HILTON COLLEGE
Hilton vs Michaelhouse epics 88-90 – Hentie Martens remembers!
HENTIE Martens needs no introduction – Michaelhouse Old Boys remember as if it was yesterday THE phenomenal Hentie try for Hilton College against their old friends. The former Springbok scrumhalf deflected my questions re: The try, and referred to the contribution of his team-mates. I invite those who were there to describe it… There was no way I could get it out of one of the most down-to-earth, humble guys you’ll ever meet. Hentie won 4 from 5 of his first XV derbies with Michaelhouse. Here’s the farmer’s (reluctant) story.
Featured image: Hentie clears in his Hilton Michaelhouse maestro performance on Gilfillans 1989.
“Thanks Jono, great to be on KZN10.com and long may it continue. I was fortunate enough to play 11 times against Michaelhouse – 5 times for the Hilton1st team. One game in 1989 to be held at MHS was called off as a result of flu.
“MHS boys claimed that we chickened out of course! All 11 games against MHS were played in the best of spirits and the crowds were unbelievable. Our war cries were not much to talk about, maybe as a result of there being no smartphones to video!
“The only chants we used to hear were ‘HI- LT-ON-Hilton!’ and ‘JUMP JUMP JUMP!’
“The first game in 1988 was at MHS. MHS had players Kelvin Strachan and Murray John Wilson, Hilton were pretty much the underdogs as we had no real stars but were as usual very motivated for the game.
“Murray John was my direct opposition and Natal schools scrumhalf. I wanted to make an impression.
“I can still clearly remember Nick Davies throwing me around like a piece of old dried khaki bos. Hilton won on Meadows 26-10 and one of the star players was Proteas cricketer Derek Crookes. In the return game on Gilfillan it was a hard-fought battle.
“We had one of the best flanks I know, Gary Fyvie. Gary was inspirational to the whole team throughout the season and this Hilton MHS was no different. Derek kicked 5 penalties and we won 15-10.
The Hilton College first XV Class of 1989.
“1989 saw only one Hilton MHS and that took place at Hilton. MHS had a well-balanced side and good loose forwards with Alfie Messenger, Scott Kimble and ‘The Dog’ Geppy Armstrong.
“Alfie was one of their star players and also represented Natal Schools together with Mark Armstrong who was scrumhalf.
“Hilton also boasted with 5 Natal Schools players in the likes of Jason Dent, Deon von Benecke, Russell Leahy and I. Tries only being 4 points, which saw most of the games being close. Hilton snuck in again and some would say the ref was on our side; however the late Ian Rogers was a World Cup referee. Final score 16-6.
“In 1990 it was a totally different story. We had 5 Natal schools players (Chris Bowley, Damon Thomas, Wayne Fyvie, and Hentie Martens Dave Oxenham) and MHS had Brett Davidson and Chubby Chabana, who was the MHS Captain. Who knows what happened on Meadows.
“Before we wiped the you-know-what out of our eyes we had lost. The second team also lost.
“For many Hilton boys in our age group it was first loss against MHS in our school career. Gutted!!
“For the next month we were all in mourning. We could not wait to get back at MHS.
“The second game on Gilfillan we were as motivated as can be. The night before the game I snuck out of the house and went to the centre spot on Gilfillan and reflected on my years at Hilton. What an honour!
“The next day we redeemed ourselves and every 1st team boy had the game of his life. Wayne Fyvie was as usual exceptional. I happened to be in the right place at the right time and was lucky to get a couple of tries. Hilton won 25-6.
“In all three of those years the scrumhalf held a key position and in 1990 Stu Porrill needs to be mentioned as he was superb at Meadows.
“I need to thank my late dad whom I am sure everyone remembers with the yellow hat and video machine at every game that I played.
“In case the memory falters I can always refer to the videos!
“It certainly was an honour and privilege to have been involved in such special rivalry between 2 great schools.”
WOW! Hentie, thank you and thank you. Sent shivers down the KZN10.com spine.
