OLD BOYS of the 10
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.
Clear, comfortable vision is the key to success http://www.hilliarandgray.co.za/services/comprehensive-eye-exams/
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.
Passion to be the best. http://titantech.co.za/ for the best advice.
“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.
Spending time with family is important. As is the ideal environment. https://www.fordoun.com/
“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.
https://www.cellc.co.za/cellc/bundles-contract-detail/ShoutOut-Bundles Make the right call – to the expert. Polite, friendly, approachable: Lucienne (065 301 3095) is ready to connect your way.
Maritzburg College Old Boy and soccer star Ryan Moon on the MTN PMB FA Cup
KZN10.com Exclusive. Going into the Sunday, 26 August 2018 knockout stages of the MTN PMB FA Cup, Bafana Bafana striker Ryan Moon recalls with great fondness the experience of playing for his alma mater in the popular tournament – and his record goal-scoring exploits.
Feature image: Bafana Bafana striker, Maritzburg College Old Boy Ryan Moon.
First a bit of back of background.
In October 2013, the 17-year-old Maritzburg College schoolboy Ryan Moon – just a couple of months after his record 8 goals in the PMB FA Cup, was signed by a Premier Soccer League club.
Born on 1 February 1996, Ryan is from a Pietermaritzburg football family. His father Patrick was a noted pro, while older brother Bryce has also been capped at Bafana Bafana level.
Of playing in the PMB FA Cup, Ryan told KZN10.com:
“I think the PMB FA Cup tournament is great, as it gives the boys a chance to be seen and to raise their hands. Scouts watch the tournament, so it’s important to have a good one.
“I enjoyed my time playing in the PMB FA Cup, as I made memories with my friends. It was a great platform for me to prove myself. I’m excited that I’m still the top goal-scorer but one of these days it will be broken, as records are meant to be broken.”
And two months ago, Ryan came back to Maritzburg College to talk to the boys. He addressed the school in the Alan Paton Hall in what was a momentous occasion with the boys enthusiastically joining in.
Ryan was presented with a Maritzburg College Old Boys blazer by headmaster Chris Luman.
Ryan Moon thanks the boys in the Alan Paton Hall moments after being presented with his Maritzburg College Old Boys blazer by headmaster Chris Luman.
* Thanks for your time, Ryan, I know you have been hectically busy.
Well, boys, now you see what is possible with excellent performances today – KZN10.com wishes you and your school first teams everything of the best in the quarter-finals and may you progress to the semi-finals, the final and go on to win the trophy.
Remember when… The 2007 KZN10 hockey season in review
I’ve thrown in a number of bits and pieces from my memories of that year.
Featured image: 2007 Kearsney College captain & SA Schools defender Greg Last who went on to represent SA and play for numerous seasons in KZN Raiders title-winning teams and in Europe for his Belgian club.
Maritzburg College were the top-rated KZN team, having played 17 games won 14 lost 3.
Living Legend: Mike Bechet… an incredible record as a schoolboy hockey coach in SA.
Next up with 15 goals were the penalty corner drag-flick guided missiles of the exceptionally strong powerfully-built left ⬅ half Tyron Mingard who wasn’t the sort of guy a striker looked forward to playing against.
Nine Maritzburg College first team players represented KZN Midlands at the Interprovincial Nationals in Port Elizabeth.
The Willowton, Pietermaritzburg based Greenfields team are now the biggest players in the synthetic sports turf market with prominent names in the SA hockey fraternity such as the legend that is Tommy Hammond among the staff led by former outstanding player and current international umpire Ayden Shrives.
Thomas More College had their first player selected for SA Schools – current Kearsney College first team head coach Sihle Ntuli.
In 2007 the current Kearsney College head coach Sihle Sigz Ntuli became the first (and only) Thomas More College boy to be selected for SA Schools.
* Astonishing when one looks at it now, Clifton College – one of the top teams in SA this year – were a second-tier hockey school in 2007. Clifton’s rapid hockey progress is one of the most remarkable KZN10 success stories.
Shedders’ holiday High Performance cricket camps a game-changer
ANDREW Shedlock has taken the art of cricket coaching to the next level. Two High Performance Shedders Cricket Academy camps, to be held in Durban North from 25 to 28 June and 9 to 12 July could be the turning point in KZN schoolboy cricketers’ lives. Critically, in my opinion, each camp is limited to a maximum 20 boys.
If I was age 13 to 17 again this would have been the catalyst in turning a (so-I’m-still-told) talented top-order batsman with a sound technique (thanks to Digby Rhodes, Vince van der Bijl and others) into a far better batter.
Although I captained the Maritzburg College first XI and made some runs, as a perfectionist I found myself so frustrated with the technical and mental aspects of surely – next to golf – one of the most complex ball sports around. The frustration at knowing I was not making any progress in taking my game to the next level resulted in (later much-regretted) giving up the game a couple of years post-school.
Enough of that. Coming across the Shedders ad, the first instinct was to have a look, as Andrew Shedlock and I go back 42 years, as opponents and friends. So what has Shedders got on the menu, I thought. Well, it blew me away.
Shedders, a University of Stellenbosch sports science graduate and internationally respected coach and cricket-specific fitness and conditioning consultant with the CV to prove it, has in my opinion nailed down the key to cricket success.
Featured image: Shedders has worked with legends of the game. Here’s Shedders with Sri Lanka cricket legend Kumar Sangakkara, the elegant left-hander and wicketkeeper who scored a total of 28 000 runs for his country across all formats and retired with a Test average of 57.40. Shedders’ direct contact with some of the world’s best cricketers has been of enormous practical benefit to his coaching skill set.
Apart from comprehensive batting and bowling sessions with top-class professional coaches that on its own will establish a solid platform for the upcoming cricket season (starting as early as the third term in KZN), Shedders has also teamed up with Durban North-based optometrist Glen Nugent and sports fitness and talent identification educationist eta College in offering a three-pronged approach to his camps.
