RUGBY
Spha Ngcobo the quicksilver as Maritzburg College shine on Goldstones
The Red Black and White’s Spha Ngcobo provided the magic touch as Maritzburg College first XV outplayed a game St Charles College 45-7 in front of a packed Goldstones crowd that showed its appreciation at being allowed to attend in numbers for the first time in 30 months.
A good few thousand spectators were treated to the quick thinking, ingenuity and innate ability of the electric-heeled fullback Ngcobo to spot an opportunity and spark something out of nothing (or, at best, a half-chance) from anywhere inside the white lines on the lush green fields of Maritzburg College’s home of rugby.
Justin Waldman Sports Photography feature photo caption: Outstanding Maritzburg College fullback Spah Ngcobo’s delight in spashdown over the tryline whitewash versus St Charles on Goldstones.
*You can contact this superb photographer and check out his website for a host of stunning images at https://pix.jjd.co.za/index.php
Couple this with a dominant, efficient pack of forwards, the consistency and game management of scrumhalf and captain AJ Knoetze. The direct power of big centres Liam Prinsloo and Litelihle Bester – whose ability to punch holes through the midfield and offload (if needs be) is another major feature of the Maritzburg College makeup.
Unfortunately, circumstances prevented me from being there but – thanks to the SuperSport Schools feed – picked up on the action at a later stage. It was a match permeated with unforced errors but that is understandable considering the relative zero matches over the Covid period. In the ensuing weeks we are likely to see fewer soft mistakes and more constructive, coherent rugby that doesn’t encourage the referee’s whistle too often.
See link below for the SuperSport Schools recording of the action at Maritzburg College, the first XV match is from 6:40 onward.
The Maritzburg College lineouts didn’t always work out but this time it’s clean ball for lock forward Kuhle Mthimkhulu. Justin Waldman Sports Photography
What hasn’t changed is the passion and endeavour in playing for your school and your schoolmates. The spectators on Goldstones, too, have certainly retained their enthusiasm over the lean 30 months of inaction.
Check this 29-second @Maritzcollege tweet of the RBW boys on Basher Ridge.
The good 3 thousand-plus spectators embraced Saturday’s bumper programme of 24 Red Black and White matches against the against Saints (11 matches) and their fellow Derby Day PMB schools Voortrekker (5 matches), Linpark (3) and from a little further afield, Howick (4) and Westville (1).
In terms of outcomes it was a day of note for the home school as 19 matches were won in the “like vs like” (A team vs A team, B team vs B team etc) fixtures with 5 losses in the “stagger” matches (College 6th team vs Howick 1sts etc).
The Maritzburg College age-group A teams enjoyed a trio of convincing win over their Saints counterparts; the Red Black White (RBW) U16A trumping 75-7, the U15As 33-0 and the U14As 56-14.
Maritzburg College first XV match report by head coach Tim Orchard:
The multifaceted Maritzburg College first XV head coach Tim Orchard.
Over to Tim:
“On Saturday Maritzburg College played host to St Charles for the first home game of the season in front of a packed crowd on Goldstones.”
Tim says Saturday was an auspicious occasion as it marked the first time in two years since the Maritzburg College 1st XV last ran out in front of a jam-packed Goldstones crowd. The Red Black and White’s skipper and scrumhalf AJ Knoetze had the singular honour of breaking that long drought.
“The match started off in a relatively sedentary manner as both sides sought to feel each other out in the first quarter of the match,” says Tim. “Litelihle Bester provided the spark that the match needed when he executed a move off the training paddock to score a relatively easy try, with the conversion coming from AJ Knoetze to give College the lead 7-0.
Maritzburg College’s powerful centre Litelihle Bester is over for 1 of his 3 Goldstones tries on Saturday. Justin Waldman Sports Photography
“College began to find some rhythm on attack and after waves of pressure, Knoetze kicked over a penalty to lengthen the lead to 10-0.
“St Charles began to find some purchase on attack and made a rare entry into the College 22-metre area, but a spilt pass allowed Spha Ngcobo to showcase what he can do in broken play. With some sublime footwork and electric acceleration, he raced away to score an awe-inspiring individual try. The resulting conversion was calmly knocked over by Knoetze which took the score to 17-0.
“Further College attacks were thwarted by the final pass going astray and the score remained the same until the referee brought an end to the half.
Maritzburg College captain and scrumhalf AJ Knoetze, who scored a faultless 15 points with the boot and adds even more value during game time, is worth so much to the team. Justin Waldman Sports Photography
“The second half also started very slowly with numerous unforced errors from both sides preventing any real momentum. College slowly began to exert their dominance at lineout time, with a series of powerful lineout drives allowing the team to work its way deep into the St Charles half.
