MARITZBURG COLLEGE
Big Vince: Cricket in the Shadows
BIG VINCE van der Bijl taught me geography at Maritzburg College so I figure that’s good enough for KZN10.com so here is one of the most fascinating, beautifully-written, cricket features I have ever read.
Further, my sports journalism mentor, the incomparable John Bishop – like Jono a Maritzburg College Old Boy, wrote a memorable biography on Big Vince titled Cricket in the Shadows. Plus Big Vince lived across the road from me for a time. I think I’ve made my case.
Thank you University of KZN law professor and 70s 80s first XI scorer Michaelhouse Old Boy Mike Kidd for bringing it to my attention. If you don’t find this a reminisce to treasure, best give cricket a break.
The John Bishop biography on Vince van der Bijl: Cricket in the Shadows.
* This splendid piece of cricket writing was penned by Abhishek Mukherjee, the source, CricketCountry.
Vintcent van der Bijl, born March 19, 1948, was one of the greatest fast-medium bowlers of all time. Here’s a look-back at yet another talented cricketer who did not make it to the top level because of South Africa’s isolation from international cricket because of its Apartheid policy.
City Oval, Pietermaritzburg, 1972. After Natal had won the toss and had elected to bat, Robin Jackman and Peter Swart bowled them out for 76 on the first morning — Jackman registering a hat-trick. The Western Province side was expected to put up a big lead and bat Natal out of the match as Neville Budge and Quentin Rookledge walked out to bat.
Then, from the shadows of the canopy of trees, emerged a tall frame of 6 feet 7½ inches, in size 14 boots. He did not snarl as he ran in. If anything, there was a hint of a smile in those twinkling eyes.
He did not pound the turf as he approached the non-striker’s end — he simply flowed like a river in a silken motion that evoked more poetry than power. There was nothing intimidating about the imposing figure. Other than his accuracy, pace, bounce, and movement off the pitch, that is.
Before they realised what had hit them, Western Province were bowled out for 121. Vintcent van der Bijl had taken 8 for 35 from 22.2 eight-ball overs.
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After Barry Richards helped Natal to 263 in their second outing, van der Bijl came back at Western Province again, taking 5 for 18 from 14 eight-ball overs, bowling them out for 60. Seldom has a side won by a huge margin —158 runs in this case — after being bundled out for 76 in the first innings.
There has been only one van der Bijl. The world has seldom seen a better fast-medium bowler.
And yet, having born at the wrong place in the wrong time, he could not play a single Test. Ever. This meant that he had to spend an entire career lurking in oblivion, unnoticed by the cricket world.
When people speak about the South Africans of the 1970s, it’s usually about Barry Richards, Graeme Pollock, Peter Pollock, Mike Procter and Clive Rice. Few people mention van der Bijl.
Not that he minded. A history and geography teacher at Maritzburg College and club cricketer for Zingari CC, he never took up cricket as a profession, other than one unforgettable season at Middlesex. It was always a form of entertainment for him — and another sport that he had chosen over rugby and shot-put, both of which he was extremely proficient at.
Vince of Middlesex vs West Indies @ Lord’s on 21 May 1980. Patrick Eagar/Popperfoto/Getty Image
He was never rude, or even aggressive. Such attributes were well beneath him; off the field, the genial giant greeted everyone with the most cordial of smiles, and won friends everywhere. Seldom has a pace bowler been as apologetic after bouncing; or as good-humoured after being clobbered by a batsman.
How great was van der Bijl?
Let us do some number-crunching first: In 156 First-Class matches, van der Bijl took 767 wickets at a staggering 16.54.
He had 46 fifers in these matches, which was once every 3.4 matches. He played First-Class cricket in 16 seasons — which included a single match each in two seasons. In the other 14, his worst average was 21.33 in 1972-73, and he went past the 20-mark only once more — in 1976-77.
Van der Bijl is still the leading wicket-taker in Currie Cup with 572 wickets; the next man on the list is Garth le Roux with 365 wickets — a whopping 207 behind van der Bijl. He took 65 wickets in a South African domestic season in 1975-76 — a record at that time.
If one considered non-Test playing cricketers after World War I, van der Bijl has the most wickets, and the best bowling average (with a 200-wicket cut-off) in First-Class cricket.
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The home seasons
Vintcent Adriaan Pieter van der Bijl was a third-generation First-Class cricketer. His father, Pieter, had played 5 Tests for South Africa. Pieter had scored 460 runs at 51.11, and had once held the record for the longest Test innings by a South African when he batted for 428 minutes 7 hours and 8 minutes).
It was probably from him that Vintcent had inherited his talent — and his incredible sense of humour.
He impressed everyone at university level, and caught the eyes of Trevor Goddard. Goddard and Peter Pollock guided him, and they were so impressed that van der Bijl leapfrogged into the Natal side, not having to play for the second team.
Turning up for Natal, van der Bijl made an immediate impact on the domestic circuit. He took 24 wickets at 20.54 — excellent figures by any standards — though it was way below par in van der Bijl’s standards. He went a step ahead in the next season, picking up 28 more at 15.60.
Even then, he could not find a place in the 1969-70 home series against Australia. So strong was the South African team that van der Bijl was not even in contention.
DONE AND DUSTED. No 333 this time for Graham Gooch. Another victim of the unstoppable Big Vince van der Bijl.
However, he could not be kept out for long, and after 26 wickets at 19.53 and 48 wickets at 15.10 in the next two seasons, he was an automatic selection for the 1971-72 tour to Australia.
The tour did not take place, though; South Africa was banned from international cricket, and van der Bijl’s dreams of playing Test cricket were shattered forever.
Big Vince kept on teaching at Maritzburg College (Jono says: Vince was a brilliant teacher; it helped that he towered over everyone huddled at their classroom desks, but the quality of instruction was never without a liberal sprinklings of humour).
Jono & Arthur… Taught & coached by Vince. Zingari CC with Vince. arthur@megaprop.co.uk is the best in UK Property Investment. @desdot
Playing for Zingari Cricket Club in the KZN capital and made merry at the hapless Springboks’ expense on the South African domestic circuit.
He ran in, over after over, match after match, season after season, never tiring, despite knowing that he would never be able to play Test cricket for a fault that wasn’t his.