I phoned him, wanting to know more.
“Thanks Jono, always good to chat. I’ll never forget that U13A game on Leeches at Maritzburg College when you were College skipper and I was DHS captain. Great memories.”
A deep thinker on the game, Shedders is constantly looking for the edge that turns “good enough” into best. The research and success-in-practice of Shedders’ internationally-acclaimed fellow University of Stellenbosch sports science graduate Dr Sherylle Calder’s EyeGym programme inspired one section of the three-pronged content of the upcoming camps. Dr Calder pinpointed Visual Intelligence training as a key tool in making a better player.
Shedders says, “a batsman’s ability in making the transition from seeing the ball to immediately processing that split-second information into employing the correct cricket stroke can make or break an innings. This is just one aspect of transferring vision into decision.”
“Sherylle worked with the 2003 World Cup-winning Australian cricket side, as well as David Miller in enhancing performance and clearly Dave and the Aussies reaped the rewards, as did the England (2003) and Springbok (2007) Rugby World Cup-winning players.”
Known for his get-in-the-trenches work ethic, one of the Andrew ‘Shedders’ Shedlock mottoes is: “Cricket is a verb not a noun so get training!”
“I’ve identified the much-talked-about but little understood hand-eye co-ordination aspect as one of the keys to unlocking the mysteries behind why talented KZN high school cricketers struggle to deliver consistent performances. I constantly hear things like ‘you can’t teach it, you’ve either got it or you haven’t’, and ‘he’s naturally gifted’. My response? A cricketer as gifted as David Miller benefited from visual intelligence training, Dave saying that it provided him with the extra edge to perform at a high level. Every cricketer, be it a batsman, bowler, wicketkeeper or fielder, constantly searches for consistency. That’s why I see this aspect as a vital function of the camps.”
To this end, the Shedders cricket camps’ optometrist, Glen Nugent, will conduct an eye and vision assessment for each player and provide the boys with follow-up cricket-specific exercises and drills to work on.
Fitness is another key indicator of success or failure. The ability to concentrate without distraction in turning a quality 50 into a match-winning hundred… or converting a useful 3-fer into a match-deciding fifer can, in my opinion, be best-judged by whether a schoolboy has the mental and physical stamina to maintain best-practice and accuracy whatever the outside influences and circumstances may be.
Shedders says this is where eta (exercise training academy) step into the camp package: “eta will conduct fitness testing services to assess current athletic abilities and to identify physical attributes and areas in need of improvement. Baseline fitness testing allows for the setting of goals and testing at regular intervals. It helps track a cricketer’s progress towards those goals.”
The fitness assessments/tests to be completed will include:
* Functional Movement Screening
* Body Composition Assessments
* Flexibility Assessments
*Agility Assessments
* Power and Speed Assessments
* Balance and Hand/Eye Co-ordination Assessments
* Power and Speed Assessments
* Cardio-respiratory Assessments
* Muscle Strength/Endurance Assessments
*Nutritional/Dietary Assessments
Clearly there is not going to be much idle time for the camps’ young cricketers. No doubt there wasn’t much idle time for a just-out-of-school Hashim Amla when Shedders was head coach of the Dolphins Cricket Academy. Hashim Amla is quoted as saying that Shedders is a coach who had a positive influence on his cricket career.
To sum up: I’ve seen Shedders in action – no “only-observe-from-the-sidelines” coach, he’s not afraid to get in the trenches. Ask Jonty Rhodes and Lance Klusener, to whom Shedders must have each pitched a thousand-plus throw-downs during his time with the Dolphins.
Shedders has the sports science background, world-level sports-playing (he’s also a former Springbok water polo player) and international cricket title-winning experience to appreciate what it takes to succeed.
Shedders is the kind of guy I’d go to war with. He’s a leader who is never afraid to push the boundaries harder and further in every sphere of cricket excellence.
My only regret about Shedders? His June/July cricket camps weren’t around when Jono Cook the aspirant teenage cricketer needed them. After a good first term, I had a shocking fourth term.
I’m convinced it would’ve been different if Shedders’ camps had been around in my time.
Unlike me, today’s KZN high school cricketers have got that opportunity.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
LIMITED TO 20 BOYS PER CAMP
Camp 1
Mon 25th to Thurs 28th June
Camp 2
Mon 9th to Thurs 12th July
Ages: 13 to 17
Time: 2pm to 4.30pm daily
Venue: Shedders Cricket Academy Durban North
Contact Shedders at 083 791 7646
or shedders@worldonline.co.za
Craig Joubert… distinguished member of the KZN10… We salute you
IT’S going to be a hectic, emotional roller-coaster weekend for internationally-renowned rugby referee Craig Joubert. First up, the Maritzburg College Old Boy is guest speaker at the Friday evening St Charles College Old Boys’ Dinner – a polished, entertaining address is certain from this accomplished man – before his final appearance as a rugby ref on Graeme Gilfillan Field 3pm Saturday – the landmark 200th Hilton College/Michaelhouse first XV match in the 115-year term of this remarkable rugby rivalry – and a match that has a special, personal meaning to Craig… More about that later… Before this widely respected, popular son of the KZN capital enjoys welcome down time with mates in the incomparable KZN midlands.
Featured image… “NO, NOT THIS TIME RICHIE…”
KZN10.com asked Craig to tell us more.
“Thanks Jono, it’s great to make my debut on KZN10.com!
“A couple of thoughts… I started refereeing in Maritzburg because I loved the game; schoolboy rugby was a massive part of my early rugby-and-refereeing life – and throughout my career.