“From the resulting breakdown after a powerful carry from Liam Prinsloo, Litelihle Bester again walked over the tryline for a well-deserved try. The conversion lengthened College’s lead to 24 -0. Shortly afterwards Kuhann van den Berg finished off a well worked backline move to score in the lefthand corner, again duly converted to make the score 31-0.
The sheer exhilaration of touching down for a try on Goldstones is reflected by Maritzburg College left wing Kuhann van den Berg. Justin Waldman Sports Photography
“The game began to open up, but College were let down by numerous unforced errors when on the attack as they now camped in the St Charles half. From a scrum on the right-hand side of the St Charles half, Lithelihle Bester made a trademark break, through the midfield to score his third try of the match. The score stood at 38-0 after the conversion was slotted by Knoetze.
“With some slick interplay in broken play, Spha Ngcobo finished off a well worked team try to put the score at 45-0 after Knoetze once again kicked the conversion.
“St Charles did not give up and scored a consolation try right at the death, making the score 45-7 at the final whistle.”
Thanks Tim, much appreciated.
Front-row units like few things more than ball in hand and a bit of space to run. RedBlackWhite loosehead Diego Mandela Antoniades in possession with his tighthead Peter John Brits in support. Justin Waldman Sports Photography
Summary of Saturday’s Maritzburg College scores
Team Opposition Venue Result
1st St Charles Goldstones won 45-7
2nd St Charles Goldstones won 21-10
3rd Voortrekker 1st Goldstones won 7-0
4th Linpark 1st Goldstones won 31-5
5th St Charles 3rd Goldstones won 19-12
6th Howick 1st Goldstones lost 5-8
7th St Charles 4th Lamonds lost 17-22
8th Voortrekker 2nd Lamonds lost 7-32
16A St Charles Goldstones won 75-7
16B Voortrekker A Snows won 60-0
16C Howick A Nicholsons 1 won 36-6
16D St Charles B Nicholsons 1 won 31-0
16E Westville D CANCELLED
Maritzburg College’s unselfish flyhalf Ayrton van der Linde was the perfect foil to the attacking weapons that are centres Liam Prinsloo and hat-trick hero Litelihle Bester. Justin Waldman Sports Photography
15A St Charles Snows won 33-0
15B Voortrekker A Snows won 29-5
15C Linpark A Nicholsons 1 won 43-5
15D St Charles B Nicholsons 1 won 14-5
15E Howick A Nicholsons 2 lost 0-43
15F Westville E Away (Westville) lost 0-50
14A St Charles Snows won 56-14
14B Voortrekker A Snows won 45-7
14C Linpark A Leaches won 22-10
14D St Charles B Nicholsons 2 won 38-29
14E Howick A Nicholsons 2 won 43-18
14F St Charles C Leaches won 29-20
Nothing quite like the feeling of a plan that comes together: RBW fullback Spha Ngcobo conjured up some sublime moments in front of an appreciative Goldstones crowd. Justin Waldman Sports Photography
Glenwood rugby teams’ fruitful trip to Sarel Cilliers in northern KZN
Congrats to the Glenwood rugby teams for what look to have been productive pre-season performances at the Sarel Cilliers Rugby Festival held in Dundee, Northern KZN over the weekend.
The Glenwood teams are getting into gear for their first official inter-school fixture of the year, against Northwood on Saturday, 12 March at Northwood and the evidence of form and combinations on display in the Dundee matches will have given Glenwood first XV coach Jose Dosantos and his fellow Green Machine coaches plenty to think about and implement ahead of March 12 at Northwood.
The six Glenwood matches up in northern KZN were reportedly played in very hot weather and the boys were given plenty of encouragement from their travelling parents and supporters and the assembled schoolboy rugby fans.
The Glenwood U14 side beat Ferrum 51-0; Glenwood U15s won 39-0 against hosts Sarel Cilliers U15s; the one of the two Glenwood U16 select sides beat their Vryheid counterparts 41-0 with the other defeating Landbou Vryheid 60-0.
And the remaining matches went as follows:
The U18 Glenwood “Light Greens” beat a Vryheid first XV 55-6
The U18 Glenwood “Barely Greens” beat a Dundee High School first team 22-14
And a Glenwood U18 team tagged as the “Dark Greens” were edged 17-14 by a Welkom Gimnasium first XV.
Mrs Taryn Hughes took the photographs.