For him, cricket wasn’t a way to find his recognition in the world, or a mode to vent his anger or frustration. In van der Bijl’s world, cricket was meant to be fun.
His father had once written to him “whether you make runs or take wickets, or do neither, always think of the other fellow”. He never failed to do that.
When Barry Richards had asked van der Bijl to bounce a tail-ender on one occasion, he gently replied “but I might kill him.” It will indeed be difficult to explain the van der Bijl philosophy to fast bowlers of the current era.
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He became the captain of Natal in 1976-77, and in his first season he led them to victories in both the Currie Cup and Datsun Shield (the South African domestic limited-overs tournament).
He worked on his batting at the same time, and scored three fifties in the 1978-79 season, and three more in the following one — along with 46 wickets at 14.86 and 37 more at 13.59 in the two seasons.
All this happened when Imran Khan, Kapil Dev, Ian Botham, and Richard Hadlee had all appeared on the international stage, along with the West Indian pace battery.
Van der Bijl could only remain a silent spectator, just like his countrymen Clive Rice and Mike Procter — though he deserved playing cricket at the highest level more than most.
As Barry Richards had once said, “Vince van der Bijl is one outstanding example of somebody who would have been a wonderful international player.”
Stint with Middlesex, and later years
In 1979 van der Bijl had quit teaching, and began working for Wiggins Teape. However, with West Indies scheduled to tour England in 1980, the Middlesex team management assumed that their spearhead Wayne Daniel would be on national duty, and they sought a replacement. They signed up van der Bijl.
The Middlesex players were not happy. Mike Brearley showed his dissent at his selection, and was ready to raise it to the Committee. John Emburey asked, “who the hell is this van der Bijl guy?”
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Indeed, other than his superlative bowling average (that too in a country with an unknown quality of cricket), he had nothing to show on his CV. He was 32, had almost never played in England, and was probably out of practice in what was an off-season for his country.
At the first glimpse of van der Bijl, Middlesex wicketkeeper Ian Gould told himself “how’s this old man going to cope?” He was sure that it had been an ‘outrageous signing’. After the season Gould went on to remind “he became a Middlesex legend and he was there for only a season.”
As things turned out, Daniel did not get selected for West Indies, and van der Bijl opened the bowling with him against Nottinghamshire.
It was a rendezvous for fast bowlers, since Richard Hadlee and Clive Rice were playing for Nottinghamshire. van der Bijl’s first ball pitched on the leg-stump, moved off the pitch, beat the bat, and thumped into Gould’s gloves. van der Bijl had arrived!
Van der Bijl picked up 4 for 62 and Daniel 4 for 59, and Nottinghamshire were skittled for 164. At stumps, he entered the Nottinghamshire dressing-room with a beer, and immediately realised that he was in for a cultural shock. They did not fraternise with opponents in England.
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He won over a lot of supporters, both among his teammates and the crowd, both with his quality of cricket and his attitude towards the sport.
His captain Mike Brearley wrote in The Art of Captaincy: “… we were lucky enough to have van der Bijl in our side; his contribution was immense, not only on the field but off it: for he tended to blame himself rather than others, and saw the best in the rest of us rather than homing in so sharply on faults.
Middlesex & England captain Mike Brearley’s initial doubts about Big Vince were transformed into unabashed admiration.
“After a poor performance in the field against Kent in a Sunday League match, for instance, it was refreshing to hear van der Bijl say, ‘Sorry, men, it was all my fault, bowling those two half-volleys early on.”
Daniel, the other Middlesex spearhead, hit it off with van der Bijl almost immediately. When the lanky South African got a wicket, the Barbadian ran in to greet and hug him with a wide grin, thereby ignoring the political issues that had made the countries avoid looking at each other in their eyes.
“It was like a bear hugging a giraffe, and it was symbolic of the warmth most West Indians showed South African players”, writes Simon Hughes.
Hughes adds: “No one could fail to be impressed by van der Bijl. Not only was he a fearsome bowler with incredible accuracy, genuine penetration, and an LBW appeal like an enraged triffid, but off the field he was also gentle and disarming, intelligent and funny.”
His self-control and sense of humour showed in the most adverse of times as well. When Sunil Gavaskar was belting him mercilessly in a Benson and Hedges match, van der Bijl found the Little Master’s bottom edge — only to watch it run away for four.
It was the first time Gavaskar had erred in that innings. van der Bijl, about a foot and a quarter taller than Gavaskar, walked up to the little man and feigned fury, exclaiming “Oh, you ‘orrible little man, why don’t you concentrate?” Everyone, including the usually sombre Gavaskar, was in splits.
In short, van der Bijl had fun, smoked Dunhills, and took 85 wickets in the season from 20 matches at 14.72.
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He took five fifers, and in combination with Daniel (67 wickets at 21.70), led Middlesex to the County Championship and the Gillette Cup. He was nominated a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1981.
Hughes mentions that he was “very accurate, and [had] a wicked yorker, amazing control and a classic side-on action.”
His accuracy had become the talk of the town. Gould recalls an incident where van der Bijl was bowling on a damp pitch. After his first over, Gould wanted to check where the balls had landed, making dents on the soft earth.
It was then he realised that all six deliveries would have ‘landed on a saucer’. An awestruck Mike Selvey called him ‘fantastic, relentlessly straight’, possessor of ‘Southern Hemisphere strength’, and he was indeed one of the best bowlers he had seen.
He returned home a hero, having established himself among the world’s greatest players. There had never been any doubt in his home country about his ability — and now the world of cricket had become aware of his supreme pedigree.
Bolstered by his success, he blew apart the South African batsmen, match after match, picking up 54 wickets from eight matches at an absurd 9.50.
He had become so popular in Middlesex that he was recalled for a single match against MCC in the 1981 season. He did little of note, but he was greeted with the rare loud cheers of the typically quiet of Lord’s that behaved against its nature out of loyalty to the great man.
LEGENDS BOTH: Big Vince and DHS Old Boy Hashim Amla. Dominic Barnhardt Gallo Images
In the last match of the domestic season, van der Bijl won the encounter for Natal against Northern Transvaal single-handedly as he took 6 for 64 and 8 for 47 in an incredible match haul of 14 wickets for 111 runs at a fraction under 12 runs per wicket.
