MARITZBURG COLLEGE
The magnificent Maritzburg College 1st XV of 1972
Legendary coach JM “Skonk” Nicholson’s 1972 Maritzburg College first XV is widely regarded as one of the half-dozen-or-so best rugby teams the school has produced in its ever-distinguished 159-year history.
I had just turned 8 at the start of the 1972 schools’ winter sports season and that year is my earliest – and most vivid – memory of watching College on Goldstones although my late dad, Roy (Maritzburg College Class of 1944) recalled taking me along in 1970 and 71.
Skonk’s 1972 team featured a remarkable 10 Natal Schools’ Craven Week players and, had it not been for untimely injuries, a few more names might have been added to that illustrious list.
And, as was Skonk’s wont, this Flagship Rugby Team of The Year 1972 epitomised what is a mastery of the game’s fundamental elements, the increasingly unfashionable but ever-necessary platform skills that lay down the framework for the eye-catching fancy stuff that captures the hearts and minds of the myriad schoolgirls (who are also catching the eye) in the precinct of Basher Ridge.
And to cap it all, the 1972 Boys in Red Black and White – astutely captained by the little general, scrumhalf Roy Davidson, enjoyed all the other hallmarks of the renowned Maritzburg College rugby sides from both earlier and, there after:
A rampaging machine-gun-efficient ruthless tight five who took no prisoners before or after the game – I spot the broadest shoulders in the team in prop forward Pip Anderson (second from left, back row) though for some reason I can’t recall right now whether Pip was the this celebrated team’s loosehead or tighthead(?). Peter Rodseth, Colin Heard, John Nolte et al perhaps you can enlighten me?
The trademark marauding Red Black White loose forwards fed a surfeit of quick, clean possession to a classically nimble of-thought-and-invention halfback combination in Messrs Davidson and his Perfect 10 – the most natural athlete of all natural athletes – one helluva flyhalf, Neville Daniels, whose tactical acumen with ball in-hand-and out- orchestrated the Grand Show that thrilled the Goldstones Faithful to the end.
And then came the Rolls Royce moments… what a joy it was to see the likes of Top Gun winger Laurie Sharp and Silky Smooth 15 Mark Hedley at their schoolboy peak; sublime skill-sets that were an ace-of-base MasterMix – a fabulous salad dressing of no-frills economy of movement sprinkled with the most sophisticated motor skills yet seen on the schoolboy stage.
Aaaaa-aaaaah it was good.
So good.
Magnificent Maritzburg College embellish the Red Black White ethos at Westville
It isn’t always a simple matter to show, in the space of a few hours, what one stands for and what one is made of. But the collective attitude, aspirations, community, culture and spirit that is Maritzburg College could never have been so brightly to the fore than it was this weekend at Westville.
To witness something so vividly and emphatically come to fruition must have been a special treat for those who labour over these ideals while teaching in the classrooms and on the playing fields day in and day out.
With Maritzburg College first XV staging one of the greatest comebacks in its long, proud history and capturing 14 victories overall in 17 matches against Westville, it was a day never to be forgotten for the Red Black White.
Feature photo caption: Maritzburg College number 8 Sphephelo Mbonambi lunges for the try line to score. Photo: Dan Becket
College’s 1st XV were 7-26 down at one stage, before scoring 35 unanswered points in the second half and winning the match 42-26, an outstanding performance.
College first XV head coach Tim Orchard reports on what went down in Westville:
“On Saturday, Bowden’s was the venue of a mouth-watering encounter between Maritzburg College and Westville. Both sides were looking to get a vital win before the end of term, with this being Westville’s last game of the season.
“Westville started the match the much better team and raced away to a comfortable 26-7 lead at halftime with College looking all but dead and buried. The expectant Westville crowd were relishing the opportunity to get one over their rivals from Maritzburg but one must never underestimate a College team with their backs to the wall.
“The first half of the fixture was all Westville as they had the wind at their backs, which allowed them to pin College deep in their own half. This territorial pressure paid off handsomely as Westville were allowed to accumulate points at ease through some very basic College errors.