“I have always tried to continue to referee schoolboy rugby whenever my schedule has allowed. The Hilton vs Michaelhouse game is a very special schoolboy rivalry and early in my career both schools were generous in welcoming me, as a schoolboy myself, in refereeing the 2nd XV fixture on this day.
“Unbeknown to me at the time, it would also be the last time I would see my late dad (Des) referee, as he did the 1st XV game before falling ill soon afterwards.
PROUD DAD… INSPIRED SON… World-renowned international rugby referee Craig Joubert and his mentor, his father Des, in the embryonic stage of the Craig Joubert success story.
“As I now stand in the twilight of my refereeing career and look forward to an exciting future with World Rugby – coaching and mentoring the Sevens World Series referees through to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games – I am thrilled that my schedule has allowed me to referee this fixture as the final game of my career (and with thanks to the Midlands Referees’ Society, with whom I have always maintained my membership, for the appointment).
“I love what a great rivalry these 2 schools have – and the privilege to have been involved in a few of these contests over the years. It seems right that I run out on the same field – and to referee the same game – as my final act as a referee, as what my dad did so many years ago.
“I can’t wait.”
… Wow … Craig, I’m a bit of an emotional bunny… shed a tear at the mere hint of a hospital pass… but the way you expressed this closing chapter of your on-field action… I had to reach for the KZN10.com tissue box.
Thanks mate.
Enjoy every moment.
Hilton vs Michaelhouse epics 88-90 – Hentie Martens remembers!
HENTIE Martens needs no introduction – Michaelhouse Old Boys remember as if it was yesterday THE phenomenal Hentie try for Hilton College against their old friends. The former Springbok scrumhalf deflected my questions re: The try, and referred to the contribution of his team-mates. I invite those who were there to describe it… There was no way I could get it out of one of the most down-to-earth, humble guys you’ll ever meet. Hentie won 4 from 5 of his first XV derbies with Michaelhouse. Here’s the farmer’s (reluctant) story.
Featured image: Hentie clears in his Hilton Michaelhouse maestro performance on Gilfillans 1989.
“Thanks Jono, great to be on KZN10.com and long may it continue. I was fortunate enough to play 11 times against Michaelhouse – 5 times for the Hilton1st team. One game in 1989 to be held at MHS was called off as a result of flu.
“MHS boys claimed that we chickened out of course! All 11 games against MHS were played in the best of spirits and the crowds were unbelievable. Our war cries were not much to talk about, maybe as a result of there being no smartphones to video!
“The only chants we used to hear were ‘HI- LT-ON-Hilton!’ and ‘JUMP JUMP JUMP!’
“The first game in 1988 was at MHS. MHS had players Kelvin Strachan and Murray John Wilson, Hilton were pretty much the underdogs as we had no real stars but were as usual very motivated for the game.
“Murray John was my direct opposition and Natal schools scrumhalf. I wanted to make an impression.
“I can still clearly remember Nick Davies throwing me around like a piece of old dried khaki bos. Hilton won on Meadows 26-10 and one of the star players was Proteas cricketer Derek Crookes. In the return game on Gilfillan it was a hard-fought battle.
“We had one of the best flanks I know, Gary Fyvie. Gary was inspirational to the whole team throughout the season and this Hilton MHS was no different. Derek kicked 5 penalties and we won 15-10.
The Hilton College first XV Class of 1989.
“1989 saw only one Hilton MHS and that took place at Hilton. MHS had a well-balanced side and good loose forwards with Alfie Messenger, Scott Kimble and ‘The Dog’ Geppy Armstrong.
“Alfie was one of their star players and also represented Natal Schools together with Mark Armstrong who was scrumhalf.
“Hilton also boasted with 5 Natal Schools players in the likes of Jason Dent, Deon von Benecke, Russell Leahy and I. Tries only being 4 points, which saw most of the games being close. Hilton snuck in again and some would say the ref was on our side; however the late Ian Rogers was a World Cup referee. Final score 16-6.
“In 1990 it was a totally different story. We had 5 Natal schools players (Chris Bowley, Damon Thomas, Wayne Fyvie, and Hentie Martens Dave Oxenham) and MHS had Brett Davidson and Chubby Chabana, who was the MHS Captain. Who knows what happened on Meadows.
“Before we wiped the you-know-what out of our eyes we had lost. The second team also lost.
“For many Hilton boys in our age group it was first loss against MHS in our school career. Gutted!!
“For the next month we were all in mourning. We could not wait to get back at MHS.
“The second game on Gilfillan we were as motivated as can be. The night before the game I snuck out of the house and went to the centre spot on Gilfillan and reflected on my years at Hilton. What an honour!
“The next day we redeemed ourselves and every 1st team boy had the game of his life. Wayne Fyvie was as usual exceptional. I happened to be in the right place at the right time and was lucky to get a couple of tries. Hilton won 25-6.
“In all three of those years the scrumhalf held a key position and in 1990 Stu Porrill needs to be mentioned as he was superb at Meadows.
“I need to thank my late dad whom I am sure everyone remembers with the yellow hat and video machine at every game that I played.
“In case the memory falters I can always refer to the videos!
“It certainly was an honour and privilege to have been involved in such special rivalry between 2 great schools.”
WOW! Hentie, thank you and thank you. Sent shivers down the KZN10.com spine.
Bring on Super Saturday, 16 June 2018 on Graeme Gilfillan field at Hilton College. THE 200th MATCH!
HENTIE MISCELLANEOUS
* In 1993, 4 years after finishing his auspicious times at Hilton College (Class of 1989) Hentie Martens became the 598th Springbok.
* English Premier League club Bath RFC have had fellow KZN10-schooled players in Butch James, Peter Dixon (both Maritzburg College), Matt Stevens (Kearsney) and Hentie Martens (Hilton).