Bring on Super Saturday, 16 June 2018 on Graeme Gilfillan field at Hilton College. THE 200th MATCH!
HENTIE MISCELLANEOUS
* In 1993, 4 years after finishing his auspicious times at Hilton College (Class of 1989) Hentie Martens became the 598th Springbok.
* English Premier League club Bath RFC have had fellow KZN10-schooled players in Butch James, Peter Dixon (both Maritzburg College), Matt Stevens (Kearsney) and Hentie Martens (Hilton).
Mucha Match Action ahead in KZN10 Fri Nite Super Saturday Fixtures
MIGHT be Comrades weekend but there’s still much to savour in KZN10 rugga/hockey match action across the golden province & on the Highveld. Prince and the Saints entertain Hilton College on Old Orchards, Maritzburg College are Highway-bound to Westville (Old Boys Day) on Bowdens, Clifton College make the climb to Michaelhouse on Meadows and Kearsney College trek to St Benedicts & Jeppe. It’s a free weekend for Glenwood and DHS while the Knights of Durban North have concluded their rugby and hockey seasons.
TRY-TIME… Maritzburg College’s elusive centre Nkondlo Radebe in full flight on Meadows last Saturday.
Photo Martin Ashworth
SELECTED FIXTURES
@ St Charles (vs Hilton)
Saturday
1sts Hockey – 11h15 (Saints Astro)
1st XV Rugby – 13h45 (Old Orchards)
@ Michaelhouse (vs Clifton)
Saturday
1sts Hockey – 11h45 (Aitkens Astro)
1st XV Rugby – 14h00 (Meadows)
@ Westville (vs Maritzburg College)
1sts Hockey – 11h45 (WBHS Astro)
1st XV Rugby – 14h30 (Bowdens)
@ St Benedicts & Jeppe (vs Kearsney)
Friday
1sts Hockey (vs St Benedicts) – 18h30
Saturday
1sts Hockey (vs Jeppe) – 10h45
1st XV Rugby (vs St Benedicts) – 10h30
Hilton/Michaelhouse 1977… Uriah Heep… and the try that wasn’t…
IT’S just 11 days away now… Hilton College vs Michaelhouse return match… Graeme Gilfillan Field, 16 June 2018.
Hilton first XV lock 1977 vintage Clive Scotney digs deep…just 8 points separated the sides over 2 matches… Michaelhouse must have been favourites (as Hilton 2018 will be on 16 June) if one reads further.
Featured image: The 13 August 1977 Hilton College match programme.
I remain constantly amazed at the sharp recollection KZN10 Old Boys have of matches from yesteryear. Over to Clive…
“Hi Jono, you’re asking me to dig deep into the grey matter to retrieve some memories of the Hilton/Michaelhouse first team matches of 1977, 41 long years ago now.
The 1977 Hilton College first XV with coach Mr Peter ‘Molly’ Mordaunt. If you enlarge the image, names can be matched to faces.
“The first match in 1977 was away at Michaelhouse, Meadows field a perfect picture of a mid-winter sunny day in the KZN midlands, the trees mostly bare save for a few yellow and orange leaves and grass singed brown by frost.
“We were well aware of the tradition of the great rivalry of the day, and the high level of sportsmanship that was expected of us by our coach, Molly Mordaunt, and uncompromising headmaster Raymond Slater. Any shows of unsportsmanlike behaviour by any Hilton boy in any team over a weekend was severely dealt with on the following Monday morning by the latter, high tackles, questioning the ref and socks down among the punishable crimes.
“At U14A and U15A level we had always been beaten by Michaelhouse, a 26-0 drubbing at one of the U14 games still indelibly stamped in my mind to this day.”
Dear reader, according to Mr Google (who is infallible of course) – I did a check – 3 points became 4 points for tries in 1973. I suspected, to no avail, that House might have won by more in today’s points. Not so.
Try time for Hilton College left winger Andrew Pfaff in the return match.