#GlenwoodRugby #PassionWithPurpose #character #resilience #tolerance #gratitude #discipline #integrity #respect
Maritzburg College 1st XV beat Glenwood for first time in 11 years
It was a moment to savour for the Maritzburg College first XV when they overcame an 11-year hoodoo to beat the Glenwood first XV 20-12 on Dixons in Durban on Saturday.
Red Black & White head coach Cameron Fraser said that the College boys under the captaincy of flanker Corbin Thunder were determined to break the first XV win drought against Glenwood.
Justin Waldman Photography feature pic caption: The powerful Maritzburg College first XV left winger Siphozola Radu finds some space with flyhalf and head boy James Beauclerk in support.
Coach Cameron said of the 3-tries-to-2 victory that turning the 11-year tide of losses in this decades-old contest between two proud rugby schools required a brave performance from the lads in Red Black & White.
And they duly delivered, did captain Thunder’s young men.
“College managed to win the physical battle upfront and avoided ill-discipline as best as they could,” said the coach.
The men from PMB gained the early ascendancy when right wing Kuhann van den Berg chased after a telling attacking kick from scrumhalf AJ Knoetze and managed to offload the ball to inside centre Liam Prinsloo, who raced over in the corner for the opening points of the game (5-0).
Coach Cameron said the match was of an exceptionally physical nature and the number of penalties conceded was a by-product. College’s lively number 9 AJ Knoetze slotted a penalty goal towards the end of the first half to leave the visitors with a handy 8-0 lead going into the changeover.
“Glenwood struck back early in the second half after some powerful surges from their forwards,” said the College coach.
“Glenwood caught College unawares at the breakdown to eventually crash over the line on the blindside.”
Now within just 3 points of College (8-5) Glenwood then leaked a penalty and Thunder’s men conjured up a very destructive maul to bring the Red Black & White within striking distance of touchdown.
And after a number of pick-and-go’s there was no stopping the inspirational Red Black & White captain and flanker Corbin Thunder, as he breached the try-line whitewash despite the attention of a posse of Glenwood players on his back.
Scrumhalf AJ Knoetze converted captain Thunder’s try and with the scoreboard reading 15-5 College had regained a bit of breathing space.
Going into the last quarter of the game, alert Maritzburg College hooker Quentin Pitout contrived to pinch an overthrow off a Glenwood lineout and then demonstrated his mobility and rugby intelligence to swerve inside and outside the approaching Glenwood cover defenders before offloading to his left winger team-mate Sipho Radu who dived over in the corner.
With College now in a comfortable 20-5 lead and 10 minutes left on the clock, the never-say-die Glenwood lads hit back with a converted intercept try under the posts (20-12).
The gutsy Glenwood men were on the attack as the match drew towards its close but it was a superb Willian Pretorius turnover at the breakdown that saw the Red Black &White number 8 deny the Green Machine and put the College victory beyond doubt.
A memorable moment captured by the educated lens of Justin Waldman Photography as Team College enjoy the satisfaction of a hard-earned victory over the Glenwood first XV on Dixons in Durban on Saturday, 4 September 2021.
“It was a special performance by the College 1st XV who will be highly motivated to repeat this result in the return fixture on Goldstones this coming Saturday [11 September 2021],” Red Black and White coach Cameron Fraser concluded.
It certainly looks to be an absolute belter of a match in store between these two age-old rivals on what we hope will be a balmy Goldstones spring afternoon.
MARITZBURG COLLEGE FIRST XV vs GLENWOOD
1. Mawande Mdanda
2. Quintin Pitout
3. Roydon Swift
4. Joshua Kähler
5. Christian Williamson
6. Corbin Thunder (capt)
7. Wela Takata
8. Willian Pretorius
9. AJ Knoetze
10. James Beauclerk
11. Siphozola Radu
12. Liam Prinsloo
13. Lusanda Mtshali
14. Kuhann van den Berg
15. Spha Ngcobo
Message of appeal for recent Maritzburg College rugby star Philani Simamane
Anyone who has seen Philani Simamane play rugby will know the feeling: a quickening of the senses as one realises one is watching something special.
I, for one, will never forget the hat-trick of tries that centre Philani scored for the Maritzburg College first XV on a magical winter’s day against Westville on Goldstones back in 2019.
Feature image: Philani’s 2019 first XV rugby jersey. The names of all donors to his appeal are being embroidered on the jersey and he will be taking this keepsake with him when he departs for the States. A lovely reminder of all the people who are part of his adventure and whose best wishes he takes with him.