Mucha Match Action ahead in KZN10 Fri Nite Super Saturday Fixtures
MIGHT be Comrades weekend but there’s still much to savour in KZN10 rugga/hockey match action across the golden province & on the Highveld. Prince and the Saints entertain Hilton College on Old Orchards, Maritzburg College are Highway-bound to Westville (Old Boys Day) on Bowdens, Clifton College make the climb to Michaelhouse on Meadows and Kearsney College trek to St Benedicts & Jeppe. It’s a free weekend for Glenwood and DHS while the Knights of Durban North have concluded their rugby and hockey seasons.
TRY-TIME… Maritzburg College’s elusive centre Nkondlo Radebe in full flight on Meadows last Saturday.
Photo Martin Ashworth
SELECTED FIXTURES
@ St Charles (vs Hilton)
Saturday
1sts Hockey – 11h15 (Saints Astro)
1st XV Rugby – 13h45 (Old Orchards)
@ Michaelhouse (vs Clifton)
Saturday
1sts Hockey – 11h45 (Aitkens Astro)
1st XV Rugby – 14h00 (Meadows)
@ Westville (vs Maritzburg College)
1sts Hockey – 11h45 (WBHS Astro)
1st XV Rugby – 14h30 (Bowdens)
@ St Benedicts & Jeppe (vs Kearsney)
Friday
1sts Hockey (vs St Benedicts) – 18h30
Saturday
1sts Hockey (vs Jeppe) – 10h45
1st XV Rugby (vs St Benedicts) – 10h30
The Spade, Barks, Skonk, Kemps’s studs & incredible MC 1st XV of ’78
GLENN “The Spade” de Graaf will go down in the annals of Maritzburg College rugby history as one of the greatest finishers ever to grace the revered turf of Goldstones. It’s a wonderful story.
I was in third form… in the first term of the year 1978… every day there was a giant training on his own on AB Jackson’s outer hockey fields alongside Shepstone House (now Hudson’s) and the San (now utilised for a related purpose). This Mufasa, a King of the Border Beasts (to a 3rd form dayboy anyway) pushing a cricket roller up & down, up & down… “Who is he,” I asked my matric brother, Graham. “Him? That’s Spade,” was the quick response.
“Why did his parents call him Spade? That’s a weird first name?” (Cue matric elder brother with a long-suffering sigh… “It’s a nickname, fool; look up ‘graaf’ in your Tweetalige Woordeboek.” (see, Millennials, we didn’t have uncle Google OK okay?).
(Please note, my brother Gra’ would never, ever, talk to me like that – but, in the interests of the dramatic moment one must do what one must do… sorry Gra’ hope you understand…).
Graaf (said my mustard-coloured little textbook), beteken in Engels die volgende: ‘bury, drive, cut, put down, spade…’
That was it: For an impressionable young mind, here was, up close (but never too-oo close) and personal a Superman… (aka Clark Kent, sans the glasses), a BA ‘Bad Attitude’ Baracus, The Incredible Hulk, Tarzan, Jet Jungle all rolled into one… – awesome… – package.
“Why’s he pushing the cricket roller every day?” I asked Gra’.
“Spade wants to make firsts.”
Done & Dusted (again)… This was my man… Every game, sitting on Basher Ridge, the first player I looked for on Goldstones… aaaah, all’s well, there’s Spade.
Probably the revelation of the 78 KZN schoolboy season was one Glenn “Spade de Graaf: Here’s his story – all the way from his home in Atlanta, Georgia.
“Thanks for asking me about my recollections of those days, Jono. My younger brother Piet gave me the College Yearbook this past weekend while visiting him. Piet lives quite a drive away from me. Great timing.”
When asked about how Glenn got involved in rugby, here’s the response: “I was a late bloomer, only started playing rugby when I was 15. Soccer was my first love. All of a sudden I found myself in this perfect setting in my matric year.”
The rest is history. After a flawless season, loose forward and captain Guy Pickering’s Team of 78 later went on to be rated by legendary Maritzburg College coach Skonk Nicholson as one of his top 3 first XV teams – a considered opinion by the great man over the span of a scarcely believable four decades at the helm of the Red Black and White’s flagship rugby team.
WHAT A TEAM! The 1978 Maritzburg College first XV.
If I remember correctly, that epic Skonk Nicholson Friday Night so ably organised by Peter Rodseth, saw Skonk reveal that the other first XV’s in his Top 3 were prop forward Dave Anderson’s (?) 1963 (or 64?) Invincibles and scrumhalf Roy Davidson’s Dream Team of 1972 that included a fearsome guy nicknamed “Growler” (?), the legendary prop forward Pip Anderson (?), loose forwards (and 73 captain) Brian Dennison, Peter Dove (?) and Graham Whitelaw (?) with the silky-smooth, brilliant schoolboy sporting talent Neville Daniels orchestrating the 72 symphony at flyhalf.
Here I record verbatim Skonk’s assessment of his favourite Spade… in the Great Man’s inimitable, classically – as always – understated prose…
Skonk on The Spade:
“G.C. de Graaf (Honours, Natal Schools) Blessed with a good turn of speed (not sure if the opposition would be so minimalist in that regard, says Jono) weight and strength (now that’s more like it, Skonk) eighthman de Graaf had a splendid season as an attacking No. 8 forward. He broke the College try-scoring record, but would be the first to admit that he owed much to the powerful College pack (*) who made it possible for him to capitalise on his undoubted assets. The quality possession which the forwards obtained often gave de Graaf space and time in which to get going, enabling him to score great tries. Quiet and unassuming as he was, he was nevertheless the right man in the right place in this particular team and he certainly made the most of his chances. He was deservedly awarded the Connie du Bois pin for the most improved player in the team.”
