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KZN 10 schools weekend rugby wrap
The Hilton College first XV ensured that the Michaelhouse first XV will have to wait a bit longer to secure their 100th win in this generations-old friendly rivalry, winning the 203rd match between the two schools’ first rugby teams 32-17 at Hilton on Saturday.
Michaelhouse’s director of the Old Boys’ Club, Admissions & Marketing, Murray Witherspoon, reports that the occasion was worth the Covid-enforced three-year wait.
“There couldn’t have been a greater sense of occasion on the back of the host’s 150th birthday celebrations, and bonhomie and friendly banter on the banks were as much a feature of the day as the rivalry on the field.”
Murray reports that Hilton started strongly, and proceedings could well have turned into a rout had it not been for excellent Michaelhouse defending. House then scored twice before halftime to stay in the match.
Tracey van den Aardweg feature pic: Kearsney number 8 Cameron Roache’s try makes the game safe for the home side against Northwood.
Hilton scored on two occasions in the second half after House had been on the attack and the brace of tries secured the Hiltonians’ 94th win over Michaelhouse.
The return match at Michaelhouse is on 18 June.
Photo Maritin Ashworth: The action was unrelenting at Gilfillan Field on Saturday in the 203d match between the Hilton College and Michaelhouse first XV’s.
Meanwhile, at Botha’s Hill, home side Kearsney hosted Northwood for their annual FNB Classic Clash in what were ideal playing conditions.
The Kearsney report herewith:
“Kearsney dominated play in the first 25 minutes, enjoying the lion’s share of the territorial battle. The pressure ensured three converted penalties by Matthew Bergset for a 9-0l lead within the first 15 minutes.
“The hosts were rewarded with an unconverted try in the left corner by winger Lihle Maqhugula after some good work by the attacking team and good interplay between the forwards and backs. Maqhugula still had a lot to do after receiving the ball and showed good pace to dive over for a 14-0 lead.
“Northwood kicked too long from the ensuing kick-off and Kearsney used the possession well to get back into the attacking zone. The hosts were awarded another penalty from a breakdown infringement, which Bergset converted for a comfortable and deserved 17-0 lead.
“Kearsney then seemed to lose focus and Northwood found renewed intensity, to eventually find themselves deep in Kearsney territory. The visiting captain elected a scrum from an awarded penalty. The desired outcome was achieved from a well-rehearsed backline attack move, to score close to the upright for a converted try to decrease the deficit to 7-17.
“The last few minutes of the half saw a territorial kicking battle, which did not lead to much and the halftime whistle followed soon after.
[Into the second half and] “Northwood produced a purple patch, scoring two tries from good tactical play and some poor tackling by some of the home team defenders. The first try came from a poor exit kick by Kearsney and hard running by the counter-attack backs.
“From the breakdown close to the Kearsney line the visitors moved the ball to the blind side and dived over for an unconverted try.
“Soon after that, Kearsney launched a superb attack from a lineout from their own 22m and progressed close to the opponents’ 22m, but the ball was turned over at the breakdown.
“Northwood kicked the ball to escape the pressure, and it bounced favourably for the chaser after some poor defence by the Kearsney players. Northwood’s player ran 40m to score an unconverted try to level the scores at 17-17.
“Kearsney regained composure and soon an opportunity was seized by flanker Salu Mqobongo who outsprinted the defence for a good 60m, for Bergset to convert and regain the lead at 24-17.
“Some exciting, although error-ridden, passages of play followed as both teams were motivated to clinch the match. Kearsney used their opportunities better and eventually eighthman Cameron Roache displayed some power work from a breakdown close to the visitors’ line when he picked from the base to dive over. The lead was now extended to 29-17 with only a few minutes left on the clock.
“Northwood didn’t give up and attacked up until the last minute, but the hosts’ defence held and they remained victorious 29-17.
“Outstanding players for the Kearsney team were the inspirational captain Jason Brien, Cameron Roache and Salu Mqobongo.”
The other KZN10 match in KZN saw Westville beat hosts St Charles College 46-17.
It was a set of tough matches for the three KZN teams at the Wildeklawer Festival in Kimberley with DHS winning the lone match of the six matches played by DHS, Glenwood and Maritzburg College.
