MARITZBURG COLLEGE
Clifton College blazing a trail in KZN10 water polo
With many of the schools in the KZN10 water polo fraternity involved in the big boys galas over the weekend allot of the KZN10 fixtures were rescheduled for during the week.
The eagerly anticipated match-up between Clifton College and Hilton College (featured image) finally took place after Cliftons water polo forays took them out of the province last week.
6 Feb
Northwood vs Michaelhouse
An encouraging sign for Michaelhouse as both U15A and U14A record good victories.
| Northwood | Michaelhouse | |||
| 1st | 10 | ~ | 8 | 1st |
| 2nd | 1 | ~ | 3 | 2nd |
| 3rd | 3 | ~ | 5 | 3rd |
| U15A | 3 | ~ | 10 | U15A |
| U14A | 2 | ~ | 6 | U14A |
| U14B | 7 | ~ | 4 | U14B |
| Goals | 26 | 36 | Goals | |
| Wins | 2 | 4 | Wins | |
| Win Ratio | 33% | 67% | Win Ratio | |
| Ave Goals | 4 | 6 | Ave Goals | |
7 Feb
Michaelhouse vs Maritzburg College
Maritzburg College sweeps the open age group but Michaelhouses juniors come on strong with some fine performances at home.
| Michaelhouse | vs | Maritzburg College | ||
| 1st | 6 | ~ | 7 | 1st |
| 2nd | 2 | ~ | 3 | 2nd |
| 3rd | 1 | ~ | 11 | 3rd |
| 4th | 4 | ~ | 6 | 4th |
| 5th | 3 | ~ | 7 | 5th |
| U15A | 12 | ~ | 3 | U15A |
| U15B | 8 | ~ | 2 | U15B |
| U14A | 9 | ~ | 3 | U14A |
| U14B | 4 | ~ | 7 | U14B |
| Goals | 49 | 49 | Goals | |
| Wins | 3 | 6 | Wins | |
| Win Ratio | 38% | 75% | Win Ratio | |
| Ave Goals | 5 | 5 | Ave Goals | |
Northwood vs Westville Boys
Westville shows its pedigree in scoring twice as many goals as Northwood. Northwood shows some nice depth in the open age group.
| Northwood | vs | Westville Boys | ||
| 1st | 3 | ~ | 13 | 1st |
| 2nd | 5 | ~ | 6 | 2nd |
| 3rd | 0 | ~ | 13 | 3rd |
| 4th | 7 | ~ | 4 | 4th |
| 5th | 10 | ~ | 8 | 5th |
| U15A | 0 | ~ | 7 | U15A |
| U14A | 2 | ~ | 5 | U14A |
| U14B | 6 | ~ | 4 | U14B |
| Goals | 33 | 60 | ||
| Wins | 3 | 5 | Wins | |
| Win Ratio | 38% | 63% | Win Ratio | |
| Ave Goals | 8 | 15 | Ave Goals | |
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9 Feb
Clifton College vs Hilton College/St Charles College
An eagerly anticipated clash. The Hilton College junior teams through down the gauntlet earlier in the week but the Clifton College seniors responded with a well rounded, polished display.
| Clifton College | vs | Hilton College | ||
| 1st | 8 | ~ | 6 | 1st |
| 2nd | 11 | ~ | 1 | 2nd |
| Goals | 19 | 7 | ||
| Clifton College | vs | St Charles College | ||
| 3rd | 9 | ~ | 7 | 1st |
| 4th | 7 | ~ | 5 | 2nd |
| U15B | 6 | ~ | 4 | U15A |
| U14B | 3 | ~ | 6 | U14A |
| Goals | 25 | 22 | ||
| Wins | 3 | 1 | Wins | |
| Win Ratio | 75% | 25% | Win Ratio | |
| Ave Goals | 6 | 6 | Ave Goals | |
With midterms coming up for allot of the schools, it means that its tournament time. From The Cape to Joburg and back to Durban our KZN10 boys will be busy flying the flag.
Michaelhouse and Kearsney College march on…
In the last full weekend of schools basketball between the KZN10 schools before the half term breaks there were some clear markers laid down as to supremacy in the KZN10 basketball landscape.
Impressive wins for Michaelhouse in hosting Maritburg College, Kearsney College going to Hilton College and coming away with a well deserved victory.