I digress. Back to Clive we go:
“To be brutally honest, our 1977 team was probably not amongst the strongest of Hilton 1st XVs, but we felt we had a fair chance of winning, especially with our 2 Natal Schools reps, Carey Millerd and strong winger Andrew Pfaff in great form.
“We had a mobile pack, locks Murray Cubitt and Bryan Steer, and eighthman Dave Lederle owning some of the fastest 100m times in the school. Michaelhouse were strong across the field… from speedy wings Ali Pein and Mark Tingle, a rock-solid fullback in Ian Lambie, with Henry Mansell controlling things from flyhalf. Their forward pack was ably led by versatile eighthman Dale Townsend, who in earlier years had punished us from scrumhalf and centre.
KZN10.com goes off on a tangent again: Dale was the Michaelhouse first XI cricket captain I think? House’s Henry Mansell was also an outstanding schoolboy wicketkeeper (?)/batsman if I am not mistaken. Ian Lambie a top batter as well? Patchitt a noted bowler?
Back to Clive: “The day went fast. On the bus up to Balgowan I remember listening to Uriah Heep’s Return to Fantasy on my portable tape recorder with its single earphone, till the batteries went flat and the nerves kicked in as we approached the school.
“After warming up, as we picked our way through the picnic blankets at the top of the embankment before running out, the adrenaline surges, the smell of wintergreen oil and Tiger balm in the nostrils mingled with the fancy perfumes of the ladies – You know it’s Hilton -MHS time!”
“That Game 1 was over in a flash, as it is in high-intensity games. The scoreboard will tell Michaelhouse won a fairly even match 14-8. The return fixture at Hilton in the 3rd term was also a close match, with Michaelhouse running out eventual winners 14-12.
Return match: Dave Dell awards the try to Hilton scrumhalf Graeme Gilfillan.
“Many will remember the Gilfillan Field 14-12 game for a questionable tackle on Carey Millerd late in the game, which in Hilton eyes anyway, robbed us of a try and victory! Such are the controversies that keep this rivalry alive and kicking. The official all-time win/loss *leger between the schools at this point in time was in favour of Michaelhouse.
“I have e-mailed school historian Bev Davidge to see if he can get the official leger at this time. My recollection is that House are still in front by a few; would be interesting to add to your article.”
Thanks Clive, like the guys who have brought their memories to KZN10.com recently, once again I felt like I was actually there, at the matches (although in reality probably Goldstones on the day). Some of the U15A, 2nd XV and 1st XV names in the match-day programme published herein certainly bring back memories for this-then 1977 Maritzburg College 2nd former. The pictures you unearthed from an old family album will no doubt also bring back fond memories of that time for many readers.
1977 Hilton College first XV readying themselves for the warm-up on Falcon Oval.
HOW THEY LINED UP: First XV plus 2nds and U15A team lists from the 13 August 1977 Hilton College vs Michaelhouse rugby programme.
* THE 1st XV TEAMS @ Gilfillan Field 13 August 1977
Hilton College
15 N* Chevallier
14 L* Schmidt
13 R* Sainsbury
12 Carey Millerd (capt)
11 Andrew Pfaff
10 Bruce? Throssell
9 Graeme Gilfillan
1 D* Hyslop
2 P* Allaway
3 G* Prophet
4 Clive Scotney
5 Murray Cubitt
6 Brian Steer
7 Bruce? Trebble (vice-capt)
8 Dave Lederle
Michaelhouse
15 Ian Lambie
14 A.J.K (Ali) Pein (capt)
13 Mark Hickman
12 B.A.C* Ferguson
11 Mark Tingle
10 Henry Mansell
9 R.E Burnett
1 S.R. Blanke
2 S.R. Shacksnovis
3 M.R. Bainbridge
4 G.W. Ellis-Brown
5 Ian Patchitt
6. S.R.D. Struben
7 J.C. Edington
8 Dale Townsend (vice-capt)
* Referee – Mr Dave Dell (RIP)
* Mr Digby Rhodes reffed the 2nd XV game
* I have included the first names of the players Clive mentioned and ones I think I know. Perhaps readers can educate KZN10.com further?