Here’s a précis of Skonk’s words on the formidable loose trio (more on the 1978 Maritzburg College first XV another day) of Pickering, Steve Colenbrander and The Spade: “To cap it all, the exceptional tight five were complemented by three outstanding loose forwards who hunted together… their speed enabled them to take command of many second-phase activities. Pickering and Colenbrander never spared themselves, both in attack and defence… De Graaf had an outstanding season. His speed, strength and determined driving for the tryline brought him 23 tries (in 13 matches) – a new school record. The previous record of 21 tries was held by *Andy van der Watt of the great 1963 side.”
Andy went on to play for the Springboks (more on Andy van der Watt at the foot of this text) before a distinguished career at Hilton College, the schoolmaster coaching some great Hilton sides that included Gary Teichmann, Bob Skinstad and Wayne Fyvie.
Back to Spade: “Skonk was a great coach. We had the best tight five a loose forward could ask for.”
– My two most memorable games were two away games – against DHS on Van Heerdens and Glenwood on Dixons.
“The Glenwood game, I tried something I’d never done before. With our scrum going forward I put the ball between my feet and hopped with it, like a rabbit. This enabled me to have better control.”
Spade’s best try? “That away game against Glenwood. We won a lineout ball on Glenwood’s 10-metre line. Then I somehow joined the backline, between the centres, and sprinted in for a try. How I got into that position to score, God alone knows.”
One of the great 78 games, one that will rank among the best in the two schools’ long history, took place on Van Heerdens 20th May.
The Spade versus DHS captain & No. 8 Mike Barker muscle-up was hyped to fever pitch… us 3rd formers heard rumours of death threats delivered by post, all-out war…
Mike ‘Barks’ Barker… Not to be trifled with… And he could play a bit too: DHS 1st XV 1976, ’77, ’78 (capt), Natal Schools & SA Schools loose forward.
To us wide-eyed juniors it was a spellbinding, gripping, edge-of-your-seat (I’ve run out of adjectives) Thrilla… which far outshone anything that “The (self-proclaimed) Greatest”, Muhammad Ali, and Smokin’ Joe Frazier ever put on 3 years earlier in Manilla.
The powerfully-built Barks (now a strength & conditioning coach… SURPRISE, LOL!), who played SA Schools flank that year alongside Wahl Bartman’s elder brother, Leon, and number 8 Jan “Bully” Serfontein of EP fame, inspired a great opening spell by School, smashing through for an early touchdown.
With the cultured boot of classy DHS flyhalf Daryl Scott matching College place-kicking points machine Adrian Mitchell (RIP) point for point, it was MC 13 DHS 12 with 15 minutes left.
The College pack of 8 – rated by Skonk as, “Surely one of the very best, possibly the best, ever to wear Maritzburg College rugby colours.” – then properly got the better of Barks’ fine pack, which had, also, so impressed DHS Old Boy Skonk, and The Spade stamped down the 19-12 win with his third try of the match.
“This was a great game watched by a large crowd,” said the typically understated Skonk (trust me, Skonk, it was massive on both counts).
THE SPADE ON BARKS: “My personal experience playing against Barks the first game at their field was pretty weird. I was so nervous before the game my nose started bleeding and I felt weak. I was unable to travel with the team and got a ride up to the game later, just in time for the game.
“I remember standing in the first lineout and Barks said to me, “So you’re the big College eighthman! Then he ran into me head-to-head and I thought it was a bus. After that, I hit a switch and I didn’t care… just started to do my thing. That was the toughest pack we faced, but finally we wore them down.
“One last thing. Barks and myself hit it off while playing for Natal Schools and have been friends ever since. Great guy to have as a friend.”
(Jono says, ‘not a great guy to have as an enemy’).
BARKS ON SPADE: “Jono, first up… If (death) letters were sent, it was unbeknown to me. Now that’s out the way, let’s talk about Spade… The College pack very well drilled – I’m sure the odd intimidating utter was made to each other, especially at the back of the lineouts… (If you recall, dear reader, as number eights Spade and Barks were both at the back of the lineouts… go figure).
Back to Barks: “Spade was always the standout College forward, and by hook or by crook we had to find a way of dealing with his talent. Yes, we became good friends. I even went to a few Rovers (Barks played for arch-rivals Durban Collegians) pre-season practices because he was there. Spade had this big company car, the latest Mustang, so we terrorised Durban, driving around in the Mustang. Yes, Spade and I are good mates.
“Yip, I should have listened to Spade and gone to the USA; and qualified as a legal bone manipulator lol!”
(Please note, dear reader, in the interests of painting the picture wielding the most dramatic of brushstrokes, I have embroidered Barks’ courteous answers to my questions on matters Spade…).
“Barks, even if it’s just for the sake of my hoped-for longevity, pleeeeese forgive me, big guy.”
A last word on Barks/Spade from Spade: “Barks obviously became one of my best friends and I hope to see him while in SA for our Maritzburg College Class of 1978 40th Reunion, which is always fun. Steve Glendinning is picking me up from the airport and we will be traveling up to Pietermaritzburg together. It’s amazing how someone can still have a bond with guys 40 years later. Not just the players but also the rest of the class.”
# (It’s the magic of KZN10 schoolboy rugby and the 10 fine KZN schools, Spade).
When asked if he had to choose a KZN10 rugby school of preference, had his folks not sent him to the home of the Red Black & White, the Glenn de Graaf response… and further comments, was respectful and revealing.
“They are all fine rugby schools, but I personally could not think of any other school I would like to have played for, although the Voortrekker (Voortrekker Hoërskool/High School… now dual-medium) first team were pretty intimidating.
“In the change-room before the 1978 College/Vories game, Skonk stood on a bench while we did the famous/infamous (depending on which side of the halfway line you were going to be, I guess…) war cry, working ourselves into a frenzy before taking the field. It must have been very scary for the opposition to hear.