A win for Glenwood U14’s (featured pic) against DHS is something these boys will remember for a long time..
We have included some midweek fixtures just to give a more fuller picture of what the basketball schools have been up to.
6 February
Hilton College vs Grace College
7 February
St Charles College vs Hilton College
9 February
Michaelhouse vs Maritzburg College
Hilton College vs Kearsney College
St Charles College vs Clifton College
06 Feb
Hilton College vs Grace College
| Hilton College | vs | Grace College | ||
| U15B | 23 | ~ | 15 | U15A |
| U14B | 26 | ~ | 6 | U14A |
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Martizburg College vs Alex
Maritzburg College had a tough away encounter against a plucky Alex side who showed, that on their home court they have allot of spirit.
| Maritzburg College | vs | Alex | ||
| 1st | 30 | ~ | 18 | 1st |
| U16A | 31 | ~ | 18 | U16A |
| U15A | 65 | ~ | 9 | U15A |
| U14A | 17 | ~ | 7 | U14A |
| U14B | 17 | ~ | 11 | U14B |
| Games Played | 5 | |||
| Win Ratio | Points for | Ave: | ||
| Maritzburg College | 5 | 100% | 160 | 32 |
| Alex | 0 | 0% | 63 | 13 |
7 February
St Charles College vs Hilton College
| St Charles College | vs | Hilton College | ||
| 1st | 78 | ~ | 38 | 1st |
A tough away fixture for Hilton College as they try and get in as many fixtures as possible before the St Johns tournament.
9 February
Michaelhouse vs Maritzburg College
An epic clash between two schools in a rich vein of form. Michaelhouse again were led by all star performers Kwanele Khumalo and JC Oelofse who, when their team needed crucial baskets, were able to click into a higher gear and maintain the Michaelhouse lead.
Maritzburg College fought manfully the whole afternoon, but crucial defensive lapses at key moments cost them dearly and were never really able to exert enough pressure on the Michaelhouse team to knock them off their stride.
An encouraging sign for the College program was that not one game was lost in the U14 and U15 age groups whilst in the open age groups there seemed to be a great deal of parity.
| Michaelhouse | vs | Maritzburg College | ||
| 1st | 50 | ~ | 31 | 1st |
| 2nd | 34 | ~ | 25 | 2nd |
| 3rd | 19 | ~ | 28 | 3rd |
| 4th | 40 | ~ | 22 | 4th |
| 5th | 23 | ~ | 25 | 5th |
| 6th | 32 | ~ | 7 | 6th |
| U16A | 24 | ~ | 37 | U16A |
| U16B | 23 | ~ | 26 | U16B |
| U16C | 29 | ~ | 25 | U16C |
| U16D | 11 | ~ | 12 | U16D |
| U15A | 18 | ~ | 24 | U15A |
| U15B | 8 | ~ | 59 | U15B |
| U15C | 10 | ~ | 15 | U15C |
| U15D | 9 | ~ | 45 | U15D |
| U14A | 17 | ~ | 23 | U14A |
| U14B | 14 | ~ | 45 | U14B |
| U14C | 8 | ~ | 14 | U14C |
| U14D | 0 | ~ | 43 | U14D |
| Games Played | 18 | |||
| Win Ratio | Points for | Ave: | ||
| Michaelhouse Wins | 5 | 28% | 369 | 21 |
| Maritzburg College Wins | 13 | 72% | 506 | 28 |
Hilton College vs Kearsney College
Hilton showed a much improved performance against Kearsney at home. Buoyed on by their vociferous fans the Hilton team showed that they are fast developing under the tutelage of Coach Shange.Kearsney again showed the rich pedigree that they have established under Coach Delport. At times it seemed that Hilton were making a run and threatening an upset only to be thwarted by an organized and polished Kearsney team.