“College did score a try of their own, when in the 18th minute Sphephelo Mbonambi broke off a rolling maul to score in the corner. The try was converted but that was the only real attacking College had the entire half.
“Westville entered halftime 26-7 up and looking all set to score a big win against their rivals.
“The second half was an exact mirror image of the first, but now with the College team with the wind at their backs, having the ascendency and playing all the rugby.
“In what was to become a famous come-from-behind victory, Liam Prinsloo barged over to get the ball rolling with a wonderful solo effort, which was converted by AJ Knoetze.
“In the 50th minute, Kuhann van der Berg scored the first of his brace of tries to put in motion a juggernaut performance by the College team, who now smelled blood and were dominating proceedings.
“Keagan Goddard scored next after coming on as a second-half replacement to put College in the lead for the first time during the match. The score, incredibly, now stood at 28-26 and College looked set to score more points in the half.
“Kuhann van der Berg scored his second try to further extend the lead now to 35-26, with AJ Knoetze in fine form with the boot. College carried on hammering away at the Westville line with Sphephelo Mbonambi scoring at the death to silence the Westville crowd, to place the score at 42-26 with AJ Knoetze kicking over the conversion to end the match and to bring down the curtains on a fine College second-half performance.”
College won 14 of the 20 rugby matches they played on the weekend, losing 6. Against Westville, College played 17 games and won 14, losing just 3. Apart from the electrifying 1st XV comeback, the College 2nd XV – after being 19-0 down, fought back magnificently to secure a 29-24 victory.
College 42
Tries: Mbonambi x2, Prinsloo, Goddard, and van der Berg x2
Conversions: Knoetze x5
Westville 26
Summary of Scores
Team Opposition Venue Result Score
1st Westville Bowdens 1 Won 42-26
2nd Westville Bowdens 1 Won 29-24
3rd Westville Bowdens 1 Won 31-27
4th Westville Bowdens 1 Won 24-5
5th Westville Bowdens 1 Won 34-5
6th Westville Bowdens 1 Lost 7-8
16A Westville Bowdens 1 Won 25-15
16B Westville Commons 1 Won 6-5
16C Westville Commons 1 Won 29-17
16D vs Michaelhouse 16C Tarpeys Lost 5-28
15A Westville Commons 1 Lost 5-12
15B Westville Commons 1 Won 28-19
15C Westville Commons 1 Lost 12-19
15D Westville Commons 2 Won 50-7
15E vs Michaelhouse 15D Baileys Lost 0-15
14A Westville Commons 2 Won 25-8
14B Westville Commons 2 Won 55-0
14C Westville Commons 2 Won 28-0
14D Westville Commons 2 Won 56-0
14E vs Michaelhouse 14D Far Meadows Lost 0-50
‘Ma’ Khumalo set to join Maritzburg College Old Boy cricketer son Mondli at his hospital bed in England
The passports of seriously assaulted former Maritzburg College and SA Schools cricketer Mondli Khumalo’s mom and uncle have been fast-tracked and approved and the pair are expected to fly out early next week to be at his hospital bedside in England, provided their UK visas are approved in time by the British consulate in Pretoria.
SA U19 World Cup cricketer Mondli (now age 20) was viciously assaulted on Sunday morning by a gang of thugs outside the Dragon Rise Pub in Bridgwater, Somerset and is still in a critical condition in the intensive care unit in Bristol’s Southmead Hospital.
Jonathan Cook feature photo: Mondli Khumalo and Jayden Gengan were a potent fast bowling threat for the Red Black and White on Maritzburg College’s Goldstones ground.
The Avon and Somerset Police have arrested a 27-year-old man on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm to Mondli.
‘Mondli has fitted in perfectly at our club, he’s a wonderful character
and extremely humble and we all love him to bits’
Mondli is the contracted overseas pro at North Petherton Cricket Club and has impressed with his fast bowling in particular, as well as with the fresh energy he brings to the first team and the club as a whole.
Superintendent Richard Turner of the Avon and Somerset Police said in a statement to Bridgwater Mercury: “Mr Mondli Khumalo remains in a serious but stable condition after undergoing emergency treatment.