“The guy that transformed the most was our easy-going, smiling lock, Sandy Clouston. Both Sandy and (fellow lock) Steve Glendinning’s faces would change colour, with (flank) Steve Colenbrander frothing at the mouth!
AN ICONIC IMAGE -The Stones of Gold ’78: Steve Glendinning takes hooker Mike Kempe’s lineout throw, shadowed by fellow Natal Schools’ lock forward Nic Frolich of DHS. Steve’s Maritzburg College team-mates, tighthead Swazi Meyer (right) and (left) loosehead Dave Mills (SA Schools) in support.
“Steve (Colenbrander) and I had a ritual of going out every Friday night, on the eve of a game, for a banana-split ice cream. After games we the first team would all go out together for a few beers. I remember once we were celebrating and a master from our school walked in. Out of respect we all got up and went to another pub.”
– Jono says, hope that’s still the case among the current-day KZN10 first XV boys lol!
It’s now 40 years on. When asked to name his 78 team, Spade’s response was immediate:
“Guy Pickering (flanker, our captain), Grant Acutt (outside centre), Swazi Meyer (tighthead), Stu Dixon (right wing), Andy Torr (flyhalf), Steve Colenbrander (flanker), Sandy Clouston (lock), Adrian Mitchell (fullback), Patch Furniss (our head prefect, inside centre), Dave Mills (loosehead, SA Schools), Steve Glendinning (lock, Nat Schools), Craig Jamieson (scrumhalf, Nat Schools & MC ’79 captain), myself, Mike Kempe (hooker), Bruce Durham (left wing).
“(Mike) Kemps had these boots that curled up in front. It was always funny watching him do the throw-ins at lineouts with the front of his boots curling up. Plus I think they were at least one size too big. I’ll send you a picture.”
Here’s the picture:
THE KEMPE STUDS…
* Skonk said the most unfortunate player of 78 was injured 10 Colin Crick.
—– Of the Red Black White side of 78, Spade had this to say:
“We had a tight five second to none, which made us loosies look good. In my opinion all five should have made Natal Schools.
“We also had a great scrumhalf, a smart flyhalf, two solid centres who loved to tackle, sturdy wings and a dynamic fullback in Adrian Mitchell (RIP) who was not only was a great goalkicker (180 points, breaking the long-standing record of Toffee Sharp… and still the all-time MC points-scoring record in a season) but also an exceptional playmaker.
“The team as a whole was very united, with no egos, and got on very well with one another. We would always get together after the games. We had the Coach Of All Coaches. I can still remember Skonk saying to me, ‘de Graaf, believe in yourself,’ something I carried through into my post-school life. Skonk had this uncanny knack of always pressing the right buttons.
“Then we had captain Guy Pickering, never shouted… But, damn! Did he know how to get to a ball – tough as nails – Steve Colenbrander right there with him. Craig Jamieson was more the vocal one, always pushing us. Even when tackled he somehow always managed to stay on his feet, giving us a chance to keep the play going.
“When a team keeps going forward, the ball out of sight of the opposition and no way to get it… the opposition constantly going backwards, always retreating, it must have been very demoralising for our opponents…”
Jono: “Thanks Glenn, this was very special to me, very personal.”
“Anytime, Jono. I’m looking forward to the Class of 78’s 40th on Old Boys Day, August 4.”
That’ll be a reminisce like no other. KZN10.com will try be a fly on the wall.
*****
* Glenn’s family all live in the USA.
– Spade’s eldest brother, Henk (MC Class of 81) like his elder brother Spade, is also a chiropractor in Augusta, Georgia, home of one of the four Majors, The Masters, and treats several U.S. Golf Tour professionals.
– Spade’s second-eldest brother, Piet – is CFO for one of the Proctor&Gamble (an American-based multi-national consumer goods corporation) divisions, and resides about 2 hours away, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
– Spade’s sister, Fern, who went to College’s sister school, Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High, is a teacher just outside Atlanta.
– Spade’s youngest brother, Jake, lives in Spain and is the third of the de Graaf chiropractors.
*** Spade’s Last Word: “Our mother, Anne, is the backbone of the family. Mom lives just outside of lovely Charleston in South Carolina. Skonk and my mother always had a strong relationship. He would always tease her in the nicest possible way.”
KZN10.com says: “Thanks once again, Glenn, for being so helpful, patient and willing, when asked to share your remarkable story. You, through a steadfast belief that you could contribute, add value, make a difference, if selected for the 78 firsts, plus your family’s individual and collective journey, embodies all that is great in the pioneering spirit of our country’s forefathers.”
(*) More on the 1978 Maritzburg College first XV another day.
xxxxx
# Born in Krugersdorp, Andy van der Watt went to Maritzburg College in the days of the great Skonk Nicholson, played for Natal Schools at the first Craven Week, in 1964, and then, after the Air Force Gymnasium, went to Stellenbosch University in the days of the great Danie Craven, small wonder that when he was a schoolmaster at Hilton College he coached the rugby with great zest. He was the Hilton coach when Gary Teichmann, Bob Skinstad and Wayne Fyvie were at the famous school.
Maritzburg College Old Boy Andy van der Watt represented Western Province, Border and Natal, and played wing for the Springboks on the 1969-70 tour playing in 17 of the 24 matches, including the Tests against England and Ireland.
Edited from rugby365
####
Hilton/Michaelhouse 1977… Uriah Heep… and the try that wasn’t…
IT’S just 11 days away now… Hilton College vs Michaelhouse return match… Graeme Gilfillan Field, 16 June 2018.
Hilton first XV lock 1977 vintage Clive Scotney digs deep…just 8 points separated the sides over 2 matches… Michaelhouse must have been favourites (as Hilton 2018 will be on 16 June) if one reads further.
Featured image: The 13 August 1977 Hilton College match programme.