| Hilton College | vs | Kearsney College | ||
| 1st | 50 | ~ | 63 | 1st |
| 2nd | 21 | ~ | 41 | 2nd |
| 3rd | 25 | ~ | 22 | 3rd |
| 4th | 14 | ~ | 23 | 4th |
| 5th | 8 | ~ | 13 | 5th |
| U16A | 37 | ~ | 42 | U16A |
| U16B | 19 | ~ | 26 | U16B |
| U16C | 19 | ~ | 26 | U16C |
| U15A | 24 | ~ | 21 | U15A |
| U15B | 27 | ~ | 25 | U15B |
| U15C | 14 | ~ | 43 | U15C |
| U14A | 26 | ~ | 23 | U14A |
| U14B | 25 | ~ | 15 | U14B |
| U14C | 10 | ~ | 26 | U14C |
| Games Played | 14 | |||
| Win Ratio | Points for | Ave: | ||
| Hilton College Wins | 5 | 36% | 319 | 23 |
| Kearsney College Wins | 9 | 64% | 409 | 29 |
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St Charles College vs Clifton College
St Charles who seem to be hitting their straps this season had a handy victory against Clifton College.
| St Charles College | vs | Cllfton College | |||
| 1st | 87 | ~ | 41 | 1st | |
| 2nd | 39 | ~ | 14 | 2nd | |
| 3rd | 34 | ~ | 14 | 3rd | |
| 4th | 5 | ~ | 17 | 4th | |
| U16A | 43 | ~ | 10 | U16A | |
| U16B | 30 | ~ | 10 | U16B | |
| U16C | 51 | ~ | 4 | U16C | |
| U15A | 26 | ~ | 18 | U15A | |
| U15B | 29 | ~ | 12 | U15B | |
| U15C | 13 | ~ | 25 | U15C | |
| U15D | 9 | ~ | 28 |
|
|
| U14A | 43 | ~ | 10 | U14A | |
| U14B | 41 | ~ | 4 | U14B | |
| U14C | 22 | ~ | 2 | U14C | |
| U14D | 2 | ~ | 6 | U14D |
| Games Played | 15 | |||
| Win Ratio | Points for | Ave: | ||
| St Charles College wins | 12 | 80% | 474 | 32 |
| Cllfton College wins | 3 | 20% | 215 | 14 |
Westville Boys vs Northwood
Westville had an impressive clean sweep of victories when they hosted Northwood on Saturday. Northwoods U15A who has put up some impressive displays this season was again the pick of the Northwood teams.
| Westville Boys | vs | Northwood | ||
| 1st | 82 | ~ | 49 | 1st |
| 2nd | 51 | ~ | 22 | 2nd |
| U16A | 28 | ~ | 13 | U16A |
| U16B | 22 | ~ | 16 | U16B |
| U16C | 73 | ~ | 13 | U16C |
| U15A | 25 | ~ | 22 | U15A |
| U15B | 62 | ~ | 14 | U15B |
| U15C | 28 | ~ | 23 | U15C |
| U15D | 45 | ~ | 11 | U15D |
| U14A | 54 | ~ | 21 | U14A |
| U14B | 27 | ~ | 5 | U14B |
| U14C | 16 | ~ | 9 | U14C |
| U14D | 12 | ~ | 11 | U14D |
| U14E | 13 | ~ | 4 | U14E |
| Games Played | 14 | |||
| Win Ratio | Points for | Ave: | ||
| Westville Boys wins | 14 | 100% | 538 | 38 |
| Northwood wins | 0 | 0% | 233 | 17 |
DHS vs Glenwood
In what must be considered an upset, Glenwood U14A (featured picture) beat their DHS U14A counterparts for the first time in many years. Credit must go to the Glenwood coaching staff who haven’t had an easy time of it this season but have soldiered on under difficult circumstances.
| DHS | vs | Glenwood | ||
| 1st | 101 | ~ | 20 | 1st |
| U16A | 27 | ~ | 17 | U16A |
| U15A | 44 | ~ | 9 | U15A |
| U14A | 8 | ~ | 17 | U14A |
| Games Played | 4 | |||
| Win Ratio | Points for | Ave: | ||
| DHS wins | 3 | 75% | 180 | 45 |
| Glenwood wins | 1 | 25% | 63 | 16 |
This week in basketball 30 Jan-5Feb
It was another thrilling week amongst the KZN10 basketball schools as their buzzer beaters and strong performances from all the schools
Clifton College vs Hilton College:
A evenly contested day between the two schools. With the points differential of 107-103 in favour of Hilton College across the age group A and 1st teams shows just how tightly contested the day was.
And of course, who could forget this from young Jacques Mahanga of Clifton College to win the game for Clifton:
This game, wow what a finish!
Kearsney College vs Westville Boys:
A great day for Kearsney as they win 10 of their games at the A and B team level. Westville’s depth came into play wining 9 of their own.