Mondli was joined by his proud mom in Maritzburg College’s Victoria Hall after scooping up a number of first XI cricket awards at the annual dinner during his time at the school. Photo by KZN Inland Cricket.
“A full investigation is still under way, and we’ve carried out house-to-house enquiries and are continuing to review CCTV footage from around the area, to ensure we gather all available evidence.”
UK club teammate: ‘You genuinely couldn’t meet a nicer guy than Mondli and we’re all hurting badly’
CEO of the KZN Cricket Union and the Hollywoodbets Dolphins, Heinrich Strydom, has praised the SA community for their support, and the powers that be in rallying to the cause and getting the passports sorted out efficiently. Ma Khumalo and Mondli’s uncle are expected to have their passports delivered by Friday.
Heinrich said that hopefully the Khumalo pair’s UK visas will be fast-tracked over the next couple of days.
“As you can imagine, it has been an extremely difficult time for Mondli’s mum and she is understandably very distressed, we all just want Mondli to recover,” Strydom told Bridgwater Mercury.
“Mondli’s mother and his uncle will travel together; most likely they will fly out of Durban,” he said.
Mondli lets one fly for the Maritzburg College first XI at Hilton College. Photo Martin Ashworth.
Lloyd Irish, one of Mondli’s friends and teammates at North Petherton, told Bridgwater Mercury that as a club the boys are supporting Mondli and his family in Durban as best they can. Lloyd also praised Mondli’s agent, Rob Humphries.
“Rob Humphries who has been fantastic.”
Lloyd said that all at North Petherton Cricket Club had found a new friend in Mondli: “He has fitted in perfectly at our club, he’s a wonderful character, extremely humble and we all love him to bits.”
Lloyd said further that as a club the North Petherton family is in “complete shock and devastation”.
“You genuinely couldn’t meet a nicer guy than Mondli and we’re all hurting badly.
“Mondli is an amazing, exceptionally talented cricketer, he’s made a great start [with his 10 wickets for us] although all of this seems unimportant at the moment; we are all praying he can come through this and hopefully get back to playing cricket.”
Mondli collect his first XI cap after another fiery over at Hilton College’s marquee Hart-Davis Oval. Photo Martin Ashworth.
Mondli is contracted by KwaZulu-Natal Inland during the South African season and has been capped four times at first-class level.
The CEO of KZN Inland, Jason Sathiaseelan, has told Club Cricket SA that Mondli is in an induced coma.
“The surgeon has reported that the operation was as successful as it could be and is positive that Mondli can recover from this.
“We have been in contact with Mondli’s mom and we are doing our level best to obtain a passport for her, so that she can be with Mondli during this trying time,” Jason said earlier.
The cricket club said on social media: “All at North Petherton Cricket Club are in shock at the incident in Bridgwater that has led to our much-loved overseas player Mondli Khumalo being hospitalised in Southmead Hospital in Bristol this [Sunday] morning.
“We extend our heartfelt support to Mondli for a full and speedy recovery. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and colleagues in South Africa.
Mondli and his proud gran and mom with a cricket official at Maritzburg College. Photo KZN Inland Cricket.
“Our thanks also go to all those who have helped Mondli, especially the health service staff on scene and at hospital.”
Jono: I know the entire Maritzburg College community and further afield are praying for Mondli as he fights to get back to full vibrant health again.
We are all with you, Monds… For hearth and home
Pro aris et focis
Mondli back in his heyday at Goldstones’ Kent Pavilion, smiles shyly for the DesDesigns camera.
Hilton win the big one but Maritzburg College dominate overall
The Hilton College first XV beat the Maritzburg College first XV 30-11 on a jam-packed Goldstones Saturday afternoon 28 May 22. Hilton deserved it. They were more efficient in exploiting opportunities.
It was not a match that reached any great heights of skill and/or drama as per the many encounters over the decades since the first-ever match between these two great schools in 1875.
Hilton’s win takes the overall records to Matches Played: 172; College Won 116; Hilton Won 45; Drawn 11.