Inter-KZN10 results in KZN
Saturday, 30 April 2022
Kearsney 29 Northwood 17
Hilton College 32 Michaelhouse 17
St Charles College 17 Westville 46
KZN results at Wildeklawer Festival in Kimberley
Saturday, 30 April 2022
DHS 31 Menlopark 15
Paarl Boys’ High 38 Maritzburg College 3
Paul Roos 43 Glenwood 20
Monday, 2 May 2022
Helpmekaar 25 Maritzburg College 16
Oakdale 20 DHS 12
Affies 49 Glenwood 14
Much food for thought last Saturday on Goldstones
Looking back at the premier rugby match on Goldstones last Saturday afternoon, the on-song Durban High School (DHS, School) first XV had too much armoury for the Maritzburg College first XV, winning 38-14 – School’s biggest ever winning margin (by 24 points) – after leading 19-7 at halftime.
Saturday, 30 April sees DHS tackling Menlopark at 9.10am, Maritzburg College facing Paarl Boys at 3pm, and Glenwood up against Paul Roos at 6.30pm – all at the 2022 ABSA Wildeklawer Festival in Kimberley.
Also tomorrow, 30 April, Kearsney host Northwood at 3.30pm, St Charles College are at home to Westville at 2.30pm and Hilton College host Michaelhouse at 3pm, while Clifton College have a bye.
On Monday in Kimberley, Maritzburg College face Helpmekaar, DHS meet Oakdale and Glenwood tackle Affies. Kick-off times on Monday still to be determined.
Feature photo caption: Few things sweeter for a DHS rugby first team than to win on Goldstones as the 2022 side did last Saturday.
Back to last Saturday on Goldstones, the outcome also earned DHS the Skonk Nicholson Trophy, which is played for on each occasion the two teams meet.
It was an exciting game to watch, that’s for sure. Sitting where I was, in the Kent Pavilion, gave a panoramic view of the action-packed proceedings.
Six tries to two is an emphatic margin and the boys in Navy Blue and Old Gold were full value for their success, albeit College were their own worst enemies, too many relatively basic errors that played right into the alert visitors’ skilful hands.
In short, the DHS basics were superior on the day, as was their speed of thought. School were very quick to pounce on College mistakes and one had a strong sense that headboy, captain (in 5th form and, now, 6th form) and number 6 flanker Own Morgenrood’s side inherently knew what was required.
As School pointed out on the DHS Facebook page, “Well done to Maritzburg College who won the majority of sporting fixtures. Thank you for hosting us.
“Whilst all local fixtures are of utmost importance, College are by far our biggest rival and we couldn’t be happier with this result!”
DHS had come off the back of the Standard Bank Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival having won the Most Attractive Team Play trophy, while College had a lukewarm St Stithians festival over the same period.
The sizeable crowd engendered a great vibe, the atmosphere and camaraderie in keeping with the unique ethos of KZN 10.com rugby and doing justice to the longstanding shared history between the oldest boys’ high school in KZN (1863) and the oldest boys’ high school in Durban (1866).
College left two tries on the table, thanks to the final pass going astray, while DHS left one on the table – due to the final pass not being gathered.
Three of the six DHS tries came from attacking lineouts and this area was a feature of their play.
I thought experienced referee JP Pretorius had an excellent game, managing the players well and thereby allowing the match to flow.
TEAMS
Maritzburg College
15 Luyanda Kunene
14 Ezra Everton
13 Lithelihle Bester
12 Liam Prinsloo
11 Kuhann van den Berg
10 Spha Ngcobo
9 AJ Knoetze (capt)
8 Sasha Kadira
7 Keagan Goddard
6 Kyle Wilken
5 Kuhle Mtimkhulu
4 Sphepelo Mbonambi
3 Pieter Brits
2 Elbie Mouton
1 Diego Antoniades
Head coach: Tim Orchard
DHS
15 Minenhle Ngcamu
14 Hopewell Nthsangase
13 Tholithemba Sibisi
12 Dwight Pietersen
11 Maurice Willemse
10 Deano Boesak
9 Zak Smith
8 Siseko Mani
7 Connor Carson
6 Owen Morgenrood (capt)
5 Weilhrich Basson
4 Sybrand Erwee
3 Lwandile Mshengu
2 Christian Everitt
1 Simphiwe Ngobese
Head coach: Peter Engledow
Maritzburg College (7) 14
Tries: Luyanda Kunene, Keagan Goddard
Conversions: AJ Knoetze (2)
Durban High School (19) 38
Tries: Maurice Willemse (2), Christian Everitt (2), Tholithemba Sibisi, Deano Boesak
Conversions: Deano Boesak (4)
#MaritzburgCollege
#RedBlackWhite #CollegeSport #GoCollege #DHS #School #Horsefly #BlueTyphoon
#InCaseYouMissedThem
KZN10.com Schools’ 1st XV Results (23April 2022)
(Home teams first)
Maritzburg College 14 DHS 38
Hilton College 66 St Charles College 3
Jeppe 0 Westville 15
Michaelhouse 38 Northwood 18
Glenwood 31 Kearsney College 10
St Andrews School Bloemfontein 7 Clifton College 40
And what a thrill for DHS U14A to beat their College counterparts 26-0 on Snows.