That College lost a 54-point thriller to a very good Westville side by 2 slender points (26-28) should not in any way detract a Maritzburg College supporter from the fact that this was a magnificent spectacle of KZN schoolboy rugby.
Philani pictured at the induction to the Maritzburg College Old Boys’ Association in 2019.
Philani, as is the case with all aspiring young rugby players, be they in-school or recently matriculated, is facing new challenges – but in this instance not of the Covid-related kind.
Andrew Soden, who was head prefect of Maritzburg College in 1991, is one of the directors of the Sikhona Foundation, a local non-profit organisation and has been pioneering an appeal to help Philani realise his dream of attending university and playing rugby in Georgia in the USA – and that dream is on the cusp of being realised.
Philani has been accepted at university but what remains is the nitty gritty of putting together the financial nuts and bolts to make this dream real, and to that end, Andrew (a College boy from 1987 to 1991) put out a recent appeal that is told in a delightful way – and goes to the heart of what Maritzburg College rugby – and being a Maritzburg College Old Boy – is all about.
Maritzburg College outside centre Philani Simamane was on fire in this memorable match. Photo Justin Waldman
Here is Andrew’s story in full, as addressed to the writer in an e-letter today (the bold text etc is mine):
“Hi there Jono
“Any theory on why College boys blacken out their boots?
“The generational re-tellings and the hand-me-down stories as to the origin of this tradition may have diluted the reason over the decades.
“But, for me, its real impact has been highlighted in the ongoing appeal for the young lad in the photo below, Maritzburg College Old Boy Philani Simamane (OC2019).
Philani (right), who played primarily at scrumhalf in 2017, pictured during that year with fellow 1st XV player Fezo Mbatha, who played for the 2017 SA Schools side and is now with the Sharks senior team.
“We have been raising money and support to help Philani follow his dream of a university degree.
“This young man, from a very humble background, worked hard for his scholarships to primary school and Maritzburg College, but we know that the journey is not yet done and it is important to help Philani finish what he started.
“The blackening out of our boots makes us equal; none more important than the rest. It signals solidarity and directs our focus and energy towards a shared cause. It bonds us together, with the tacit acknowledgement that we are there for each other when the need arises.
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“Over the past months the inspirational and humbling responses to Philani’s appeal for support has highlighted for me the extraordinary bond that Old Boys of this impressive institution share.
“This show of strength and unity has really restored my faith; a testament that when the situation demands it a College boy will always rise to the occasion.
“Along with Philani we are so very grateful for the encouragement and the support already pledged.
“I would love to share with you some of those interactions that have helped restore my faith:
“One of our supporters, a veteran College Old Boy, well into his 80’s, responded personally with words of encouragement for Philani along with a gift of R500 – which I know is a princely sum for this Old Boy!
“Even though he has never met Philani, or perhaps even heard of him until recently, he is just so excited for this young beneficiary of his support, and has asked us to keep him up to date!
Philani Simamane has try-time on his mind during one of his trademark storming first XV performances in the #RedBlackWhite of Maritzburg College.
___
“An Old Boy in the United States has generously offered to provide Philani with the sponsor’s letter which he needs to obtain his student visa.
____
“Other US expats have offered Philani weekend/holiday accommodation with them, some are helping find vacation work for him while another is putting together a small gathering to welcome Philani to the great state of Georgia!
_____
“An Old Boy and 1st XV winger from 1984 got in touch this past month and offered his support. He has a son and daughter at the same university that Philani is heading to and both are also part of the rugby programme. He ‘is up there most weekends and looks forward to helping Philani out with whatever he needs’.
______
“In the midst of these offerings of support this familiar quote came to mind:
‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’
“I know that Philani’s journey still seems so ‘far’ but he has received wonderful support from his ‘team-mates’ and with your help he will achieve his academic goal of a university degree.
Wearing the familiar 13, Philani Simamane on his way to the corner during the 2019 epic on Goldstones. Photo Martin Ashworth
“If you are still a believer in why College boys blacken out their boots please join in and support Philani’s appeal.
“You can make your contribution through
1. a donation via Direct Deposit (bank details will be emailed to you once your pledge is made); or
2. our verified PayFast platform which allows for CreditCard, Masterpass and Instant EFT donations.
Every contribution, no matter the size, is gratefully received and appreciated.
Stay safe and take care of yourself.
Warmest regards
Andrew Soden
(Blackened out boots from 1987 to 1991)
https://sikhonafoundation.co.za/our-causes/
https://www.payfast.co.za/donate/go/thesikhonafoundation
The above links refer to the (i) Direct Deposit and (ii) Payfast payment options.