When the rebel Englishmen toured South Africa later that season, van der Bijl was picked to play for South Africa.
Against a strong batting line-up comprising of Graham Gooch, Geoff Boycott, Wayne Larkins, and Dennis Amiss, van der Bijl took 5 for 25 and 5 for 79 to blow them apart in a match analysis of 10 for 104.
He had another spell of 5 for 97 in the same series. Vince, rapidly making his way after switching to the business world, shifted to Transvaal on promotion from his stationery company the next season.
The change of team hardly made any difference to him, and he finished the season with 75 wickets from 11 matches at 14.92. He played two matches against the rebel West Indies team, picked up 10 wickets at 18.80. And then, all of a sudden, he decided to call it quits after the 1982-83 season, in which he took 52 wickets at 18.76.
His match figures in his last four matches read 6 for 93 against Eastern Province, 9 for 91 against Eastern Province, 3 for 39 against Natal, and 7 for 132 against Western Province.
Later years
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Van der Bijl generally remained away from cricket after his retirement from First-Class cricket. Over time, he came to terms with the fact he had not been able to play a single Test.
Even after South Africa’s return to international cricket, he never got the recognition he had deserved — unlike several of his contemporaries. Not that it bothered to him.
It was as late as 2008 that ICC named him their Manager for the umpires and match referees.
* Vintcent Adriaan Pieter van der Bijl was born in Rondebosch, Cape Town, where his father, Pieter van der Bijl, was headmaster of the Diocesan College Preparatory School.
GENTLE GIANT: Vintcent Adriaan Pieter van der Bijl. Gentleman cricketer. Stellar human. Getty Images
(Abhishek Mukherjee is a cricket historian and Senior Cricket Writer at CricketCountry. He generally looks upon life as a journey involving two components – cricket and literature – though not as disjoint elements.
A passionate follower of the history of the sport with an insatiable appetite for trivia and anecdotes, he has also a steady love affair with the incredible assortment of numbers that cricket has to offer.
He also thinks he can bowl decent leg-breaks in street cricket, and blogs at http://ovshake.blogspot.in. He can be followed on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ovshake and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/ovshake42)
* This delightful feature was written 2,5 years ago.
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A natural: Maritzburg College’s Jacques van der Walt
IF you have ever seen him loft a six with the sweetest of timing into the Kent Pavilion rafters or get the first XV backline away with an economy of movement and technically perfect distribution, you’ll know who I’m talking about.
Feature image: Practice makes perfect. No-one works harder at his game than Maritzburg College first XI cricketer Jacques van der Walt.
Maritzburg College first XI’s elegant left-hander, and first XV’s classic flyhalf is the soon-to-be-finished grade 11 student Jacques van der Walt.
Maritzburg College first XV’s Jacques van der Walt on attack vs St Charles College on Goldstones in match 1 of 2018.
A Martin Ashworth image
KZN10.com decided to take a closer look.
So Jacques how old are you, where were you born, who’re your siblings, what do they do and where are they now?
“Thanks for your interest in me Sir; that’s quite a bit to answer from one question!
“I’m 17 years old and was born on 15 January, 2001 at St Anne’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg.
“I am the youngest of 3 siblings; my brother’s name is Chase, age 27, and my sister’s name is Tayla; she is 24.
“Chase is in China teaching English and Tayla is in America working as an au pair. They are both qualified teachers.”
‘My sister Tayla stood behind the rugby posts
playing “ball-girl” while I practised my place-kicking’
As a young boy, Jacques’ passion for cricket and rugby was encouraged and supported by siblings Tayla and Chase.
Jacques, I have watched you play cricket and rugby many times, so why your love of cricket and rugby, how old were you when you started, who was it initially who taught you cricket and rugby, and was it in the backyard or where?
“My first memories are being on the side of a rugby or cricket field almost every weekend watching my brother, Chase.
“He was my hero and would always take the time to play with me and allow me to play with him and his friends in the garden at home.
“My first official private cricket coach was Mr Rob Fuhri, from about the age of 5 till I started high school at Maritzburg College.”
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So who have been some of the major influences in your life, on the making of Jacques van der Walt, the sportsman, in your upbringing?
‘One of my greatest moments was when
I played my first club cricket match with my brother’
“My brother, Chase, is my best friend and biggest supporter and has kept me grounded.
“Chase spent hours with me in the garden, the nets and on the fields helping develop my cricket and rugby skills.
“One of my greatest moments was when I played my first club cricket match with my brother.
Jacques is superb at second slip. This catch on Goldstones was an absolute cracker after the edged ball simply flew off the bat.
“My sister, Tayla, has always been there for emotional support and has always had my back.
“On numerous occasions she has stood behind the rugby posts playing ‘ball-girl’ while I practised my place-kicking.”
Jono: You were at Cordwalles Prep School, what did your time there teach you in terms of values etc. and what teams did you play for in grade 7 both for Cordwalles and provincial?
“Cordwalles introduced me to the various sports and cultural activities, which enabled me to explore which sporting and cultural activities I preferred.
“Cordwalles taught me the value of true friendship, loyalty and respect.
Ever so stylish, Jacques is a master of manipulating the bowling.
“I played 1st team cricket, which I captained, and 1st team rugby for Cordwalles.
“I was the Victor Ludorum for swimming, made the U13 midlands rugby team and the KZN Inland cricket team, which I captained.”
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Jono: On to high school, why Maritzburg College?
What as a grade 7 or earlier attracted you to the Red Black and White?
Was it for example the emotional pull when you watched your first rugby match on Goldstones, did you decide then and then, “One day I want to be there!”
‘There was never another school for me’
Jacques: “At the age of 3, I had my own Maritzburg College rugby jersey, which I wore every Saturday when I went to support my brother playing either rugby or cricket for Maritzburg College.
“My first real memories are from about 5 years old, playing rugby with my friends behind the stands on Goldstones until the 1st team were getting ready to run through Nicolson’s Arch.
Jacques after being presented with the 10 jersey in Victoria Hall.
“It was my dream that one day I would be running on to Goldstones with all the boys shouting and cheering me on.
“There was never another school for me. I have been so blessed and privileged to have realised my dream.
“First I had the honour of making my first XV debut in the Red Black and White, and then representing the College 1st XV this year – and running under Nicholson’s Arch.”