Red Army edge DHS in high-quality hockey thriller
The Maritzburg College first hockey team shaded Durban High School (DHS) firsts 2-1 in an exciting contest played out in front of an appreciative crowd at Papes Astro on Saturday morning (23 April 2022).
The final scoreline could have just as easily been 5-4 either way or 5-5 such were the quantity and quality of openings carved out by the protagonists – and the at times exceptional saves made by the respective goalkeepers.
Feature photo caption: DHS director of hockey and first team coach Michael Baker is the leading light in the hockey resurgence at Durban High School.
The opening 10 or so minutes saw DHS (School) establish the lion’s share of possession and territory, transferring the ball smoothly left and right, probing for the requisite space to free up the receiver or create an extra man. The Red Black and White defence was composed and patient in absorbing this pressure, leaving School with little that was tangible on the electronic scoreboard.
in the 13th minute Maritzburg College (MC, College, Red Army) suddenly accelerated and it looked to me that it was C Fulton who found space in the attacking third, his pass left just evading the outstretched stick of R Graham in the six-yard box.
A minute later College again poured through all-to freely in a manner that DHS would not have been altogether pleased, and it was the prolific striker Cameron van der Vliet, lurking expectantly inside the six-yard box, who deftly slid the ball past the keeper’s left for the opening goal (MC 1 DHS 0).
DHS came back strongly and captain O Ndondo made a telling inroad through the left channel that placed the School skipper inside the strike zone, and it took a no-nonsense tackle from strongly-built Red Army defender A Carter to repel the threat.
So absorbed I was in the game, it felt as if the first 25 minutes of this match went by in a flash, a sure sign that the hockey contest on show was a compelling spectacle for the sizeable crowd.
In a development that held much promise in the 32nd minute, College centre back and captain Matthew Ponter unfurled a big aerial ball from deep that found L Seshemane but School’s left-side defender was up to speed in containing the danger.
Given the quality and threat posed by College, who continued pressing for that elusive 2-goal advantage, the boys in Oxford Blue and Old Gold were under extreme pressure at times. The Red Army’s left-side striker skilfully stole along the baseline to earn a penalty corner. A neat variation left ensued from the set-piece, A Styan’s shot well-saved by DHS keeper K Henry.
Literally seconds from the hooter, DHS conjured up a great goalshot chance inside the six-yard box, only for the College defence to deal with the danger in collective fashion, successfully scrambling the ball away.
Into the second half and School’s elegant centre back slideruled a defence-splitting left-right diagonal to B Gqweta whose interchange with S Zondi brought the latter oh-so close to equalising matters on the scoresheet.
Seven minutes into the second half, DHS’s incessant pressure finally brought reward, experienced umpire Ian Griffiths having no hesitation in award School a penalty corner at the Princess Margaret Drive End, and DHS captain O Ndondo made no mistake with a solid drag-flick (1-1).
As umpire Griffith told KZN10.com afterwards: “In the second half the tempo and quality picked up another notch.”
Summing up a satisfactory outing from an official’s perspective, Griffiths said, “This was an attractive and relatively easy game to manage.”
Seven minutes left in the third chukka and College came close to edging in front on the scoreboard once again as play continued to open up across all corners of the playing surface.
As the clock ticked down, both sides carved out a couple of excellent chances. The Red Army’s I Mosupye forced a penalty corner, from which a double slip-left emerged, only for DHS shot-stopper K Henry to pull off a remarkable reflex save.
School finished the third chukka in convincing fashion, N Ndonga forcing a pair of outstanding saves from the in-form College keeper Roan Marais, the second of which demanded a stunning diving effort low to his right.
With eight minutes left in the match, the Red Army’s G Winlock, I Mosupye and (it looked like) L Seshemane combined beautifully to unpick the DHS defence and Cameron van der Vliet duly delivered his second, and matchwinning, goal (2-1).
College forced another penalty corner soon after; DHS survived and raced away to win a penalty corner at the Ron Jury Sports Centre End. With a small matter of bare minutes and seconds left, it was crunch time, but once again the Red Army defenders were up for the challenge, to leave the final score reading Maritzburg College 2 DHS 1.
DHS captain O Zondo summed it up for his team-mates in saying to KZN10.com: “We are pretty happy with the way we played, but we should have converted our many chances better.”
Red Army head coach Kyle Emerson: “It was an exciting game with end-to-end action between two tactically good teams that played structured hockey.”