* The 2nd XV and U15A Hilton/House team line-ups will also jog memories… Paul Rayner (a schoolboy cricket legend, no explanation needed), U15A House scrumhalf Mike Patchitt (younger brother of House 1977 lock Ian) was the 1979 Natal Schools opening bowler (and first XI captain?), then there’s Deeble, Wanless; Mark Tingle at left wing in the 77 House first XV – elder brother of the late Mickey Tingle; Mickey in the above programme as House’s 10 in the U15A match, with Paul Rayner his opposite number.
* Mickey made a big impression on me … (Michaelhouse & Natal Schools’ flyhalf 1979… & again in 1980 when at Maritzburg College… Mickey, in the 1980 MC 2nd XI, hit sixes way over the trees on Basher Ridge)… I heard that in 1979 Mickey – playing for Michaelhouse first XI on that occasion – hit a 96 in no time at KES, whose much-vaunted Transval Schools opening bowler was caned to all corners of the cricket oval by the power in the Tingle bat.
Cheers
*****
* Originally from Howick in KZN, Clive Scotney & family reside in Hervey Bay Queensland.
* Clive Scotney, his late brother Duncan, myself and brothers Gra’ and Mike spent many a happy Sunday morning alongside grass hockey pitches in Maritzburg of the 70’s playing our own version of the on-field action provided by our dads, Derek and Roy.
* Clive says Rugby was introduced at Michaelhouse in 1896 when the Rector, Canon Todd, ruled, that ‘brain power had to be exercised, and that by setting the blood freely in motion, rugby especially, was beneficial to the brain.’
* At Hilton, rugby had been introduced a few years earlier, being a slightly older school.
* The first Hilton v Michaelhouse match was played in 1904 and the friendly rivalry, not always friendly on the field, has persisted to this day.
KZN10.com says, “Long may it continue – it is a highlight of the KZN10 calendar.”
* A leger is a record of account aka a ledger.
Coach quotes: Michaelhouse vs Hilton College match & more
IT was an absolute humdinger that did justice to the age-old Hilton/Michaelhouse first XV rugby rivalry. Home side House, who began the season slowly, went into the match on Meadows Saturday 5 May 2018 as marked underdogs against a Hilton who’d won 8 from 8. And yes, Hilton led start to finish, from 10-0 half-time to 23-5 , 2 tries to 1. You had to be there, though, to appreciate that the HC win wasn’t as straightforward as the statistics might suggest.
Featured image: Michaelhouse flyhalf Liam England makes his move against Hilton loosehead Dylan Davies (1) and opposite number Ruan Wilmans.
Photo Thomas van der Hoven
Hilton College first XV head coach Brad Macleod-Henderson offers his thoughts:
“In the first half we didn’t play too badly but our handling let us down, opportunities we didn’t take.
Brad’s impressions of the Michaelhouse performance?
Looking ahead to Saturday, Brad says: “We haven’t played PBHS before, it’s a new fixture, so it’s great for the school to be going up. Every week you need to put in the work before the Saturday match… we’re looking forward to it.”
Best wishes from KZN10.com to Hilton captain & 7 flanker Patrick McVeigh and the boys come 1.15pm Pretoria Boys’ High School Saturday, 12 May 2018.
Michaelhouse first XV head coach James Fleming on the Hilton match:
“I had mixed feelings, partially so proud of the effort the boys put in and their willingness to play to the final whistle. We focused hard on building their confidence after a tough start to the season and they played with some fantastic flare considering. And partially frustrated as we felt we had done our homework on what Hilton would do… and they managed to do just that. They are well drilled, squeezed us into making mistakes and scored from there.
Meadows magic: Livewire left winger Thamsanqa Zakwe takes on the Hilton College lock pairing of Andrew James (5) & Niaan Taljaard (4), Michaelhouse’s schoolboys the backdrop.
Photo: Thomas van der Hoven
“I’ll leave the rest for 16 June!”