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Skonk, the Maritzburg College geography teacher, deputy headmaster and without-peer Maritzburg College first XV coach, a gentleman who conducted himself with such grace and understated distinction.
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Jono: So Jacques, what is special about Maritzburg College? Why is there such a strong bond – the mass gathering of school friends on Old Boys Reunion Weekend?
The Jacques answer is immediate: “The sense of brotherhood that bonds us together for life.”
Jono: Jacques, please tell us about the teams you’ve played for provincially and any teams from your Cordwalles Prep grade 7 year up to now that you’ve captained?
“In cricket, Cordwalles 1st team captain, KZN Inland U13 captain, Maritzburg College U14A captain and U15A captain; KZN Inland U15 captain, Maritzburg College U16A captain, 1st XI, and now the KZN Inland U17 team.”
Ton up for Jacques van der Walt on Goldstones.
JACQUES’ 2018 FIRST XI BATTING STATS
Innings 23
Not out 6
Aggregate runs 870
Strike rate approximately 70 per 100 balls faced
Average 51.11
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“In rugby I played Cordwalles 1st team, Midlands u13, Maritzburg College U14A vice-captain, U15A captain, U16A vice-captain, Sharks U16 at Grant Khomo Week, and the Maritzburg College 1st XV this year.
Sharks U16 flyhalf Jacques van der Walt surrounded by happy team-mates during Grant Khomo Week 2017.
Well, that makes for an incredibly taxing number of school years, not to mention the time spent on academics.
Jono: Jacques it has been a pleasure talking to you. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
“I would like to say thank you to all my coaches through the years for believing in me and teaching me the real value of playing sport.
“Thank you, too, Mr Cook, for your continued support and all you do for schoolboy sport in KZN.
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“Finally, to my Mom and Dad: You have had a great influence on my life, you have supported me through thick and thin and I can always confide in you and count on you.
“You are on the side of the field supporting me in every match I have played in since junior school.
“I could not ask for more. Thank you Mom and Dad.”
Jono: Phew, I confess to misty eyes right now. Special words those, Jacques.
Best wishes for the December 10 to 14 National U17 Cricket Week, which is headquartered at Kearsney College.
See you there.
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Maritzburg College’s Jacques van der Walt in 20 Seconds
THE Maritzburg College first XI top-order batsman and Red Black & White first XV flyhalf is a multi-layered personality who loves to have fun, takes his passion for sport seriously and feels deeply.
Here’s an insight into this exceptionally talented young man, pictured in-photo with a little big fella.
THE RED BLACK & WHITE BROTHERHOOD: Jacques & friends.
Favourite food: Braai
Fave breakfast: Bacon & eggs
Actor: Tom Hardy
Actress: Margot Robbie
Celebrity Crush: Margot Robbie
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Favourite App: Instagram
Favourite Emoji: Cheeky wink
TV show: Peaky Blinders
Board game: 30 Seconds
Car: 1969 Ford Mustang
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3 People you’d like to invite to your birthday party: Maritzburg College Old Boy, champion batsman and former England Test captain Kevin Pietersen, England’s great all-rounder Freddie Flintoff, Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard
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Jacques’ nickname: Chockie
Chockie in 1 word: Determined
Inspirational SA sports stars: AB de Villiers & Handre Pollard
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Favourite quote: ‘The harder I practice the luckier I get’
Gary Player
Best advice I have ever received: ‘Invest in dot balls and cash in later’
Childhood coach Rob Fuhri
If Chockie could attend any sports match: The Ashes
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4 Things Chockie can’t live without: Family, music, friends and sport
Down time: Watching a good movie
On Chockie’s screensaver: My girlfriend and I
Holiday destination: Ibiza
3 Desert Island must-haves: Girlfriend, friends and family
Before the desert island must-haves here’s a must-not-have: a septic beach. John will help you out – and he’ll enjoy the holiday.
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Maritzburg College Chairman’s XI regain Colenbrander Trophy from Headmaster’s XI in annual match
A beautiful KZN10.com summer’s day greeted the Chairman of the Governing Body’s XI and the Maritzburg College Headmaster’s XI on Super Sunday at the picturesque Goldstones, home of College cricket.
A 35-over shootout was the format with a maximum four overs per bowler and 30 runs the mark when batsman retired. If needed before the 35 overs were up the retirees could return to the middle.
Skipper Steve Colenbrander (front) has the silverware safely back in the Maritzburg College Chairman’s XI trophy cabinet after the emphatic 84-run win over the Headmaster’s XI on Goldstones Sunday. The teams come together in this Jono Cook image. See who you can spot among these noted athletes.
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Experienced umpire Bryan Mantle was on hand to keep a close eye on things but nothing untoward came his way in a contest played well within the etiquette of the Gentleman’s Game.
Fortunately the absence of London-based UK Property Investment Specialist and UK County Cricket/SA Hockey team Over 55 star Arthur Wormington did not prevent the Chairman’s XI from regaining the coveted Colenbrander Trophy. You will be as surprised as I was at the affordable range of UK property investment options that Arthur has to offer. arthur@megaprop.co.uk
Batting first, the Chairman’s XI under the captaincy of Steve Colenbrander knocked up a brisk 224 with 5 batters returning the lovely Kent Pavilion having reached the 30-run milestone.
There was great banter on and off the field as old friends renewed acquaintances and long-held memories of great exploits on and off the field were re-told.
The top-gun Chairman’s XI batsmen and retirees were a polished Kyle Warr (30 not out), Mike Woodburn (30*) Wooders looking as if he’d hit a ton for the school first XI the day before such was the in-sync foot movement and hand-eye-co-ordination.
Add to this, some spectacular shotmaking off the broad bat of Grant Rowley (30*), superb leg-side strokes by Brent Bragge (31*); and the deftest of touches and placement off the richly talented batting repertoire that is the possession of Clint Bowyer (30*).
Maritzburg College teacher Ricky Chirengende who was drafted in to the Chairman’s XI smashed a hurricane 21 not out following Hylton Strachan’s useful 17.
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And skipper of “Team Steve”, Mr Steve Colenbrander (14*) was a racehorse between the wickets in upping the run rate at the death of a highly entertaining innings.