Northwood vs Michaelhouse
The scores may not be that big but Northwood at home is a tricky fixture as home court advantage really plays a huge factor.
And also Northwood stepped up its game off the court as well:
KZN10 Schoolboy sport really is special.
Maritzburg College vs Glenwood
A productive basketball day for College who played played 14 won 13 lost 1.
Pivotal Talent can change your game
“Pivotal”: of crucial importance in the development of success.
“Talent”: a natural aptitude, gift or skill.
KZN10.com introduces Will Hardie of Pivotal Talent:
Jono says, “Hi Will, I am so chuffed to discuss subject choice and career guidance options with you, as it is close to my heart, based on my history, as well as my having children who will shortly be faced with the challenges these crucial choices can have on their future in the workplace.”
Feature image: Maritzburg College Old Boy Joel Stransky and Michaelhouse Old Boy Will Hardie, Pivotal Talent business partners.
Jono continues, “I went the traditional psychometric testing route when I was in grade 9 and then again in grades 11 and 12.
“Unfortunately the results were so off the mark that it took 14 years in the ‘workplace wilderness’ before I stumbled – purely by chance, into sports journalism, an occupation I have happily been in for close on 25 years now.
“If only I had had the opportunity to go the Pivotal Talent route.”
Pivotal Talent’s Online SubjectChoice (Grade 9) & CareerGuide (Grades 10, 11 & 12) solutions replace uncertainty with accuracy in directing your children’s full potential. Check out www.careerguidesolution.co.za
Upon accessing the Pivotal Talent web link, KZN10 is your reference code in completing the assessment.
“So what is Pivotal Talent, did you devise it or is it a product that originates from elsewhere?
Michaelhouse Old Boy Will Hardie says, “Thanks very much for the opportunity Jono!
“Pivotal Talent is a proudly South African-based technology entity (part of the Pivotal Group of Companies) and is a powerful web-based analytics tool that accurately & scientifically helps individuals predict their core interests, skills and performance strengths relative to available and evolving career fields.
“The solution was founded and developed by Dr Juan Swartz to primarily help companies more accurately and intelligently recruit, develop and retain key staff in their organisation.
“However, as the solution evolved and matured, a further opportunity was identified to help students, sports professionals and individuals interested in a career change.
“From a Schools Focus perspective, and for the purposes of this discussion, Pivotal Talent offers SubjectChoice for Grade 9s and CareerGuide for Grade 10, 11 and 12s.”
Jono says, “Will, your Pivotal Talent business partner is Joel Stransky, one of the founding members of the Pivotal Technology Group AND the 1995 Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok flyhalf – I was sitting behind the posts when Joel snapped over that matchwinning drop-goal!
“Will, you were an accomplished loose forward in your days at Michaelhouse and then at Varsity. Joel was at Durban Varsity around the same time you were playing for Maritzburg Varsity; did you ever play in the same team or perhaps against each other?
Joel Stransky & Will Hardie are Pivotal Talent. KZN10 is your reference code in completing the SubjectChoice (Grade 9) or CareerChoice (Grades 10, 11 & 12) assessments at www.careerguidesolution.co.za
Will says, “Jono, I wish I had played in the same team as Joel! Unfortunately, that never materialised for me. However, I did play against Joel in my Michaelhouse grade 12 year (we got hammered) when he was at Maritzburg College and we may have crossed paths on the rugby field at Varsity.”
Jono says, “So Will, what was the unique motivation for you and Joel around Pivotal Talent?”
“Jono, we believe that Pivotal Talent is a world-first augmented intelligence (AI) analytics solution that goes well beyond the traditional aptitude & psychometric evaluation process and which very accurately helps to predict an individual’s full potential.
“It’s a carefully calibrated questionnaire that can scientifically and automatically match an individual’s interests and skill-set to suitable careers (and, in turn, also subject choices).
“In short, Pivotal Talent is a cost-effective and efficient online assessment that takes no more than 60 to 90 minutes to complete; is simple and very easy to follow and generates a highly detailed, individualised report instantaneously.
“As an aside, my 2 older children, currently studying at University, both completed their Pivotal Talent SubjectChoice and CareerGuide assessments at School and are now studying degrees that are 100% aligned to respective careers – as predicted originally by Pivotal Talent!”