Andrew Soden +27 (0)83 456 1092
andrew@sikhonafoundation.co.za
Jonathan Cook of KZN10.com website and social media thanks Hilton College Old Boy Rory Smith of Absolute Containers for ensuring that Jono is fully charged when it really matters!!! A heartfelt thank you, dear Absolute Containers! No wonder you are the trendsetters in customised containers and modular solutions! Take a look https://absolutecontainers.co.za/
5 KZN10 Old Boys get rare crack at British & Irish Lions Saturday
It looks like 3 Glenwood Old Boys, 1 Kearsney College Old Boy and 1 Maritzburg College Old Boy are in with a rare career chance (a one-in-12-year-chance) of facing the British & Irish Lions come 6pm this Saturday at Emirates Airlines Park (aka Ellis Park) in Johannesburg.
Recent Glenwood Old Boys, the first XV flyhalves Jordan Hendrikse (20 years today and back from his stint with the Junior Boks) and utility Fred Zeilinga, are in the 26-player (SA franchise) Lions squad that was named late yesterday afternoon to take on the British & Irish Lions in the tour opener of this renowned touring team’s sojourn to South Africa.
Tracey van den Aardweg feature image: Kearsney College’s Sibu Sangweni in his heyday as captain of the first XV here against Michaelhouse.
Recent Kearsney captain and loose forward Sibusiso Sangweni is also among the Lions squad of 26. And Ruhan Straeuli, son of Lions boss Rudolf, who spent his early high school years at Glenwood before relocating with the family to Gauteng where he finished his schooldays at his dad’s alma mater, Menlo Park.
What a thrill at this relatively early stage in their post-school careers.
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And former Maritzburg College centre Dan Kriel, twin brother of Springbok Jesse, is also among the local Lions’ 26 for Saturday at Emirates Airlines Park (aka Ellis Park).
And with Jesse in the Bok mix for the Test series, it adds more Kriel Family colour to the palette.
In November last year, Jesse revealed that his great grandfather, John Hodgson, a loose forward, played for the touring British Lions (as they were then known) in New Zealand and Australia all of 91 years ago.
John Hodgson played for the 1930 British Lions team that beat the All Blacks 6-3 in the Dunedin Test match and in the 15-10 loss to the All Blacks in Auckland.
In all, Dan, Jesse and younger brother Matt Kriel’s maternal great grandad John, a flanker, represented the touring British Lions a total of 15 times and also earned 7 Test match caps for England including against the 1932 Springboks in London.
The Kriel brothers’ mother is Angela, and great grandad John’s Lions cap was sent by English relatives to Angela’s aunt Diana in South Africa during the international travel restrictions late last year.
A wonderful story all-round.
The Johannesburg-based Lions’ 26-man squad is: Pieter Botha, Ruan Dreyer, Jannie du Plessis, Jordan Hendrikse, Francke Horn, Dan Kriel, Jacobus Kriel, Sibahle Maxwane, Nathan McBeth, Reinhard Nothnagel, Burger Odendaal, Marthinus Pelser, Manuel Rass, Carlu Sadie, Sibusiso Sangweni, Ruben Schoeman, Sithembisu Sithole, Dillon Smit, Ruhan Straeuli, Emmanuel Tshituka, Vincent Tshituka, Jamba Ulengo, Morne van den Berg, EW Viljoen, Gerrit Visagie and Fred Zeilinga.
* If there is a KZN10 Old Boy or two that I have somehow overlooked among the 26 players above, please let me know.
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Hilton/Michaelhouse: ‘The butterflies and excitement in the build-up…’
“I remember struggling to sleep, my mind racing and hands sweating days before Saturday. The butterflies and excitement in the build-up during the week of a first team match were that much more intense for a Hilton/Michaelhouse.
“I still get goosebumps when I hear Brothers in Arms, the song that played during Main Quad war-cries on the Friday night.”
Thomas van der Hoven feature photo: Michaelhouse in possession on Meadows in the 5 May 2018 clash.
It is a measure of the impact the Hilton/Michaelhouse matches have on the participants when one learns that the comment above comes from a man who played 56 Tests for the Springboks before his career was sadly cut short at the age of 28. None other than the Michaelhouse Class of 2008’s Patrick Jonathan Lambie.
Michaelhouse Old Boy Pat Lambie has vivid memories of the emotions inherent in House’s matches against Hilton.
Of the 202 Hilton/Michaelhouse first XV rugby matches that have been played so far (Hilton won the inaugural match 6-0 in 1904) the Michaelhouse lads have won 99 with Hilton having won 93 and 10 of the matches having been drawn.