I remain constantly amazed at the sharp recollection KZN10 Old Boys have of matches from yesteryear. Over to Clive…
“Hi Jono, you’re asking me to dig deep into the grey matter to retrieve some memories of the Hilton/Michaelhouse first team matches of 1977, 41 long years ago now.
The 1977 Hilton College first XV with coach Mr Peter ‘Molly’ Mordaunt. If you enlarge the image, names can be matched to faces.
“The first match in 1977 was away at Michaelhouse, Meadows field a perfect picture of a mid-winter sunny day in the KZN midlands, the trees mostly bare save for a few yellow and orange leaves and grass singed brown by frost.
“We were well aware of the tradition of the great rivalry of the day, and the high level of sportsmanship that was expected of us by our coach, Molly Mordaunt, and uncompromising headmaster Raymond Slater. Any shows of unsportsmanlike behaviour by any Hilton boy in any team over a weekend was severely dealt with on the following Monday morning by the latter, high tackles, questioning the ref and socks down among the punishable crimes.
“At U14A and U15A level we had always been beaten by Michaelhouse, a 26-0 drubbing at one of the U14 games still indelibly stamped in my mind to this day.”
Dear reader, according to Mr Google (who is infallible of course) – I did a check – 3 points became 4 points for tries in 1973. I suspected, to no avail, that House might have won by more in today’s points. Not so.
Try time for Hilton College left winger Andrew Pfaff in the return match.
I digress. Back to Clive we go:
“To be brutally honest, our 1977 team was probably not amongst the strongest of Hilton 1st XVs, but we felt we had a fair chance of winning, especially with our 2 Natal Schools reps, Carey Millerd and strong winger Andrew Pfaff in great form.
“We had a mobile pack, locks Murray Cubitt and Bryan Steer, and eighthman Dave Lederle owning some of the fastest 100m times in the school. Michaelhouse were strong across the field… from speedy wings Ali Pein and Mark Tingle, a rock-solid fullback in Ian Lambie, with Henry Mansell controlling things from flyhalf. Their forward pack was ably led by versatile eighthman Dale Townsend, who in earlier years had punished us from scrumhalf and centre.
KZN10.com goes off on a tangent again: Dale was the Michaelhouse first XI cricket captain I think? House’s Henry Mansell was also an outstanding schoolboy wicketkeeper (?)/batsman if I am not mistaken. Ian Lambie a top batter as well? Patchitt a noted bowler?
Back to Clive: “The day went fast. On the bus up to Balgowan I remember listening to Uriah Heep’s Return to Fantasy on my portable tape recorder with its single earphone, till the batteries went flat and the nerves kicked in as we approached the school.
“After warming up, as we picked our way through the picnic blankets at the top of the embankment before running out, the adrenaline surges, the smell of wintergreen oil and Tiger balm in the nostrils mingled with the fancy perfumes of the ladies – You know it’s Hilton -MHS time!”
“That Game 1 was over in a flash, as it is in high-intensity games. The scoreboard will tell Michaelhouse won a fairly even match 14-8. The return fixture at Hilton in the 3rd term was also a close match, with Michaelhouse running out eventual winners 14-12.
Return match: Dave Dell awards the try to Hilton scrumhalf Graeme Gilfillan.
“Many will remember the Gilfillan Field 14-12 game for a questionable tackle on Carey Millerd late in the game, which in Hilton eyes anyway, robbed us of a try and victory! Such are the controversies that keep this rivalry alive and kicking. The official all-time win/loss *leger between the schools at this point in time was in favour of Michaelhouse.
“I have e-mailed school historian Bev Davidge to see if he can get the official leger at this time. My recollection is that House are still in front by a few; would be interesting to add to your article.”
Thanks Clive, like the guys who have brought their memories to KZN10.com recently, once again I felt like I was actually there, at the matches (although in reality probably Goldstones on the day). Some of the U15A, 2nd XV and 1st XV names in the match-day programme published herein certainly bring back memories for this-then 1977 Maritzburg College 2nd former. The pictures you unearthed from an old family album will no doubt also bring back fond memories of that time for many readers.
1977 Hilton College first XV readying themselves for the warm-up on Falcon Oval.
HOW THEY LINED UP: First XV plus 2nds and U15A team lists from the 13 August 1977 Hilton College vs Michaelhouse rugby programme.
* THE 1st XV TEAMS @ Gilfillan Field 13 August 1977
Hilton College
15 N* Chevallier
14 L* Schmidt
13 R* Sainsbury
12 Carey Millerd (capt)
11 Andrew Pfaff
10 Bruce? Throssell
9 Graeme Gilfillan
1 D* Hyslop
2 P* Allaway
3 G* Prophet
4 Clive Scotney
5 Murray Cubitt
6 Brian Steer
7 Bruce? Trebble (vice-capt)
8 Dave Lederle
Michaelhouse
15 Ian Lambie
14 A.J.K (Ali) Pein (capt)
13 Mark Hickman
12 B.A.C* Ferguson
11 Mark Tingle
10 Henry Mansell
9 R.E Burnett
1 S.R. Blanke
2 S.R. Shacksnovis
3 M.R. Bainbridge
4 G.W. Ellis-Brown
5 Ian Patchitt
6. S.R.D. Struben
7 J.C. Edington
8 Dale Townsend (vice-capt)
* Referee – Mr Dave Dell (RIP)
* Mr Digby Rhodes reffed the 2nd XV game
* I have included the first names of the players Clive mentioned and ones I think I know. Perhaps readers can educate KZN10.com further?
* The 2nd XV and U15A Hilton/House team line-ups will also jog memories… Paul Rayner (a schoolboy cricket legend, no explanation needed), U15A House scrumhalf Mike Patchitt (younger brother of House 1977 lock Ian) was the 1979 Natal Schools opening bowler (and first XI captain?), then there’s Deeble, Wanless; Mark Tingle at left wing in the 77 House first XV – elder brother of the late Mickey Tingle; Mickey in the above programme as House’s 10 in the U15A match, with Paul Rayner his opposite number.