Jono: “That happy situation would certainly take the weight off many parents’ shoulders, including a number of moms and dads that I know.
“So what makes Pivotal Talent a fresh option, when our high school boys and girls must make subject-choice or career-choice – and thereby tertiary studies – decisions?”
Pivotal Talent SubjectChoice (Grade 9) and CareerGuide (Grades 10, 11 and 12) takes the uncertainty out of choosing the right subjects for you.Upon accessing the Pivotal Talent web link www.careerguidesolution.co.za and completing one of the assessments, please use the KZN10 reference code.
Will’s response: “Jono, we believe that the Pivotal Talent value proposition, namely SubjectChoice and CareerGuide, is a unique solution to what can be a daunting undertaking.
“Apart from the obvious ‘softer’ benefits of Pivotal Talent, such as convenience (can complete the online assessment anywhere in the world and on any device), being substantially more cost-effective and its instant reporting capability, the compelling differentiators we advocate are as follows:
“Unique algorithms for matching – Pivotal Talent uses complex and proprietary algorithms which scientifically match individuals based on the skills, characteristics, capabilities and faculties that predict performance to the unique tasks, performance criteria and success factors required in different careers.
“Scientific approach – Pivotal Talent is based on objective, validated research from top global institutions compiled from research into multiple fields over the last 60 years, and we use this information in our model to more accurately match individuals with the right career options.
“Automated – Pivotal Talent is an automated solution. Results are available immediately after completing an online questionnaire, and focus is provided to help individuals develop a plan of action that moves them towards a particular career path and ultimate employability.
“Multifaceted – The suitability of a career path is based on, 1) how the scholar measures against the key performance criteria in that career path, 2) the scholar’s interest in the tasks performed in the career path, and 3) the desirability of that career path, including elements such as opportunities.
Jono says, “Will, I found the 4 differentiators mentioned above particularly interesting… it makes a lot of sense. So with respect to the genesis of the Pivotal Talent model – did you and your team research and then align with international ‘best practice’ variants in establishing the necessary validity and reliability of the Pivotal Talent blueprint?”
Will: “First and foremost, our solution is theoretically valid, as it only draws on corroborated research from the top institutions globally. We ensure reliability and validity by only incorporating constructs that are supported through extensive quantitative research.
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“Our solution is corroborated by integrating constructs that have been found to be predictors of performance across different fields of study.
“These theoretical models are then validated by statistical analysis, whereby the model utility -and thus the predictive power of the model within the client’s environment – is tested to ensure precision and accuracy.
“Where construct validity is a theoretical concern, our model is based on constructs that have been theoretically postulated to have a causal link to performance.
“Accuracy and precision are our main proof points, as our solution is not a standardised assessment, but rather an analytical model that accurately and precisely predicts performance in a career.”
Jono: “Will, once again you have hit on a point that resonates with me, Accuracy and Precision, something sorely lacking in my case when it came to subject- and career-choice decisions during my schooldays.
“Will, is there anything else you would like to add?”
“The Pivotal Talent SubjectChoice and CareerGuide have been available to the South African market for 2 years now and have already seen a lot of interest and adoption across several provinces and multiple Schools. The feedback from Schools, scholars and parents has been incredibly positive on all fronts.”
Jono wraps it up: “Thanks for the chat, Will; I have personally found this to be one of the most interesting and rewarding interviews in my going-on 25 years in the media workspace. I have no doubt that Pivotal Talent will greatly assist Scholars to accurately predict subject choices and career choices – the 2 areas of uncertainty that plague our children and parents daily – and yet are both so crucial in plotting the way forward.”
Will’s response: “Thank you for the opportunity to share the exciting Pivotal Talent SubjectChoice and CareerGuide story with you Jono. KZN10.com has a fantastic following thanks to your efforts, and Joel and I are hugely excited at the prospect of working with and adding value to your wonderful cause. All the best!”
Pivotal Talent SubjectChoice (Grade 9) and CareerGuide (Grades 10, 11 and 12) takes the uncertainty out of choosing the right subjects for you. Check out www.careerguidesolution.co.za
KZN10 is your reference code in completing your assessment.
Saints vs Maritzburg College the basketball derby to end all derbies!