It was tough going for the Headmaster’s XI bowling attack but IT man Ryan Tooms (3 overs, 1 maiden, 13 runs and 1 wicket), late draftee the Maritzburg College first XI 2018 paceman Shaun-Lee Elliott (4-2-13-0) who is just back from a troubling side strain made good.
Super-fit seamer Murray-John Smit (4-0-17-2) was among the wickets at relatively inexpensive cost, while Headmaster and off-spinner Chris Luman will be pleased with the stumping by lively keeper Kyle Emerson that he effected off a well-flighted delivery.
The burly Nollie Duvenage and jack-in-a-box Zola Mazwi also showed a surprising turn of speed and frequent change of pace in picking up a wicket each.
In the Headmaster’s XI turn at the crease their biggest problem was establishing the quality of partnerships that their opposition were capable of.
Punishing batsmanship has at its heart the benefits of clear and comfortable vision.
Ryan Kyle’s punishing 31, Nollie Duvenhage’s 23, and Tim Orchard’s well-crafted 23 might have amounted to more had the Headmaster’s XI not run out of wickets.
The Head’s XI in final analysis mustered 140 that resulted in an 84-run defeat and the return of the coveted Colenbrander Trophy to the Chairman’s XI skipper Steve.
It was certainly a salad day for Mike Wooders as he picked up 3-11 off 3 with his crafty deliveries, while Steve Colenbrander’s artful dibbly-dobblers mopped up the tail (2-4 from 9 deliveries).
And Hylton Strachan seemingly could do no wrong with the ball either in his 2-14 off 4.
The other Chairman wicket-takers with one apiece in a great all-round performance in the field were Brent Bragge, Dicky Delvin, and the irrepressible Clint Bowyer.
No better place to be after a long hot day on the cricket field. Particularly the supreme athletes on display Sunday.
Perhaps the unavailability of Maritzburg College director of cricket Kyle Nipper, due to KZN Inland T20 commitments, was the biggest factor in the outcome, as Nips had been instrumental in the emphatic Headmaster’s XI win this time last year.
However KZN10.com is sure that Team Steve would beg to differ.
A great day was had by all and KZN10.com loved being part of it.
Roll on Colenbrander Trophy 2019!
TEAMS
Headmaster’s XI
Chris Luman (capt)
Chris Nevay
Tim Orchard
Kyle Emerson
Ryan Tooms
Shaun Elliott
Zola Mazwi
Nollie Duvenhage
Drikus Hoffman
M-J Smit
Ryan Kyle
Ron Barbour
Chairman’s XI
Steve Colenbrander (capt)
Kyle Warr
Mike Woodburn
James Bryant
Grant Rowley
Brent Bragge
Richard Delvin
Hylton Strachan
Clint Bowyer
Andrew Tedder
Ricky Chirengende
Umpire: Bryan Mantle
Maritzburg College basketballers get the better of Westville
Maritzburg College hosted Westville for the return match. Both schools fielded their Stayers’ team and College was determined to record a win having lost in the first term.
The excessive heat certainly was going to be a factor for both sides and as College had played Carter on Friday they would have to dig deep in order to secure a victory.
Feature image (file pic): It was a great KZN10.com Super Saturday for Maritzburg College basketball with just one loss to Westville on the day.
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The home team won the jump ball but Westville put the first points on the board from a penalty shot.
The 1st quarter was a rather dull affair as both sides struggled to find any sort of rhythm but College did end the quarter with a slender lead of 3 points (15 – 12).
It was in the 2nd period that College raced ahead with Zaneliswa Khoza and Liam Janse van Rensberg each sinking a 3-point shot which seemed to give the team the momentum they needed.
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During this quarter College outscored Westville 16 points to 7.
As seems to be the trend with the College side, they lost the urgency to forge ahead and allowed Westville to come within 4 points of their score.
Although both teams played an exciting fast paced style of basketball, the Alan Paton Hall was devoid of the usual vocal spectators and this had an effect on the home side who have become accustomed to their supporters spurring them on to victory.
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-The game concluded with College securing a 64 – 55 victory much to the relief of the coaching staff.
Liam Janse van Rensberg top scored for College by contributing 21 points to the total.
All-in-all it was a successful day of basketball with College only losing one game against the visiting school.
Whether
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Kingsmead Mynahs tour trials for KZN grade 11 boys on Sunday
The Kingsmead Mynahs invite all cricketers who are returning to school next year and have not made a representative side to a trial in the indoor facility at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead on Sunday 4th November 2018 starting at 8.30am.
Mynahs are particularly looking for cricketers who made the final trials for KZN Coastal and KZN Inland but missed the cut.
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“We do understand that the boys may be preparing or writing exams so we aim to finish by 11am,” Mynahs coach Philip Lanz told KZN10.com.
“If there are boys playing premier league cricket on Sunday we will try and put them first but can’t guarantee this as it depends on numbers.
“Players are to wear cricket practice kit and must supply their own equipment and cricket ball. If they have stats from the season this will enhance their chances of selection.”
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The Kingsmead Mynahs XI will be chosen at this trial and will play cricket at a competitive level.
Mynahs will play on Friday 30th November in the afternoon and then go on a tour to the Midlands on Saturday 1st December to Monday 3rd and then play 2 more games on the 5th and 6th.
“It is important to note for parents and the boys that they must please ensure players are available for these dates before sending them to trials,” says Philip.
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“We are looking for boys who have played in their school 1st team, 2nd team or U16A this year and who will more than likely play in the 1st team in 2019.
“We are looking for players who have the potential to play representative cricket at a later stage.
“From the last couple of years a number of players have made the KZN U19 or U17 Coastal and Inland teams after making the Kingsmead Mynahs side the year before.
Have a quick eye-check with the friendly experts in their field. Phone 033 342 9673 before you go to trials or Saturday’s match. You need a Super Saturday to round off the year. http://www.hilliarandgray.co.za/services/comprehensive-eye-exams/
“This is a wonderful opportunity for boys to develop their game if they want to aspire to play better cricket.
“We also want to spread the net as far as possible to give opportunity to all who qualify for this team.”
Philip Lanz is the Senior HOD Outreach/Operations and MIC Cricket at Thomas More College in Kloof.