* Mickey made a big impression on me … (Michaelhouse & Natal Schools’ flyhalf 1979… & again in 1980 when at Maritzburg College… Mickey, in the 1980 MC 2nd XI, hit sixes way over the trees on Basher Ridge)… I heard that in 1979 Mickey – playing for Michaelhouse first XI on that occasion – hit a 96 in no time at KES, whose much-vaunted Transval Schools opening bowler was caned to all corners of the cricket oval by the power in the Tingle bat.
Cheers
*****
* Originally from Howick in KZN, Clive Scotney & family reside in Hervey Bay Queensland.
* Clive Scotney, his late brother Duncan, myself and brothers Gra’ and Mike spent many a happy Sunday morning alongside grass hockey pitches in Maritzburg of the 70’s playing our own version of the on-field action provided by our dads, Derek and Roy.
* Clive says Rugby was introduced at Michaelhouse in 1896 when the Rector, Canon Todd, ruled, that ‘brain power had to be exercised, and that by setting the blood freely in motion, rugby especially, was beneficial to the brain.’
* At Hilton, rugby had been introduced a few years earlier, being a slightly older school.
* The first Hilton v Michaelhouse match was played in 1904 and the friendly rivalry, not always friendly on the field, has persisted to this day.
KZN10.com says, “Long may it continue – it is a highlight of the KZN10 calendar.”
* A leger is a record of account aka a ledger.
‘Sandles my boy, keep kicking over their heads, Maritzburg College don’t like it’
WHEN asked about the Michaelhouse first XV vs Maritzburg College match circa 1993 it was like House flyhalf Sandile Koza had played in it yesterday… yet it was a full quarter of a century ago. Here on Meadows as I write, we are just 35 minutes away from Game Time 2018.
“Thanks Jono,” says Sandile, “for asking me about a day I will never, ever, forget… the day we beat the ‘unbeatables’… what was touted to be one of the best sides ever produced by Maritzburg College – comprising of revered players like Clint Bruyns and Matt Frank, on Goldstones, in 1993.|
“In the 1993 rugby season only two 1st XV teams remained unbeaten in the local KZN schools rugby calendar. It was MHS and Maritzburg College.
“MHS had a few close encounters in which we ultimately emerged victorious, whilst that 93 Maritzburg College side absolutely demolished everyone in their path. Just the previous weekend we had watched them, in preparation for our game, demolish Hilton 63-0.
“You could sense the nerves and tension in our camp from the end of the Thursday afternoon practice on Meadows, when we were well aware that this dreaded encounter was merely 48 hours away. We had an inspirational and great coach in Garth ‘Gilo’ Giles who completely believed we could defeat this talent-filled College team on their formidable home ground… Goldstones…
“What stands out the most for me on that day was the sheer intimidation before the game, brought on by the size of the crowd who had gathered at Goldstones that afternoon. I was informed years later by my then business partner, that there were an estimated 10 000 people who came to watch that game. A record for school rugby attendance at the time.|
“The second moment that sticks in my mind vividly to this day was the smell of tiger balm that hung in the air in the change room as we were about to run onto Goldstones with coach Gilo shouting at the top of his voice as we approached the change room doors, ‘Your Blood is Red and White!!!!’
“We had a bit of a defence game plan in the first half as Gilo had instructed us to keep them going backwards. ‘Sandles my boy just keep kicking those low balls over their heads and chase. They don’t like that.’
“I was playing at flyhalf against Clint Bruyns – a very short yet cunning and skilled attacker – who had played Natal Schools for the two years prior. I can’t recall the score at half-time. But we had managed to keep the game tight and were only a few points behind.
“The second half was also a scorcher. Our fitness levels helped us maintain the momentum and I believe ultimately was the game decider. With the time almost up on the clock and College leading 11-7 (tries were 4 points then) I broke blind and passed to our right winger, Ed Frey.
“With limited space to manoeuvre Ed kicked the ball down into the College 22 and it landed in the dead ball area. As the College fullback walked nonchalantly towards the ball and proceeded to kick the ball over the dead ball line – as we chased on in desperation – the feeling had sunk in that we had lost this one.
“As gallantly as we had fought, they (the Red, Black and White) were just way better than us. To my surprise the referee called a 5-metre scrum to Michaelhouse as he said there was another 30 seconds on his clock.
“ ‘Michaelhouse ball!’ was the ref’s call. We scrummed, dominated the scrum and I cringed – being the over-eager backline player who thought that, as the backs, we should take it home for the team – when the ball landed under our open-side flanker Steve Macquet’s feet and I saw him pick it up and charge…
“Steve had made the right call and he bulldozed the College defence and dotted down the ball for a try. It was an unbelievable feeling! It was now 11-11. We had not won, but I was happy with a draw against this side on Goldstones… Any day!
“The ball was thrown to me as the place-kicker and a senior player… I couldn’t. I simply couldn’t, and called on Gordon Homer ‘Home Boy’, our fullback – who was also a year younger – to take the kick for the win.
“As cool as a cucumber ‘Home Boy’ slotted that ball right between the horns. The referee blew the final whistle. The picture tells the rest of the story. Wow. What a day, what a moment. Our blood was red and white indeed! More especially, we made Gilo the happiest coach in the world.
“Thanks Jono, hope this was what you were looking for…”
Indeed, yes indeed, Sandles… What an evocative description – I felt as if I was at the game, watching the game. On behalf of KZN10.com I say thank you, thank you Squire… You are an Officer and a Gentleman.
Featured image: Sandles with arms aloft is fully into the Michaelhouse celebrations after a famous win on Goldstones 25 years ago.