FAST Breaks, Lay-Ups, Double Dribbles, Bank Shots and Box Outs –
We can expect it all and more come the 6.30pm refs’ Jump-Ball signal and the long-awaited Classic Clash, the PMB Derby to end all Derbies, hits lift-off!!!
Yes KZN10 sports lovers it’s St Charles College firsts vs Maritzburg College firsts 6.30pm this Frosty Friday Night in the KZN capital… and in Saints’ revamped and freshly-named Samukele Khumalo Arena, in honour of the former Saints head prefect and basketball, rugby and soccer star Samke Khumalo, whose life was so tragically cut short when it promised to add so much to our country South Africa.
First team line-ups
Among the glittering additions to this magnificent Saints theatre of basketball are glass-fibre drop-down boards and new stands that have added huge value to the ever-increasing KZN10 demand for fan seats in the pressure-cooker and precocious skill-set bouquet served up by our flagship KZN10 basketball teams, which include the likes of Michaelhouse, Kearsney College, DHS and Westville to name just four.
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While the Harwin Road Side of the Samke Khumalo arena remains much the same, the court at the Astro End has been moved forward to enable a new bank of stands to accommodate the Saints boys, while the visiting boys populate the raised stands at the Gym End and the adult spectator stands that run the length of the Court of Hoops and parallel to Saints premier rugby field, Old Orchards, has been considerably heightened.
Yes fans of KZN10 much of the KZN10 basketball fan-focus is on this long-awaited and much-anticipated St Charles College Maritzburg College showdown.
Those in the know are saying pre-game that it’s way too tough to call a winner but what appears clear is that the team bringing their A-Game will prevail… and if history teaches us anything, by the slenderest of margins.
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Sadly the wet weather forced the officials to cancel all the early matches on the outside courts but the age-group boys who have missed out on their match will definitely not allow that disappointment to diminish their support for their senior schoolmates tonight.
The scheduled St Charles College vs Maritzburg College fixtures, many of which were cancelled due to the slippery outside-courts’ surfaces:
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- Current Saints first team head coach and Head of the Upper School, the former SA standout national basketballer Mr Darren Holcomb, has enviable tactical and technical back-up from the full-time Saints Basketball Specialist Mr Craig Gilchrist, who is also the current SA men’s head coach and a legend of the SA game in his playing days.
Given that the Saints Old Boys are expected to be out in force, one can surmise that Saints go into into this fixture as slight favourites.
But Maritzburg College under head coach Zeke Oosthuis have bounced back from an early-season defeat to Westville and have got their game back on track. Significantly, this week’s training sessions have revealed this: The Red Black & White line-up are in determined mood for an upset.
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It’s set up for a wonderful occasion. The atmosphere, Razmattaz, drum beats, war cries and so much more from both sets of supporters will add an intoxicating rhythm to a festive and passionate atmosphere.
May the best team win!
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*****
SATURDAY
Michaelhouse vs DHS
This is another cracker set to play out at House.
Michaelhouse must go into this fixture as favourites as they have been the most dominant of the KZN10 schools and haven’t been beaten by any of the local sides the last season. Playing in front of their expectant supporters will surely motivate them to greater heights.
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DHS head to Michaelhouse after a tough loss at Kearsney. They will be looking to bounce back with a determined display.
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Hilton College vs Northwood
Both schools will be looking to get back on the winning trail with this KZN10 fixture.
The weekend seems set for a determined push by one of these schools.
Hilton will be better as new head coach Ayanda Shange gets his troops organised. Northwood will be at their plucky best.
Kearsney College vs Clifton College
Clifton head to Kearsney quietly confident of a good performance after a solid early-season win against Northwood.
Kearsney, who have set themselves apart as the top basketball programme in the KZN10, will look to dominate at home.
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Westville vs Glenwood
Westville host Glenwood at home with the Westville 2nd team taking on the Glenwood 1st team.
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
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* 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 |
Baskets… Westville Maritzburg College… What an absolute cracker!
On what was a blisteringly hot Saturday afternoon in the KZN capital, the Maritzburg College and Westville first basketball teams locked horns in an Alan Paton Memorial Hall packed with vocal supporters.
Prior to the start, both teams lined up for a minute’s silence (feature pic) to honour Westville’s senior deputy headmaster, Mr Nestor Pierides, who had passed away during the week, a man who had done much to build the Westville sports programme.