The excellent Murray Staats article that appeared in the Meander Chronicle May/June 2019 edition also mentions the rather unique scenario that played out in 1987 when the scorelines in the 2 matches were 7-7 and 9-9.
In a Covid-free world. this past Saturday, 12 June 2021 would have been the 205th match between the Hilton College and Michaelhouse first XVs. Because of Covid, however, this past Saturday marked the 3rd successive cancellation of this hallmark biannual event on the KZN and SA schools rugby calendar.
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The last time the flagship rugby teams of Hilton and Michaelhouse met was on 15 June 2019 when Hilton prevailed 28-8 away on Meadows. Because of Covid the 2020 Hilton and Michaelhouse first teams never got the chance to experience what is a landmark event in the lives of everyone who has had the privilege of being a player in it over the last 118 years.
There was much hope and anticipation this year that the matches would take place – even if without spectators, which number in the thousands in a normal year.
Number 8 Nick Hatton leads the Hilton College 1st XV on to Reece-Edwards Field at Northwood on 8 May 2021.
Hilton, under the captaincy of number 8 and head of school Nick Hatton, had started the year with much promise, accounting for Northwood 31-6 away on 8 May in what, in recent times, was a late start to the season (because of Covid) before beating Durban High School (DHS) in convincing fashion 44-5 at home in their lone match on Gilfillan the following Saturday.
Then came the controversial call from government to ban school contact sports, despite government admitting that there was no evidence to suggest Covid was being transmitted during matches. Instead, government said, the virus was being spread outside the confines of the school grounds. Studies in Britain confirmed that there was no evidence to suggest Covid was being spread during matches.
Due to the delays in the school year and other Covid-related concerns, what would have been a very short season for Hilton anyway – just 7 matches were scheduled this year – has to date been cut down to the 2 matches already held. The matches that followed the DHS match – against Glenwood and Westville, which surely would have been hotly contested, were cancelled, as with this past Saturday’s Michaelhouse match.
There are still 2 matches left on the Hilton calendar, that against Kearsney College on 17 July and then Michaelhouse at home on 24 July in what would have been the return clash.
With the current Covid third wave issue, the prospects of these matches taking place appear almost nil. So for the second successive year, the two school’s premier rugby players will never know the thrill of being part of something that becomes a lifelong treasured memory for the participants.
As with Nick Hatton and Team Hilton, the disappointment for first XV fullback and captain Alexander Vermeulen and Team Michaelhouse must be profound.
Michaelhouse 1st XV captain and fullback Alexander Vermeulen leads his team onto Meadows vs Glenwood on 19 May 2021.
Michaelhouse managed 4 matches before the cancellation, beating Clifton 30-5 in Durban before edging home side Kearsney 26-24. Then came 2 narrow defeats, going down 17-10 at Westville before a 12-3 loss to Glenwood 4 days later in their lone home match on Meadows.
Men of House still have 2 matches left on the calendar, at home to St Charles College on 17 July and then the away match versus Hilton on 24 July.
Of course this current scenario encompasses all KZN school winter contact sports so there are thousands of boys (in the context of this story) missing out on an experience that, for many of their predecessors, led to treasured memories and lifelong friendships.
Indeed, when Old Boys of the KZN10 schools gather, their teams and match-ups of yesteryear often form the opening lines of conversation and before long the fond reminiscences are being swapped back and forth.
With the school sporting calendar so congested as it is; competing sports treasure their time to shine during their allocated time slots through the year, allied to academic priorities, it seems that even if the Covid situation were to improve rapidly it would be too late for thoughts of squeezing in a Hilton/Michaelhouse rugby fixture somewhere.
We are all poorer for it.
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Collision Course: Kearsney’s Du Preez twins have timed it right
The Kearsney Old Boys’ (Class of 2013) Du Preez twins, Jean-Luc and Dan, could soon be resuming their Springbok Test match careers after they got the nod in the 46-player Bok squad for the upcoming series of matches that includes the British & Irish Lions tour.
Swapping the Durban-based Sharks by joining their older brother Rob at the Sale Sharks in Manchester has been a revelation over the past 2 years in that the twins’ marked physicality appears to have been added to with a newfound nuance in passing skills and a more calculated temperament.
A huge physical presence, high workrates, big hits and imposing metre-adding carries are being more intelligently applied in their Sale Sharks incarnation and the twins’ (born 5 August 1995) Bok representation 3 years ago, followed by a fallow 2019 in terms of their Rugby World Cup Japan absence, might well get a boost this time round, perhaps even in the famed Springbok Bomb Squad off the replacements’ bench.