The outcome was disappointing for the hundreds upon hundreds of Old Boys who had come from far and wide to celebrate the 125th Reunion of Maritzburg College Old Boys Association (established 1997) but there was great pride, too, in witnessing the current first XV boys putting every ounce of effort into this match.
It has been a long road since the establishment of Maritzburg College in 1863 and, at 159 years, the oldest boys’ high school in KwaZulu-Natal is proudly standing the test of time.
Indeed, it is excelling, stronger than it has ever been.
An occasion like no other… the biggest crowd I have seen on Goldstones in the 52 years I’ve been watching the first XV.
Overall, it was a rousing day for the Maritzburg College rugby fraternity with a gross scorecard reading, Played 16 Won 13 Lost 3; a gross “Points For” tally of 513 compared to 151 “Points Against”.
At U16 level versus Hilton it was 3 from 3 for the Red Black White in scoring 136 points with 14 against.
In the U15 age group another 3 from 3 with 113 for and 19 against.
And in the U14 category another 3 from 3 with 118 points overall to 24 (which included a D team versus C team stagger match).
There were also notable Maritzburg College wins in stagger matches against others schools; notably the 22-14 U16D versus Howick U16A, U15E 10-7 vs Linpark U15A, and the U14E 17-15 vs Howick U14A.
MARITZBURG COLLEGE RUGBY SCORES
Versus Hilton
Played 16 Won 13 Lost 3 (Points for 513, Points against 151)
1st Hilton Goldstone’s lost 11-30
2nd Hilton Goldstone’s lost 17-29
3rd Hilton Goldstone’s lost 14-19
4th Hilton Goldstone’s won 22-13
5th Hilton Goldstone’s won 17-3
6th Hilton Goldstone’s won 10-0
7th Hilton Snows won 55-0
16A Hilton Goldstone’s won 36-14
16B Hilton Lamond’s won 50-0
16C Hilton Lamond’s won 50-0
15A Hilton Snow’s won 31-11
15B Hilton Lamond’s won 32-8
15C Hilton Nicholson’s won 50-0
14A Hilton Snow’s won 22-14
14B Hilton Lamond’s won 56-5
14D Hilton U14C Leaches won 40-5
Other
8th Michaelhouse 7th Snows won 26-5
9th Linpark 2nds Snows lost 5-34
16D Howick U16A Hill’s won 22-14
16E Michaelhouse U16D Leach’s won 24-5
15D Howick U15A Hill’s lost 12-19
15E Linpark U15A Nicholson’s won 10-7
14C Michaelhouse Hill’s won 38-7
14E Howick U14A Leaches won 17-15
Much food for thought last Saturday on Goldstones
Looking back at the premier rugby match on Goldstones last Saturday afternoon, the on-song Durban High School (DHS, School) first XV had too much armoury for the Maritzburg College first XV, winning 38-14 – School’s biggest ever winning margin (by 24 points) – after leading 19-7 at halftime.
Saturday, 30 April sees DHS tackling Menlopark at 9.10am, Maritzburg College facing Paarl Boys at 3pm, and Glenwood up against Paul Roos at 6.30pm – all at the 2022 ABSA Wildeklawer Festival in Kimberley.
Also tomorrow, 30 April, Kearsney host Northwood at 3.30pm, St Charles College are at home to Westville at 2.30pm and Hilton College host Michaelhouse at 3pm, while Clifton College have a bye.
On Monday in Kimberley, Maritzburg College face Helpmekaar, DHS meet Oakdale and Glenwood tackle Affies. Kick-off times on Monday still to be determined.
Feature photo caption: Few things sweeter for a DHS rugby first team than to win on Goldstones as the 2022 side did last Saturday.
Back to last Saturday on Goldstones, the outcome also earned DHS the Skonk Nicholson Trophy, which is played for on each occasion the two teams meet.
It was an exciting game to watch, that’s for sure. Sitting where I was, in the Kent Pavilion, gave a panoramic view of the action-packed proceedings.