The clash marked the beginning of the 2019 KZN schools basketball year and as the KZN10.com match preview indicated, this tussle was slated to be a ding-dong affair between two of the KZN10 giants – and it certainly lived up to the hype.
As a Stayers’ side, College beat Westville 64-55 in the 4th term of 2018 so there was much anticipation for the return encounter.
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As Maritzburg College MIC basketball Jenny Orchard says: “The shouting captain for 2019 Ollie Zondi ensured that the supporters sang war cries throughout the match and this added to the wonderful atmosphere at the game, also showcasing what schoolboy sport is all about.”
The home side led the first quarter by 2 points and the same score margin at halftime indicates the closeness of this contest.
The third quarter proved to be the game-changer.
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The third quarter started with the teams locked in an intense arm wrestle as neither side could really dictate play for any extended period of time. Every time Westville narrowed the gap College would score a couple of quick baskets to maintain a 6- to 7-point lead.
“Up to that point every time College’s offence and defence found synergy they would take the game away from Westville,” Maritzburg College first team basketball coach Zeke Oosthuis told KZN10.com
Maritzburg College wing forward Liam van Rensburg is in possession. Team-mate Luyanda Mawela is closely guarded by Westville wing forward Cameron Best while WBHS team-mate & number 10 Kgopotso Matlena is in the key.
And it was during one these better spells of play by Maritzburg College that the turning point in the game occurred.
College were in control of the game and placing enormous pressure on Westville to make up their points deficit on the scoreboard.
College stole Westville ball and set off on the fast break, but the layup was unexpectedly missed and in the ensuing tussle College lost the ball to Westville.
On the very next Westville possession, College were again able to manipulate the Westville defence, and a College player broke for another uncontested layup but the point’s opportunity was missed once again.
So, to the Breakdown of Quarters 1 and 2 and 3
1st MC 11 W 9
2nd MC 10 W 8
3rd MC 14 W 13
The air seemed to be sucked out of the building.
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“Westville, sensing that College had failed to land the killer blow, took the opportunity and started hunting for offensive rebounds, placing enormous pressure on the College guards to box out all members of the attacking team,” says coach Zeke.
Westville ended this decisive third quarter stronger, with College fighting to keep their lead. The quarter ended with College still holding the Westville team at arm’s length, but the College lead was now a “gettable” 5 points, as opposed to the 9 points is should have been.
Westville started the fourth quarter sensing that they had gained the ascendancy, and a marked feature of the opening minutes of that final quarter was the urgency with which they played.
“Westville, who up to that point had tried to score by running traditional plays for some key players, threw caution to the wind and aggressively attacked the College defence, taking every opportunity to drive to the basket,” says MC coach Zeke Oosthuis.
“College, who had contained Westville quite handily for most of the game, seemed to be thrown by Westville’s confidence and determination, and the lads in Red Black & White committed numerous unnecessary fouls in trying to stop the avalanche of Westville attacks.”
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Midway through the 4th and final quarter Westville, behind some inspired play from SA U15 player Ethan Brooke, took the lead and ultimately control of the game.
4th QUARTER A MATCH-CHANGING Westville 19 MC 8
Grade 10 basketballer Ethan showing a great deal of big-match temperament in scoring 2 huge 3-pointers to electrify the Westville fan base, and the outcome saw Westville running out 49-43 winners.
Let’s look at Quarters 1 and 2… Even though College won the jump ball, it was Westville who opened the scoring and maintained the lead for a large part of the first quarter. However, with both good offense and defence the home team bounced back from a scoring drought to end that first quarter 11-9 ahead.
Maritzburg College MIC basketball Jenny Orchard: “Halfway through the 2nd quarter College had built a commanding 12-point lead through executing their game plan effectively.
“But, as was the case in the corresponding fixture in the 4th term, College again lost focus in the remaining minutes of the first half as Kgopotso Matlena of Westville exerted his considerable frame in the post and cut the lead to 2 heading into the break.”
QUARTER-BY-QUARTER SCORELINES: 1st 11-9, 2nd 10-8, 3rd 14-13, 4th 8-19. Best scoreboards by far. https://clox.co.za/
MATCH MUSINGS of MC COACH ZEKE OOSTHUIS
“The anticipated one-on-one match-up between Cameron Best of Westville and Liam van Rensburg of College didn’t scale the heights as much as it potentially could have, as both players had moments of brilliance but otherwise cancelled each other out on the day.