Two of Kearsney College’s finest. Dan (left) and Jean-Luc.
Dan has been an explosive, game-breaking factor pretty much exclusively at number 8 alongside his Sale Sharks number 9 (& Springbok World Cup-winning incumbent) scrumhalf Faf de Klerk. There is massive competition for places in this 2021 Boks group but it would be nice to see this 8/9 pair together in action for the Green & Gold at some point.
The more Test-experienced Jean-Luc (13 Bok Tests, 2 Bok Test tries), who followed Dan (4 Bok Tests) up north, has been primarily used by his Manchester club in the second row as well as at number 6 and his lock-flank-8thman versatility could make him a sought-after member to cover these key positions if the Boks’ #RWC2019 policy is continued this year with the 6-2 split instead of the conventional 5 forwards and 3 backs filling the replacements’ bench.
Apart from serious doubts about star Bok number 8 Duane Vermeulen’s fitness, of the 6 named Bok lock specialists, the rugby health of Lood de Jager and RG Snyman is a significant worry for the upcoming international matches.
So, choosing their moments and not flying in willy-nilly, this could be a year to cherish for Kearsney and its 2013 duo of Du Preez, whose time in the school water polo pool and the telepathy synonymous with twin-sets could make for some great interchanges.
# The Boks face Georgia on the Friday nights of July 2 and 9 before tackling the Lions on July 24 and 31, and 7 August. The South Africa A team will also come from the 46-man Bok squad and they take on the pride of Britain and Ireland on 14 July, a Wednesday.
KZN10.com is…
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***** *****
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NORTHWOOD vs KEARSNEY RUGBY WRAP
In this 1st XV match report from Kearsney: The Northwood 1st XV hosted Kearsney College for their annual Classic Clash in Durban North on a steaming hot Saturday afternoon (15 May 2021) with temperatures well above 30 degrees.
Tracey van den Aardweg feature photo: Kearsney 1st XV eighthman Tom Carmody with ball in hand during the loss against home side the Northwood Knights 1st XV on Reece-Edwards Field.
The match got off to a flying start when Northwood’s star flyhalf received a poor midfield kick from Kearsney in an attempt to exit their half from the kick-off.
The Northwood 1st XV (Knights) after the win over Kearsney on Reece-Edwards Field at Northwood on Saturday.
The Northwood Knights’ number 10 Emmanuel Bahji collected the ball close to the halfway line and ran untouched to score in the right-hand corner. which he converted for a 7-0 lead after 1 minute of play.
Two minutes later, hosts Northwood also failed to exit and Kearsney turned the breakdown – with 8th man Tom Carmody prominent – and winger Trent Coetzee scored an unconverted try, shrinking the deficit to 7-5.
Northwood 1st XV results vs Kearsney the last 8 years.
Northwood 1st XV results vs Kearsney the last 8 years.
The next 7 minutes caused some drama with Kearsney losing firstly scrumhalf Matthew Bergset from a late charge, and soon after the inside centre with a suspected concussion.
Kearsney then took the lead 8-7 following a penalty by flyhalf Lethu Gwarube.
NORTHWOOD TEAM vs KEARSNEY 15 MAY 2021
Conditions might have contributed, but both teams were guilty of sloppy skills and below-par defense.
Northwood scored their second try from another poor decision by the Kearsney backs on the counter, to regain the lead 12-8.
In the 25th minute the hosts stretched their lead further to 15-8 with a converted penalty.
KZN10.com website and social media thanks the outstanding #HalfwayToyota Howick dealership & general manager Brandon Brokensha for their support. Contact me at joncookroy@gmail.com for info on the various advertising options and more.
Kearsney attacked well during the last 5 minutes of the half and were rewarded with a Coetzee try, which Gwarube converted to take the score to 15-15 at halftime.
Shortly after the break, Kearsney added another Gwarube penalty for an 18-15 lead.
KEARSNEY TEAM vs NORTHWOOD 15 MAY 2021
The visitors played the most constructive rugby in the next 15 minutes, but failed to convert the territory into points, even turning down kickable penalties.
Northwood adopted a kick-and-chase tactic, which led to their next converted try, to regain the lead at 22-18.
Kearsney had a golden opportunity for an all-important 7-pointer but poor handling prevented a sure try.
Kearsney’s morale took a dip, which Northwood capitalised on, to score a converted try, which was also signaled the final score of 29-18.
The first XV match has left Kearsney coaches Barend Steyn and Nico Breedt, and Northwood’s Grant Bashford and Jeremy Mclaren, with much to consider.