Philip can be contacted at Thomas More College on 031 764 8640 and at planz@thomasmore.co.za
Umpires’ manager reflects on the 59th Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week
MIKE Wolstenholme is well-known in umpiring circles for his knowledge, experience and passion for the game but, most of all, his passion for umpiring.
Mike was umpires co-ordinator for the hugely successful 59th Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week that played out last weekend in the KZN capital and midlands.
Feature image: The 59th Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week umpires team at the officials’ Dinner in the Victoria Hall at Maritzburg College. Mike Wolstenholme at the back, second from left.
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The 2018 Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week (OMCW) superbly hosted as always by Maritzburg College, Mike’s task was daunting, to say the least.
With 22 teams and 44 matches over four days, the challenges were multiple. And it wasn’t simply a case of getting personnel on the pitch; Mike is intensely interested in developing the KZN umpires’ pool.
KZN10.com invited Mike to share his thoughts on OMCW 2018 from his unique perspective.
“Thanks Jono, what you are doing to promote KZN schoolboy sport through the medium of KZN10.com and related Facebook posts is wonderful to see and long may it continue.
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“Secondly, your approach in highlighting the umpires in your pre-Oppenheimer feature is something we have never seen before, so hats off to you.
“The last 2 years I have been involved with the organising of umpires for this prestigious tournament and the day-to-day appointments.
“I try to engage with coaches to get daily feedback on the performances of our umpires to ensure that any issues that may have cropped up are heard and discussed to ensure we continue to deliver a service that consistently reflects our added-value to the tournament.
“The reason for this is that historically, the coaches themselves either used to umpire or bring their own umpires.
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“Of course that could cause obvious unintended problems whereas our umpires have no allegiance to any team and so even if errors are made we are not favouring one team over another.
“This is critical in terms of our performance; that our integrity is never questioned.
“In terms of selection, OMCW is a wonderful opportunity for our umpires to get exposed to a high level of cricket and can be used as a springboard to move on to greater things such as being selected to be part of the CSA Umpires track – working through the various levels and hopefully onto our CSA National Panel.
“Furthermore, what the umpires learn throughout the OMCW festival is how to engage at a high level with players and coaches as well as put their skills to the test, which ultimately will deliver a consistent, excellent match performance across our KZN cricket structures. I see this as a win-win.
“I strive to ensure that only the best-qualified umpires get selected with many having their Level 3 qualification and a number already included in CSA structures.
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“Added to this are some relatively new umpires who not only have the requisite skill and ability to be part of this marvellous OMCW celebration of top-class schoolboy cricket but who can then go far in their umpiring careers having had the benefit of OMCW as a platform to do just that.
“The last OMCW group are the experienced umpires who have been around a while, doing what they do best – sharing their passion, enthusiasm and skill with the newcomers, which served to promote a well-rounded experience over the four days (Sept 29 – Oct 2).
“The Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week, in my humble opinion, brings together some of the best schoolboy talent that we have in the country and it is indeed an honour and privilege for us as umpires to be invited to be part of the OMCW.
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“To digress a little, I well remember my Coca-Cola Khaya Majola Cricket Week in 2002.
“Names such as AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, Heino Kuhn, Vaughan van Jaarsveld, Morne Morkel, Aaron Phangiso, Vernon Philander and Hein le Roux – to name but a few – went on to higher honours.
“In overall terms, it is my firm belief that Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week is on the same level, if not better – in some respects – than Coke Week.
Hosts Maritzburg College take it to another level – to such an extent that everyone wants to be part of this prestigious week.
“Of course, OMCW from an umpiring standpoint does come with challenges, as KZN premier league cricket traditionally starts on the same weekend so the demand for umpires is heavy – particularly on the first 2 days of OMCW – the Saturday and Sunday.
“Last year, where both the Saturday and Sunday were used at club level, this caused a drain on KZN umpiring resources, leaving us well short of the requisite number of officials.
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“This year, however, there was some relief in that the premier KZN Coastal club matches were only scheduled on the Sunday.
“Finally, in terms of the OMCW umpire selection criteria, it is vital as co-ordinator that I get the best people available – selected on merit and commitment – where you need to be available for all 4 days or at least 3 of the 4, thus ensuring consistency.
“Also, we must encourage younger umpires to get involved as they are the next generation.
“What was particularly pleasing at this 59th edition of OMCW is the fact that I saw a number of young umpires showing real promise and that is a big plus for the future.
Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week umpires Sibs Mashimane and Craig Macaulay.
“To sum up, I am indebted to those umpires in KZN who fully commit to OMCW.
“Many actually take leave from work to be involved, but they happily do this well in advance, thus ensuring that they are ready and available to be part of this wonderful OMCW experience.
“In closing, it would be remiss of me not to thank OMCW director and Maritzburg College deputy headmaster Brandon Swart and his team for delivering such an umpire-friendly product.
Umpires co-ordinator Mike Wolstenholme, DHS first XI coach & director of cricket Andrew Shedlock and umpire Pete Osborn enjoying the moment during the 59th Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week Dinner.
“Brandon, on behalf of my umpires, a sincere thank you.”
Jono: “Thanks Mike, sometimes we forget how much value our umpires bring to the mix; only referring to them when something contentious is on the table.
“Keep up the great work guys. Believe, me, we do notice and appreciate your essential contribution to what makes KZN10 schoolboy cricket so very special.
“Mike and Team see you at the landmark 60th Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week next year.”
Umpires Daryl Govender and Pius Nkosi with captains Andre Bradford (Maritzburg College) and Dian Forrester (Affies) ahead of the Goldstones coin toss on Day 1 of the 59th Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week hosted as always by Maritzburg College.
Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week Umpires named
It gives KZN10.com great pleasure to reveal the names of the umpires who will officiate in the 59th edition of the Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week, so splendidly hosted as always by Maritzburg College.
The four days of cricket, starting Saturday 29 September to Tuesday 2 October sees a remarkable 22 top-tier cricket schools from across the country field their first XI’s in a mammoth 44 matches in and around the KZN capital and further afield at picturesque Eston Country Club and Richmond Country Club.
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Featured image: Umpires Craig Macauley and Sibonelo ‘Sibs’ Mashimane will be busy men on Goldstones and elsewhere during the four days of Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week. Photo Jono Cook
Without these guys, who are more than willing to give of their time and knowledge over four gruelling days of arguably the most intense schoolboy cricket in the country, there simply would be no matches, no cricket week, no nothing.