Six tries to two is an emphatic margin and the boys in Navy Blue and Old Gold were full value for their success, albeit College were their own worst enemies, too many relatively basic errors that played right into the alert visitors’ skilful hands.
In short, the DHS basics were superior on the day, as was their speed of thought. School were very quick to pounce on College mistakes and one had a strong sense that headboy, captain (in 5th form and, now, 6th form) and number 6 flanker Own Morgenrood’s side inherently knew what was required.
As School pointed out on the DHS Facebook page, “Well done to Maritzburg College who won the majority of sporting fixtures. Thank you for hosting us.
“Whilst all local fixtures are of utmost importance, College are by far our biggest rival and we couldn’t be happier with this result!”
DHS had come off the back of the Standard Bank Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival having won the Most Attractive Team Play trophy, while College had a lukewarm St Stithians festival over the same period.
The sizeable crowd engendered a great vibe, the atmosphere and camaraderie in keeping with the unique ethos of KZN 10.com rugby and doing justice to the longstanding shared history between the oldest boys’ high school in KZN (1863) and the oldest boys’ high school in Durban (1866).
College left two tries on the table, thanks to the final pass going astray, while DHS left one on the table – due to the final pass not being gathered.
Three of the six DHS tries came from attacking lineouts and this area was a feature of their play.
I thought experienced referee JP Pretorius had an excellent game, managing the players well and thereby allowing the match to flow.
TEAMS
Maritzburg College
15 Luyanda Kunene
14 Ezra Everton
13 Lithelihle Bester
12 Liam Prinsloo
11 Kuhann van den Berg
10 Spha Ngcobo
9 AJ Knoetze (capt)
8 Sasha Kadira
7 Keagan Goddard
6 Kyle Wilken
5 Kuhle Mtimkhulu
4 Sphepelo Mbonambi
3 Pieter Brits
2 Elbie Mouton
1 Diego Antoniades
Head coach: Tim Orchard
DHS
15 Minenhle Ngcamu
14 Hopewell Nthsangase
13 Tholithemba Sibisi
12 Dwight Pietersen
11 Maurice Willemse
10 Deano Boesak
9 Zak Smith
8 Siseko Mani
7 Connor Carson
6 Owen Morgenrood (capt)
5 Weilhrich Basson
4 Sybrand Erwee
3 Lwandile Mshengu
2 Christian Everitt
1 Simphiwe Ngobese
Head coach: Peter Engledow
Maritzburg College (7) 14
Tries: Luyanda Kunene, Keagan Goddard
Conversions: AJ Knoetze (2)
Durban High School (19) 38
Tries: Maurice Willemse (2), Christian Everitt (2), Tholithemba Sibisi, Deano Boesak
Conversions: Deano Boesak (4)
#MaritzburgCollege
#RedBlackWhite #CollegeSport #GoCollege #DHS #School #Horsefly #BlueTyphoon
#InCaseYouMissedThem
KZN10.com Schools’ 1st XV Results (23April 2022)
(Home teams first)
Maritzburg College 14 DHS 38
Hilton College 66 St Charles College 3
Jeppe 0 Westville 15
Michaelhouse 38 Northwood 18
Glenwood 31 Kearsney College 10
St Andrews School Bloemfontein 7 Clifton College 40
And what a thrill for DHS U14A to beat their College counterparts 26-0 on Snows.
Skonk Nicholson U14 and U16 rugby festival on at Maritzburg College
Then Skonk Nicholson U14 and U16 Rugby Festival returns to MaritzburgCollege today (Wednesday) after a long and frustrating interlude caused by the pandemic, much to the joy of many a young schoolboy rugby player, parent and spectator.
There is another round of matches tomorrow (Thursday) and Saturday.
Feature image caption: What every Maritzburg College U14A and U16A rugby player dreams of happening to them one day soon… the Basher Ridge faithful on Goldstones showing their appreciation for another Maritzburg College first XV try.
