. There are some schools not included in the links that the same evidence will be painted in the weeks and months to come.
Some random examples: Celimpilo Gumede the DHS first XV captain, SA Schools (2nd year) and SA Sevens rugby forward; Sibusiso Sangweni, Kearsney College rugby captain and SA Schools loose forward; schoolmate Guy Morgan, firsts hockey captain, KZN Coastal A national title-winning captain and SA Hockey Fives team member.
The thing is, first and foremost these fine young men are primarily at school for academics and I have tried my best – until they get a gap – to let them get on with it, rather than infringe on their study time and numerous other commitments.
Please note further: Winning is by no means everything at school level, yet a general rule can be applied – boys and teams that are encouraged to extend themselves in a structured, skill-by-skill progression, will win most matches and individual events.
IT’S FAR MORE THAN JUST A JOB: Glenwood first XV head coach Derek Heiberg and peers take the time to understand and counsel each player in their care.
And, thank goodness in most respects: No one educational institution or boy is perfect – that’s what makes the process so satisfying in the long term; there is always scope for learning and for the betterment of the here and now.
So, yes, Suubi had already shown the raw material and the desire at a young age, the sporting goods, to stand out, but as we have seen with many outstanding schoolboy sportsmen – some who have achieved post-school and others not – that in-born, innate ability is not enough.
As a sports journalist of 23 years’ standing who has a long-standing, abiding interest in schoolboy sport and its participants: What I see at Hilton College and other members of my chosen KZN10 schools is much more than just having talented boys; it’s a determination by their coaches and schoolteachers to foster a policy of encouraging, motivating the boys in a continuous search to further develop their innate talent.
SEEING BEYOND THE WHITES LINES: Northwood first team coach Shaun Baker and his KZN10 peers know that hockey’s educational value extends much further than the confines of an Astro.
The positive side of the coin is this: If the coach doesn’t enable the boy – when the boy has mastered the nuts and bolts of a particular skill set – to keep exploring, in a structured manner, the upper reaches of his talent base, a plateau is reached, a plateau where raw talent alone is not enough. The development – and the process of achievement flatlines.
And, ultimately, what could have been is never fulfilled. Therein lies the reality. The best coaches and schoolteachers tell the truth, improve the boys’ ability to communicate, instil the process that success requires in any field of endeavour.
SHARING A TEAM-MATE’S SPECIAL MOMENT: Members of the Westville first XV.
The sports field is a metaphor for life in its broadest terms; it is a theatre of the real world and the lessons that simply must be learned if success is to follow – the time to put one’s hand up, to stand alone, the time to suppress self-interest in pursuit of a greater cause, the time to put others first, the learning that there are no short-cuts, the growing appreciation and recognition that everything worthwhile is to be earned, not given.
Coaches who are adept at enabling their team and individual players to embrace and love getting past the comfort zone of current success through a constant, step by step, process by process, exploration of skills development and optimal performance will benefit all parties in the long run – and most important of all – will provide lasting benefit to each boy.
THE SHARED EMOTION of success that has at its genesis countless hours’ training when few are even aware you are.
* At its core: encouraging a joy for the little things – a the smell freshly cut sports field, the intoxicating aroma of a brand new leather cricket ball, a deep love of the sport itself, not the outcome of a contest, the deep satisfaction of sharing, by unselfish deeds, in the collective that is team.
* I am not predicting anything for Suubi or the young men mentioned here – there are many other variables, such as opting for a study focus post-school in which time constraints preclude the rigours of serious sport – but what I am saying is that Hilton College and my chosen KZN10 schools are doing their utmost to lay the best-possible foundation – a present and future life path that goes way beyond the school boundaries.
And perhaps most important of all – it is the social interaction of boys from all walks of life – the recognition that there is a common bond – if we care enough to find it.
WHERE FRIENDS ARE MADE: Every KZN10 Old Boy will tell you that where once there were rivals now there are friends – mutual respect borne of a common interest and a shared battle.
The links
Time spent together. https://www.fordoun.com/special-offers/
DHS vs Maritzburg College 1st XV epics… 1987-1989… Ivy’s memories
Trust comes from knowing that Jens is on your team – trust me: 082 576 2406.
Glenwood first XV – The process that leads to the performance
Only the very best see beyond the obvious. http://www.hilliarandgray.co.za/services/comprehensive-eye-exams/
Westville Boys’ Head of School Matthew Pollard reflects on the year
Communication. The key to understanding. Go beyond the mixed messages. Lucienne (065 301 3095) is waiting to connect your way.
Hill Premium Quality Cricket Balls will never let you down. Maritzburg College Old Boy and cricketer Stuart Hill (082 752 1494) will tell you why.