The Pietermaritzburg-based John Carstens is one of the highly regarded umpires who will officiate at the 59th annual Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week hosted by Maritzburg College.
That said, it is remarkable how many of these steadfast cricket men are, to maul a metaphor, “repeat offenders”.
Umpire Pius Nkosi is back for his umpteenth Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week. Photo Jono Cook
Indeed many of these good men in the trademark black pants, white shirts and hats hail the Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week (OMCW) as their cricketing highlight of the year.
Hence the repeat offenders, many of whom have officiated at Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Weeks into double figures now.
Kershan Moodley is one of the many Durban-based umpires who relish the annual pilgrimage to Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week. Photo Jono Cook
One of the stalwarts of OMCW is umpires’ co-ordinator Mike Wolstenholme.
Umpires gathered last year at the 58th OMCW Dinner in the iconic Victoria Hall, and sponsored once again by caterer supreme Heather Lawson of Granny Macs. Mike Wolstenholme is back row, fourth from the left. Photo Jono Cook
Thanks Mike for sharing the Team Umpire list.
OMCW TEAM UMPIRE 2018
| Andrew Ngubane |
| Cameron Boock |
| Chris Govender |
| Chris Ndlovu |
| Craig Macauley |
| Daryl Govender |
| Jayden Knipe |
| John Carstens |
| Kershan Moodley |
| Matt Ducasse |
| Muhammad Jooma |
| Mike Wolstenholme |
| Pete Osborn |
| Pius Nkosi |
| Saxon Colling |
| Sibonga Shabangu |
| Sibonelo Mashimane |
| Siyabonga Mjojo |
| Stenly Mpofu |
| Yameen Godil |
| Tyler Trenowerth |
| Vaughan Meyer |
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Australia’s Brad Hope recalls his Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week
Affies: 65 (Goldstones); Jeppe: 83* (Goldstones); Hudson Park: 85 (Goldstones); St Andrews Grahamstown: 24 (Eston).
That was Maritzburg College grade 9 (standard 7) boy Bradley Hope’s 2014 – and only – Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week
Then 100 not out in Brad’s last match for the Maritzburg College first XI, on Goldstones, vs Glenwood, who had the outstanding schoolboy Andile Phehlukwayo in their side.
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Feature image: Grade 9, Maritzburg College first XI, 2014: Bradley Hope, an elegant batsman beyond his years.
That was Bradley Hope in 2014 – in grade 9 – before he moved to Australia with his family.
And it’s just 12 days away from the 59th edition of the longest-running invitation schoolboy cricket week in the country.
Maritzburg College Old Boy Bradley Hope… (fourth from right, back row) in the Australia U19 team.
The 2018 Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week sees its sponsor, Jonathan Oppenheimer, backing the week in order to keep costs down, for the 15th consecutive year.
Back to Brad: We will never know the extent to which Bradley Hope might have re-written the record books at Maritzburg College had he completed his remaining three school years at the Red Black and White.
257 Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week runs at an average of 86 while in grade 9 marked Brad Hope as one to watch.
Beginning grade 10 at Christ Church Grammar School in 2015, Durban Prep boy Brad has continued climbing the cricket ladder. More about that later.
Brad’s four knocks at the 2014 Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week as a recently-turned 15-year-old will stay with me a long time, as will his 100* in his last match on Goldstones.
Brad Hope when he was in the Australia U17 team, from which he graduated to the Australia U19 side.
An elegant batsman with a textbook technique, and an outstanding swing and seam bowler at brisk pace, Brad also had a cricket brain far beyond his years.
Content to play himself in, 12-plus deliveries with just a run or two to his name would – before you knew it – translate into an 80 in 60 or 70 balls – an array of shots straight out of the MCC coaching manual.
Content to play himself in at his own pace, the 14/15-year-old Brad Hope of 2014 would then up his strike rate with seemingly effortless ease. A repertoire of textbook cricket shots, head down, play through the ball and follow.
So when virtually all boys his age in top-tier cricket schools were playing U15 cricket, Brad Hope scored 257 Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week runs for the Maritzburg College first XI – against Affies, Jeppe, Hudson Park and St Andrews College Grahamstown – at an average of 86 per innings.
And that 100 not out in a losing cause against a rampant Phehlukwayo-driven Glenwood, who won that day, was in my book the best knock of them all.
Brad Hope… Maritzburg College 200 for 2 in the 38th over at the Grey PE Cricket Festival.
Over to Bradley Hope from Perth:
“Hi Jon, yes I played in Michaelmas in 2014 and can remember nearly the whole Maritzburg College first XI; Lwandiswa Zuma, Sohail Mahmoud, Denham Shepstone, David Small, Jean de Wet, Matthew Dicks to name a few.
The 2014 Maritzburg College first XI on Goldstones, of which Bradley Hope has fond memories. “Maritzburg College was special because of the passion everyone has for the school.”
“The coach was Mr Mike Smith. He helped me massively with the mental side of the game and preparing me for cricket beyond school.”
Brad, what was special about Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week?
“It was pretty cool having all the teams staying at College and getting to talk to guys from other schools you wouldn’t normally speak to. It was also really good to play 4 games in 4 days against top schools from other provinces.
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“Maritzburg College was special because of the passion everyone has for the school and the bond you create with the other boys because you spend so much time with each other.”
Brad finished his secondary education in 2017 at Christ Church Grammar School and is now at the University of Western Australia reading for a Bachelor of Commerce degree.
Brad, how is your cricketing journey going in Australia?
HOME of CRICKET LEGENDS… Justin Langer, Terry Alderman: Brad Hope at the WACA in Perth… one day???
“It’s been going really well. School cricket isn’t as important as it is in South Africa. It’s all about club cricket.
“Australia has been great so far, it took a bit of getting used but once we settled down it’s been good. The biggest thing I miss is spending time with family.
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“I’ve been really lucky to have played for the Western Australia senior second XI, the Australia U19 team and I also got a rookie contract for the Perth Scorchers in The Big Bash League (the Australian Professional Twenty20 cricket league).
“And recently I went with the (Western Australia Sheffield Shield) Warriors squad on their pre-season camp to Brisbane.”
Phew. Keep it up Brad, we’re all backing you to wear the Aussie Baggy Green cap one day soon.