The wonderful programme for the festival, including the fixtures, can be found on the Maritzburg College website at https://maritzburgcollege.co.za/…/uploads/2022/03/SNRF.pdf which includes, among other enlightening historical pieces on #RedBlackWhite rugby, a host of fascinating details about the indomitable doyen of schoolboy rugby coaching, JM “Skonk” Nicholson, as well as an address from acting headmaster of Maritzburg College, Matthew Marwick, and a message from director of rugby Hein Kriek that encapsulates the fresh new hope after 30 months of inactivity-born frustration.
The Maritzburg College media release says that all the fixtures and results will be on the College Sport App, which can be downloaded for free from your favourite App Store.
Further, Maritzburg College is excited to be partnering with SuperSport Schools who will be live-streaming the games. To access the matches, download and register on the SuperSport School app to enjoy all the action.
Maritzburg College wishes all the teams the very best for the festival and trust that all the games will be played and watched in a spirit of camaraderie and good sportsmanship.
Spha Ngcobo the quicksilver as Maritzburg College shine on Goldstones
The Red Black and White’s Spha Ngcobo provided the magic touch as Maritzburg College first XV outplayed a game St Charles College 45-7 in front of a packed Goldstones crowd that showed its appreciation at being allowed to attend in numbers for the first time in 30 months.
A good few thousand spectators were treated to the quick thinking, ingenuity and innate ability of the electric-heeled fullback Ngcobo to spot an opportunity and spark something out of nothing (or, at best, a half-chance) from anywhere inside the white lines on the lush green fields of Maritzburg College’s home of rugby.
Justin Waldman Sports Photography feature photo caption: Outstanding Maritzburg College fullback Spah Ngcobo’s delight in spashdown over the tryline whitewash versus St Charles on Goldstones.
*You can contact this superb photographer and check out his website for a host of stunning images at https://pix.jjd.co.za/index.php
Couple this with a dominant, efficient pack of forwards, the consistency and game management of scrumhalf and captain AJ Knoetze. The direct power of big centres Liam Prinsloo and Litelihle Bester – whose ability to punch holes through the midfield and offload (if needs be) is another major feature of the Maritzburg College makeup.
Unfortunately, circumstances prevented me from being there but – thanks to the SuperSport Schools feed – picked up on the action at a later stage. It was a match permeated with unforced errors but that is understandable considering the relative zero matches over the Covid period. In the ensuing weeks we are likely to see fewer soft mistakes and more constructive, coherent rugby that doesn’t encourage the referee’s whistle too often.
See link below for the SuperSport Schools recording of the action at Maritzburg College, the first XV match is from 6:40 onward.
The Maritzburg College lineouts didn’t always work out but this time it’s clean ball for lock forward Kuhle Mthimkhulu. Justin Waldman Sports Photography
What hasn’t changed is the passion and endeavour in playing for your school and your schoolmates. The spectators on Goldstones, too, have certainly retained their enthusiasm over the lean 30 months of inaction.
Check this 29-second @Maritzcollege tweet of the RBW boys on Basher Ridge.
The good 3 thousand-plus spectators embraced Saturday’s bumper programme of 24 Red Black and White matches against the against Saints (11 matches) and their fellow Derby Day PMB schools Voortrekker (5 matches), Linpark (3) and from a little further afield, Howick (4) and Westville (1).
In terms of outcomes it was a day of note for the home school as 19 matches were won in the “like vs like” (A team vs A team, B team vs B team etc) fixtures with 5 losses in the “stagger” matches (College 6th team vs Howick 1sts etc).
The Maritzburg College age-group A teams enjoyed a trio of convincing win over their Saints counterparts; the Red Black White (RBW) U16A trumping 75-7, the U15As 33-0 and the U14As 56-14.
Maritzburg College first XV match report by head coach Tim Orchard:
The multifaceted Maritzburg College first XV head coach Tim Orchard.
Over to Tim:
“On Saturday Maritzburg College played host to St Charles for the first home game of the season in front of a packed crowd on Goldstones.”
Tim says Saturday was an auspicious occasion as it marked the first time in two years since the Maritzburg College 1st XV last ran out in front of a jam-packed Goldstones crowd. The Red Black and White’s skipper and scrumhalf AJ Knoetze had the singular honour of breaking that long drought.