Yes indeed, the return muscle-up on Gilfillan Field is set to be an absolute cracker, but right now it’s the challenge offered by visitors the Northwood first XV at 3.15pm Saturday 12 May 2018 on Meadows that is no doubt occupying coach Fleming’s mind, as well as that of skipper and number 8 Christian Oppies Opperman and his boys.
KZN10.com wishes both House and the Knights of Northwood everything of the best.
Michaelhouse (0) 5
Try: No.8 Christian Opperman
Hilton (10) 23
Tries: No.4 Niaan Taljaard & No.7 Patrick McVeigh
Hilton have got the feeling
The 2018 Dolphins franchise T20 winners Hilton College first XI aim to take it one step further than their predecessors.
This the third time that a Hilton College first XI have qualified for the national finals. The previous Hilton side at nationals lost off the last ball of the final against Menlo Park at Stellenbosch University.
This year’s Coca-Cola Schools T20 Challenge National Franchise Finals take place at Tuks in Pretoria from Friday to Sunday.
Hilton College’s Road to the National Finals was emphatic …
KZN Inland semi-finals: Maritzburg College 96/9 with the varied Hilton bowling attack dividing the wickets between them. Hilton hauled in the target with only two wickets down, Robbie McGaw unbeaten on 59.
Hilton won by 8 wickets.
KZN Inland final: Hilton 136/5 (Robbie McGaw 57, Gareth Schreuder 42). Michaelhouse 79 all out (James Ritchie 3-11).
Hilton won by 57 runs.
Dolphins Franchise final: Hilton 148/5 (Michael Sclanders 67, Gareth Schreuder 49).
Clifton 86 all out – the Hilton bowlers shared the wickets.
Hilton won by 62 runs.
Hilton have a host of matchwinners –
Some of them…
Michael Sclanders: All-rounder. A top-order batsman who knows how to pace his innings. An off-spinner who opens the bowling at times.
James Ritchie: The captain leads from the front. An opening batsman who scores quickly and a prolific leg-spin strike bowler.
Robbie McGaw: A hard-hitting opening batsman who can score extremely quickly.
Gareth Schreuder: A keeper adept at standing up or back. An accomplished batsman. A clean hitter exceptional in rotating the strike.
* A host of other players also have the know-how to turn a match on its head.
Young leg-spinner Colby Dyer is already harvesting a rich haul of wickets. Opening bowler John Turner has been outstanding. Seamer Tom Dixon gets better and better.
Michael Booth, Jared Venter, Suubi Mugerwa-Sekawabe, Joshua Watt, Michael Frost and Kanya Dandala all have the talent to fulfil the role assigned to them.
A feature of this Hilton College team is their catching, throwing and ground fielding. It will stand them in good stead.
In coach Dale Benkenstein and manager Sean Carlisle, the Hilton College 🎓 first XI have loads of expertise and hard-earned experience.
Taking into account all of the above, Hilton College have got what it takes to win the tournament and its trophy 🏆
* To engage with the tournament online, search #WhereHeroesAreMade on Twitter or visit @CocaCola_ZA and @OfficialCSA
CAPTION
Hilton College opening batsman Robbie McGaw scores quickly : Photo Martin Ashworth
Uber talent Costi going places
I watched Hilton College 🎓 soccer ⚽ Uber talent Constandino Christodoulou at a Maritzburg United training session recently and was amazed at how he matched the three other goalkeepers drill for drill in what was a gruelling two hours in hot, humid conditions at the Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg.
Costi played fullback for the Hilton College 🎓 U15A rugby 🏉 team last year and was the leading points scorer that included 50-metre penalty goals with his booming boot.
Oh yes, he’s also a fast bowler who was in the Hilton College 🎓 U16A cricket side during the first term.
And he’s only in grade 🔟… Two more school years after this one.
SA U17 soccer ⚽ goalkeeper last year at the age of 15, the sky is the limit for Costi and we will watch his progress with interest.