Bradley Hope is a swing and seam bowler held in high regard.
THE FOUNDATION IS STRONG: Bradley Hope’s ability to score heavily is founded on a technically correct base.
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Why the KZN10 schools are getting it right
The success to date of Hilton College’s grade 11 triple first XI sportsman Suubi Mugerwa-Sekawabe is a combination; a three-pronged structure – raw talent, parental support and the school coaches’ guidance.
A PROUD HISTORY AND TRADITION: First XV front-ranker Henty Beukes enters Graeme Gilfillan Field ahead of the 200th Hilton Michaelhouse match.
Given Suubi’s sports career, I am surmising that raw talent is the base; and more than that, his achievement so far is the consequence of his Hilton College first XI coaches Celo Mbanjwa (football), Devon van der Merwe (hockey) and Dale Benkenstein (cricket) instilling in Suubi the more important values that indicate success is more about preparation than raw talent.
Featured image: SHARING A MOMENT – The St Charles College boys express themselves on Meadows during the first XV rugby match on 28 April 2018.
It is also a consequence of the support given Suubi in preceding years. It is no accident that Suubi has achieved success in all walks of life.
BROTHERS FOR LIFE: Clifton College first XV boys standing together, one for the other.
National recognition and regional/provincial recognition – be it academic, cultural, sporting – is the culmination of a step-by-step learning process that takes much time, blood, plenty of sweat – and yes, frustration and disappointment when a desired outcome is denied.
And it is not for all to achieve the heights, but it is for all to be the very best they can possibly be, given the talents they have. And here again I feel that my chosen KZN10 schools are on the right path – endeavouring as best they can to make each boy aware that there is an avenue for his “special power”; that his particular gift will be acknowledged, valued and nurtured.
More than just winning it, it’s about LIVING IT: Kearsney College 1st’s Dane Mertsch… living and loving every moment.
Photo TRACEY VAN DEN AARDWEG
Please note: Suubi and Hilton College is an example. There are numerous other examples amongst all the K10 schools, as evidenced in the links below. There are some schools not included in the links that the same evidence will be painted in the weeks and months to come.
Some random examples: Celimpilo Gumede the DHS first XV captain, SA Schools (2nd year) and SA Sevens rugby forward; Sibusiso Sangweni, Kearsney College rugby captain and SA Schools loose forward; schoolmate Guy Morgan, firsts hockey captain, KZN Coastal A national title-winning captain and SA Hockey Fives team member.
The thing is, first and foremost these fine young men are primarily at school for academics and I have tried my best – until they get a gap – to let them get on with it, rather than infringe on their study time and numerous other commitments.
Please note further: Winning is by no means everything at school level, yet a general rule can be applied – boys and teams that are encouraged to extend themselves in a structured, skill-by-skill progression, will win most matches and individual events.
IT’S FAR MORE THAN JUST A JOB: Glenwood first XV head coach Derek Heiberg and peers take the time to understand and counsel each player in their care.
And, thank goodness in most respects: No one educational institution or boy is perfect – that’s what makes the process so satisfying in the long term; there is always scope for learning and for the betterment of the here and now.
So, yes, Suubi had already shown the raw material and the desire at a young age, the sporting goods, to stand out, but as we have seen with many outstanding schoolboy sportsmen – some who have achieved post-school and others not – that in-born, innate ability is not enough.
As a sports journalist of 23 years’ standing who has a long-standing, abiding interest in schoolboy sport and its participants: What I see at Hilton College and other members of my chosen KZN10 schools is much more than just having talented boys; it’s a determination by their coaches and schoolteachers to foster a policy of encouraging, motivating the boys in a continuous search to further develop their innate talent.
SEEING BEYOND THE WHITES LINES: Northwood first team coach Shaun Baker and his KZN10 peers know that hockey’s educational value extends much further than the confines of an Astro.
The positive side of the coin is this: If the coach doesn’t enable the boy – when the boy has mastered the nuts and bolts of a particular skill set – to keep exploring, in a structured manner, the upper reaches of his talent base, a plateau is reached, a plateau where raw talent alone is not enough. The development – and the process of achievement flatlines.
And, ultimately, what could have been is never fulfilled. Therein lies the reality. The best coaches and schoolteachers tell the truth, improve the boys’ ability to communicate, instil the process that success requires in any field of endeavour.
SHARING A TEAM-MATE’S SPECIAL MOMENT: Members of the Westville first XV.
The sports field is a metaphor for life in its broadest terms; it is a theatre of the real world and the lessons that simply must be learned if success is to follow – the time to put one’s hand up, to stand alone, the time to suppress self-interest in pursuit of a greater cause, the time to put others first, the learning that there are no short-cuts, the growing appreciation and recognition that everything worthwhile is to be earned, not given.
Coaches who are adept at enabling their team and individual players to embrace and love getting past the comfort zone of current success through a constant, step by step, process by process, exploration of skills development and optimal performance will benefit all parties in the long run – and most important of all – will provide lasting benefit to each boy.
THE SHARED EMOTION of success that has at its genesis countless hours’ training when few are even aware you are.
* At its core: encouraging a joy for the little things – a the smell freshly cut sports field, the intoxicating aroma of a brand new leather cricket ball, a deep love of the sport itself, not the outcome of a contest, the deep satisfaction of sharing, by unselfish deeds, in the collective that is team.
* I am not predicting anything for Suubi or the young men mentioned here – there are many other variables, such as opting for a study focus post-school in which time constraints preclude the rigours of serious sport – but what I am saying is that Hilton College and my chosen KZN10 schools are doing their utmost to lay the best-possible foundation – a present and future life path that goes way beyond the school boundaries.
And perhaps most important of all – it is the social interaction of boys from all walks of life – the recognition that there is a common bond – if we care enough to find it.
WHERE FRIENDS ARE MADE: Every KZN10 Old Boy will tell you that where once there were rivals now there are friends – mutual respect borne of a common interest and a shared battle.
The links
Time spent together. https://www.fordoun.com/special-offers/
DHS vs Maritzburg College 1st XV epics… 1987-1989… Ivy’s memories
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Glenwood first XV – The process that leads to the performance
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Westville Boys’ Head of School Matthew Pollard reflects on the year
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