“The match started off in a relatively sedentary manner as both sides sought to feel each other out in the first quarter of the match,” says Tim. “Litelihle Bester provided the spark that the match needed when he executed a move off the training paddock to score a relatively easy try, with the conversion coming from AJ Knoetze to give College the lead 7-0.
Maritzburg College’s powerful centre Litelihle Bester is over for 1 of his 3 Goldstones tries on Saturday. Justin Waldman Sports Photography
“College began to find some rhythm on attack and after waves of pressure, Knoetze kicked over a penalty to lengthen the lead to 10-0.
“St Charles began to find some purchase on attack and made a rare entry into the College 22-metre area, but a spilt pass allowed Spha Ngcobo to showcase what he can do in broken play. With some sublime footwork and electric acceleration, he raced away to score an awe-inspiring individual try. The resulting conversion was calmly knocked over by Knoetze which took the score to 17-0.
“Further College attacks were thwarted by the final pass going astray and the score remained the same until the referee brought an end to the half.
Maritzburg College captain and scrumhalf AJ Knoetze, who scored a faultless 15 points with the boot and adds even more value during game time, is worth so much to the team. Justin Waldman Sports Photography
“The second half also started very slowly with numerous unforced errors from both sides preventing any real momentum. College slowly began to exert their dominance at lineout time, with a series of powerful lineout drives allowing the team to work its way deep into the St Charles half.
“From the resulting breakdown after a powerful carry from Liam Prinsloo, Litelihle Bester again walked over the tryline for a well-deserved try. The conversion lengthened College’s lead to 24 -0. Shortly afterwards Kuhann van den Berg finished off a well worked backline move to score in the lefthand corner, again duly converted to make the score 31-0.
The sheer exhilaration of touching down for a try on Goldstones is reflected by Maritzburg College left wing Kuhann van den Berg. Justin Waldman Sports Photography
“The game began to open up, but College were let down by numerous unforced errors when on the attack as they now camped in the St Charles half. From a scrum on the right-hand side of the St Charles half, Lithelihle Bester made a trademark break, through the midfield to score his third try of the match. The score stood at 38-0 after the conversion was slotted by Knoetze.
“With some slick interplay in broken play, Spha Ngcobo finished off a well worked team try to put the score at 45-0 after Knoetze once again kicked the conversion.
“St Charles did not give up and scored a consolation try right at the death, making the score 45-7 at the final whistle.”
Thanks Tim, much appreciated.
Front-row units like few things more than ball in hand and a bit of space to run. RedBlackWhite loosehead Diego Mandela Antoniades in possession with his tighthead Peter John Brits in support. Justin Waldman Sports Photography
Summary of Saturday’s Maritzburg College scores
Team Opposition Venue Result
1st St Charles Goldstones won 45-7
2nd St Charles Goldstones won 21-10
3rd Voortrekker 1st Goldstones won 7-0
4th Linpark 1st Goldstones won 31-5
5th St Charles 3rd Goldstones won 19-12
6th Howick 1st Goldstones lost 5-8
7th St Charles 4th Lamonds lost 17-22
8th Voortrekker 2nd Lamonds lost 7-32
16A St Charles Goldstones won 75-7
16B Voortrekker A Snows won 60-0
16C Howick A Nicholsons 1 won 36-6
16D St Charles B Nicholsons 1 won 31-0
16E Westville D CANCELLED
Maritzburg College’s unselfish flyhalf Ayrton van der Linde was the perfect foil to the attacking weapons that are centres Liam Prinsloo and hat-trick hero Litelihle Bester. Justin Waldman Sports Photography
15A St Charles Snows won 33-0
15B Voortrekker A Snows won 29-5
15C Linpark A Nicholsons 1 won 43-5
15D St Charles B Nicholsons 1 won 14-5
15E Howick A Nicholsons 2 lost 0-43
15F Westville E Away (Westville) lost 0-50
14A St Charles Snows won 56-14
14B Voortrekker A Snows won 45-7
14C Linpark A Leaches won 22-10
14D St Charles B Nicholsons 2 won 38-29
14E Howick A Nicholsons 2 won 43-18
14F St Charles C Leaches won 29-20
Nothing quite like the feeling of a plan that comes together: RBW fullback Spha Ngcobo conjured up some sublime moments in front of an appreciative Goldstones crowd. Justin Waldman Sports Photography
Maritzburg College canoeing and golf news
After an excellent run of results in the recent Dusi canoe marathon, seven Maritzburg College K2 teams took part in the Interschool Upper Umgeni K2 river race this past weekend, securing podium places in the U18 category, and Ross Finnie and partner Roo Ross coming first in the under-23 section.