UPDATE:
The Costi Christodoulou article written by Jono Cook appeared in the Saturday Star 🌟 on 10 March 2018 as well as in the SA School Sports Mag and website.
Video: Hilton coach on T20 Nationals
Hilton College interim coach Tim Groenewald looks ahead to the Coca-Cola T20 Challenge National Franchise Finals at Tuks from March 16 -18. Hilton are the 2018 Dolphins franchise champions.
Schreuder the X-Factor for HC
In wicketkeeper/batsman Gareth Schreuder the Hilton College 🎓 first XI have a gamebreaker.
An impressive skill set behind the stumps and with bat in hand ✋coupled to a never-say-die spirit make Gareth a key figure in Hilton’s quest for the 2018 Coca-Cola Schools T20 Challenge National Franchise Finals trophy 🏆 at Tuks in Pretoria from March 16 to 18.
Schreuder (18) is a cricketer who makes things happen.
“I would like to think I’m viewed as very reliable behind the stumps and a batsmen who can handle pressure,” says Gareth.
His best T20 performances on the road to Nationals?
“A 49 off 32 balls against Clifton in the Dolphins 🐬 franchise final and 2 catches plus 2 stumpings against Michaelhouse in the KZN Inland final.”
So who does Gareth look to for cricketing inspiration?
“My role model has always been AB de Villiers… The way he goes about playing cricket is exactly what I aspire to.”
And what of Hilton’s chances at the T20 National Finals?
“I personally believe we have one of the best teams in the country and I really hope we can go on to win the T20 National Finals.
“Not only would it mean a lot to the team, it would mean a lot to our school, our KZN Inland province and our Dolphins 🐬 franchise.”
So how does Gareth see his role, what would this young man with enviable X-Factor personally like to achieve ?
“My aim is to contribute to our team, scoring as many runs as possible with the bat – and as quickly as I can – while staying consistent with the bat and behind the stumps throughout the tournament.
“I would really like to make a good impression on the SA U19 selectors. National selection is something that I have dreamt about since I was a little boy.”
Good on you, Gareth… I never tire of watching you play cricket.
All the best to you and the Hilton College 🎓 first XI at the Big Show.
The Schreuder effect
Outstanding wicketkeeper/batsman Gareth Schreuder is a talisman for the high-flying Hilton College 🎓 first XI cricket team, who won 3 from 3 in emphatic fashion at the Independent Schools Cricket Festival hosted by St Albans College from Thursday to Sunday.
An extremely competitive nature coupled with an inherent attacking instinct and considerable skill both with bat and wicketkeeping gloves, the Hiltonian has match-winning qualities that will stand the Dolphins 🐬 franchise champions in good stead at the Coca-Cola Schools T20 National Challenge Franchise Finals at the University of Pretoria from March 16 to 18.
Coca-Cola T20 Challenge
Coca-Cola Schools T20 Challenge Dolphins franchise champions Hilton College 🎓 first XI have hurdles to negotiate on their road to the Coca-Cola Schools National T20 Challenge Franchise Finals trophy 🏆 match.
First up in Pool B, on Friday morning, March 16, on Tuks C field are Cobras champs Rondebosch, followed by Knights champs St Andrews School Bloemfontein on Tuks Oval in the afternoon.
Saturday morning, March 17 sees Hilton face Inland Focus winners Prestige College on Tuks D field.
The cross-pool fixtures begin Saturday afternoon and end Sunday morning, March 18.
Who Hilton College first XI play in the cross-pool fixtures Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning depends on where they finish in what is a tough Pool B.
The finalists will be the two ✌ teams (they could both be from the same Pool) with the most points after the two ✌ rounds of fixtures (Pool and cross-pool).
The gold medal 🏅 match to decide who the 2018 Coca-Cola Schools National T20 Challenge Franchise champions will be is on Sunday afternoon, March 18.
School first XI’s in Pool A: Lions champs King Edward VII School (KES), Titans champs St Albans College plus the Warriors winners and Coastal Focus winners (both have still to be determined).
Best wishes to Hilton first XI.