“It will be interesting to see how their seasons progress as they may be the top two wing forwards in KZN this year.
“It was a great advert for the health of KZN basketball as two of the premier teams displayed a high level of basketball. As is the case though with talented and competitive 1st teams the margins for error are very fine – a few opportunities missed or taken can be the difference between winning and losing.
“Down the final stretch Westville made the better decisions and played the big possessions better.”
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Westville won the fourth and final quarter by a match-clinching 10-point margin.
“Westville did themselves and their supporters proud, and if the jubilation of the team and boys at the final buzzer is any indicator, this was a match that they really wanted to win and was also a mark of the esteem that they hold Maritzburg College basketball in.
“Maritzburg College, on the other hand, can with reason be left feeling that they let this one get away. After 3 basketball quarters of dominance, they lost the last quarter 19-9, an indicator, possibly, of fitness. A tough lesson to be learned it seems.”
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And as Maritzburg College MIC basketball Jenny Orchard says, “Coach Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant once stated, ‘Concentrate on winning the second half’, and this is what the College team need to do for their next game against Hilton College.”
Overall, however, it was a successful day for the Maritzburg College basketball programme, with 16 matches played, College winning 11 and Westville 5.
Coach Zeke looks ahead to Saturday, January 19: “The match-ups offer intriguing story lines. Home side Westville take on the undefeated Michaelhouse team of the 4th [Stayers] term. The corresponding fixture last term was cancelled, so it’s all to play for.”
Maritzburg College make the short journey up the hill to take on Hilton College. Another absolute cracker is in the offing.
ALL THE BASKETBALL RESULTS
* Maritzburg College score first
1st lost 43-49
2nd lost 27-34
3rd won 29-16
16A won 24-17
16B won 38-22
16C won 18-16 extra time
15A lost 24-25
15B won 22-15
15C lost 14-27
15D won 13-10
15E lost 6-11
14A won 40-23
14B won 10-5
14C won 16-6
14D won 6-2
14E won 14-8
14F drew 4-4
MC overall vs Westville
Played 17
Won 11
Lost 5
Drew 1
MC 4th vs 5th…… 4th won 29-15
MC 16D vs 16E….. 16E won 22-20
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Baskets time! Maritzburg College v visitors Westville!
It’s just SECONDS AWAY FROM THE BIG SHOW! Yes, start time in the much-looked-forward-to opening game of the KZN10 schools’ basketball season and all eyes are on the splendid Alan Paton Hall.
Yes folks it’s home side Maritzburg College vs Westville.
KZN10.com asked MC bball coach Zeke Oosthuis a couple of pre-match questions:
Feature image – MC basketball coach Zeke Oosthuis and the army.
“Thanks Jono, it’s great playing Westville as they have a large basketball programme and match us team for team across the board.
“It’s always a tough encounter, 5 years ago as an example MC were number 1 in SA and had just won the prestigious St John’s Johannesburg tournament and we came back and lost to Westville.
“We play them first term and 4th term each year and in 2018 Westville won the first clash with us wining by about 9 points in the fourth term Stayers match.
Those Stayers are back out there today so it’s going to be fascinating. I am not sure if Westville are at full strength but be that as it may a school is only as good as it’s overall basketball programme so we will see.
Alan Paton Hall Basketball – always electric.
“Westville coach Byron Tucker has a clear basketball vision; he is no-nonsense and produces tough organised hard teams.
“The Westville basketball brand? Historically a very good shooting outfit, zonal play, big-size players, last while moving more towards a man-to-man style as I like Maritzburg College to play, albeit in a fast up-tempo fashion.
“Westville shoot well from the outside, they are able to clog up the key, and shoot from the outside, while they don’t give away many points from inside the paint.
“I anticipate a tight affair, I am confident the Red Black and Whites of Maritzburg College – buoyed by their home support, can take this one.
“If Westville bring their A game and their top guys are on song – we may have more depth though – MC are in for a tough challenge.
“We take into the game the knowledge that although we lost the last Stayers match of 2018 to the strong Michaelhouse side at Michaelhouse, we came back strongly and a lot of self-belief was bred in that performance.
“The boys need to carry that through today.”
Thanks Zeke – top stuff.
Best wishes to both sides.