Summary of results:
U14
Joshua Craig & Dylan Gademan – 4th
U16
Jack Odell & Simon Norton – 6th
Scott Adie & James Gotte – 12 th
U18
Joshua Glyn-Cuthbert & James Sharpe – 2nd
Ian Hemingway & James Goble – 3rd
Callum Ollerhead & Brody Ollerhead – 25th
U23
Ross Finnie and Roo Ross – 1st
Meanwhile, the Maritzburg College first and second team golfers played against St Charles College, winning both matches; the College 1st team won 7-1 and the 2nd team won 3-0.
Water polo: DHS and Hilton get the better of Maritzburg College firsts
The weekend’s water polo fixtures saw the Maritzburg College 1st to 4th teams and some of the junior teams taking on Hilton and DHS at Durban High School.
Maritzburg College director of aquatics Darren Sherriff reports that the 1st team’s encounter with the DHS 1st team had plenty in the way of excitement.
The game started with DHS taking an early lead and managing to extend it to 3-0 at one stage. College fought hard and brought the game back, both teams were neck-and-neck until the final chukka, where it was DHS who were able to pull away in the end to take the match 12-10.
The College 1st team later played Hilton, for the second time this season. After going down by a big margin in the match played at Hilton, the College 1st team was determined to better their performance.
They did just that, fought hard and scored some great goals. Halfway through the 3rd chukka Hilton had a slight edge of 8-6 until College were penalised.
With a player being excluded from the game and having to play a man down for 4 minutes, Hilton capitalised and extended their lead. By the time the College player could return, the damage had already been done and the final result was Hilton College 14 Maritzburg College 6.
Meanwhile, the Maritzburg College U15A team took part in the Dallas Hutton tournament, finishing 9th overall having played 5 matches, winning 3 and losing 2.
Maritzburg College results summary
1st vs DHS lost 10-12
1st vs Hilton lost 6-14
2nd vs DHS won 11-4
2nd vs Hilton lost 2-16
3rd vs Hilton lost 4-5
3rd vs DHS won 23-2
4th vs Hilton lost 1-7
U15B vs Hilton lost 2-8
U14A vs DHS won 15-5
U14A vs Hilton lost 2-16
U14B vs DHS won 9-2
Winning weekend for Maritzburg College basketball
There were 22 Maritzburg College basketball teams in action over the weekend, with most of the matches being played on the Maritzburg College campus against Northwood.
The Maritzburg College 1st team played away against Durban High School and achieved an excellent victory by 70 points to 42.
Feature pic: The splendid basketball venue at Durban High School.
It was a most successful weekend across the board for Maritzburg College basketball with 19 victories out of the 22 matches played.
RESULTS
1st vs DHS won 70-42
2nd vs Northwood won 38-17
3rd vs Northwood lost 27-31
4th vs Northwood won 22-17
5th vs Northwood lost 27-35
U16A vs Northwood won 43-32
U16B vs Northwood won 22-14
U16C vs Northwood won 22-21
U16D vs Northwood won 42-6
U15A vs Northwood won 50-18
U15B vs Northwood won 54-19
U15C vs Northwood won 17-7
U15D vs Northwood won 18-3
U15E vs Northwood lost 6-12
U14A vs Northwood won 32-27
U14B vs Northwood won 18-9
U14C vs Northwood won 34-4
U14D vs Northwood won 15-2
U14E vs Northwood won 24-5
U14F vs Northwood won 24-0
U14G vs Northwood won 23-0
U14H vs Northwood won 12-0