ALL THE NORTHWOOD RUGBY RESULTS vs KEARSNEY 15 MAY 2021
NORTHWOOD OLD BOY DURAN KRUMMECK IN IRELAND 7s RUGBY TEAM
A big @KZN10.com pat on the back of Northwood School Class of 2014’s Duran Krummeck, who has been selected for the Ireland Sevens rugby team to play against the USA and Great Britain teams in an upcoming international tournament in England.
Feature photo: Northwood Old Boy Duran Krummeck looks completely at home in that Ireland national sevens rugby team shirt.
A DURAN MUST-WATCH ON OVERCOMING SETBACKS, MAKING THE JOURNEY AND MORE
These are Tokyo Olympic Games squads, so the future is looking bright for this proud Northwood Knight, who is a prime example of the quality that is produced by the dedicated rugby coaching staff at one of our favourite schools.
Here’s wishing the name Duran Krummeck a permanent spot in the Ireland national team line-up. #NorthwoodKnights
KZN10.com website and social media thanks the outstanding #HalfwayToyota Howick dealership and its general manager Brandon Brokensha brandon@halfwayhowick.co.za for their support. I cannot do this alone. Contact me at joncookroy@gmail.com for info on the various advertising options and and. #TogetherWeAreMore. And why not give Brandon a call at 083 514 1089.
A Knight’s Tale: Northwood Old Boy (2014) Duran Krummeck is making his mark in Ireland rugby.
Derek Krummeck and a then still 18-year-old Duran Krummeck at Riverside Sports Club in Durban north during an U20s tournament in March 2015. Photo: Northglen News
Many positives for Maritzburg College rugby as KZN10 season beckons
It has been an encouraging start to the 2021 year for Maritzburg College rugby. The leading players in the age-group teams have, through the recent Fichardtpark festival in Bloemfontein, got to know one another in a series of three matches apiece and the building of team spirit and cohesion is going to stand them in good stead as the domestic season hopefully swings into action without unforeseen outside influences this coming Saturday.
After a 2020 schoolboy rugby year that never was, the very fact that the Maritzburg College boys and their teams have actually been able to go away, bond together, and play actual matches is the biggest winner by far.
The Maritzburg College U14 group won their 3 matches comfortably; the U15s had 2 close matches that were sure to provide them with much food for thought, plus a comfortable win; the U16s had 2 tight matches winning by 11 points in one match and going down by 9 points in the other, plus a comfortable win (this group have been also given much match evidence to work with).
The Maritzburg College 2nd XV registered 3 sets of wins over 1st teams, one by 4 points, one by 7 points and the other by 15 points – the implication is that they were thoroughly tested.
The Red Black and White’s first XV (feature pic) earned 2 wins by 18-point margins and the third by 19 points.
So a thoroughly deserved congratulations to Maritzburg College director of rugby Hein Kriek and his coaches and support staff across the age-groups plus, of course, the boys themselves. Good on you. Very well done guys. It appears that a solid base had been put in place.
Wishing strength to build upon strength across the board as Maritzburg College rugby ventures further into 2021.
MARITZBURG COLLEGE FICHARDTPARK FESTIVAL RESULTS
Day 1
U14 vs Welkom Gim 40-5
U15 vs Welkom Gim 42-5
U16 vs Grey College 17-26
2nd XV vs Sentraal 1st XV 28-24
1st XV vs Voortrekker Bethlehem 35-17
Maritzburg College left wing Josh Munn, son of Wayne, made his 1st XV debut in the Red Black and White premier team’s opening match in Bloem.
Day 2
1st XV vs Diamandveld 26-8
2nd XV vs HTS Louis Botha 29-14
U16 vs Noord Kaap 43-17
U15 vs Noord Kaap 17-16
U14 vs Noord Kaap 48-7
The Maritzburg College 1st XV jerseys ready and waiting as the team puts in final prep before kick-off.
Day 3
1st XV vs Duineveld 24-5
2nd XV vs Fichardtpark 1st XV 31-24
U16 vs Fichardtpark 28-17
U15 vs Grey College 14-17
U14 vs Fichardtpark 66-5
Information sourced from Maritzburg College social media.
#RedBlackWhite
#GoCollege
And an encouraging resumption of my KZN10.com website and social media, as school sport returns – albeit without spectators – and Halfway Toyota Howick puts its support into assisting in keeping me alive. I urge you to join Brandon Brokensha and his outstanding Toyota dealership in backing me financially. I cannot do this alone. Contact me at joncookroy@gmail.com