*****
As I understand it, this DHS first hockey team principally consists of grade 11 boys who have come through four school years under the overarching guidance of director of hockey Michael Baker.
With Michael Baker at the helm, DHS hockey is undoubtedly on the right track, and we can look forward to the rest of this season and the 2023 year with much enthusiasm.
The politeness and well-groomed attire of the DHS boys who passed my way was also most noticeable and a pleasure to see.
Well done, School!
Skonk Nicholson U14 and U16 rugby festival on at Maritzburg College
Then Skonk Nicholson U14 and U16 Rugby Festival returns to MaritzburgCollege today (Wednesday) after a long and frustrating interlude caused by the pandemic, much to the joy of many a young schoolboy rugby player, parent and spectator.
There is another round of matches tomorrow (Thursday) and Saturday.
Feature image caption: What every Maritzburg College U14A and U16A rugby player dreams of happening to them one day soon… the Basher Ridge faithful on Goldstones showing their appreciation for another Maritzburg College first XV try.
The wonderful programme for the festival, including the fixtures, can be found on the Maritzburg College website at https://maritzburgcollege.co.za/…/uploads/2022/03/SNRF.pdf which includes, among other enlightening historical pieces on #RedBlackWhite rugby, a host of fascinating details about the indomitable doyen of schoolboy rugby coaching, JM “Skonk” Nicholson, as well as an address from acting headmaster of Maritzburg College, Matthew Marwick, and a message from director of rugby Hein Kriek that encapsulates the fresh new hope after 30 months of inactivity-born frustration.
The Maritzburg College media release says that all the fixtures and results will be on the College Sport App, which can be downloaded for free from your favourite App Store.
Further, Maritzburg College is excited to be partnering with SuperSport Schools who will be live-streaming the games. To access the matches, download and register on the SuperSport School app to enjoy all the action.
Maritzburg College wishes all the teams the very best for the festival and trust that all the games will be played and watched in a spirit of camaraderie and good sportsmanship.
Remembering one of Durban High School’s finest rugby teams
Who, who watched them play, could forget the scintillating and successful rugby delivered by the 2018 Durban High School first XV.
Head coach Scott Mathie, forwards coach Ronnie Uys and manager Lyle Matthysen were gifted with a remarkably talented, enthusiastic and dedicated group of DHS rugby boys, but their guidance was surely the catalyst that set up the consistently high quality of play through the season.
Here are just some of the milestones I gleaned from the DHS archives of the compilation by Mr Matthysen.
The DHS 1st XV was unbeaten at home in 2018, the first time since 2003 that a DHS 1st XV was unbeaten on Van Heerdens.
The 60-10 victory over Westville was the first time that a DHS 1st XV had scored 60 points against Westville; this also resulted in the greatest winning margin (50 points) since this particular inter-school match began.
The 2018 “Double” was achieved over Westville; the last time back-to-back victories were recorded against the Westville 1st XV was in the 2002 and 2003 seasons.
Extreme right Scott Mathie DHS 1st XV head coach with forwards coach in white shirt Ronnie Uys
The 50-27 victory over Northwood was the first time a DHS 1st XV scored 50 points on Northwood’s main rugby field, Reece-Edwards.
The 2017 season was the first time a DHS 1st XV had scored more than 40 points against Maritzburg College – and this was achieved on Goldstones. The 2018 season saw another win for DHS – and on this occasion it was the first time that a DHS 1st XV had scored more than 40 points on Van Heerdens against a Maritzburg College 1st XV.
Although DHS no longer play College twice a year, the 2-17 and 2018 victories ensured the first back-to-back victories against College since 1999
The 41-34 win over Kearsney College 1st XV in 2018 was the first time that a DHS 1st XV had scored over 40 points against Kearsney. The victories over Kearsney in 2017 and 2018 made it the first back-to-back victories over Kearsney since the 1999 and 2000 seasons.
The two victories over Michaelhouse in 2017 and 2018 also ensured the first back-to-back victories since 2010 and 2011.
The DHS 1st XV was unbeaten at the Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival, winning their games against Selborne College, Queens College and Dale College.
This was the first time since 1995 that a DHS 1st XV were unbeaten at an Easter Rugby Festival, and only the second DHS 1st XV to do so. They 2018 side were also the first DHS 1st XV to beat Selborne since 1996.
The boys of School, in their Old Gold and Oxford Blue colours… a mighty long way since modest beginnings with 7 boys in 2 classrooms in Smith Street back in 1866.
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
Bryn Brokensha stars with bat & ball in Maritzburg College first XI’s win over DHS
This past weekend saw Maritzburg College play DHS and Hilton in a range of cricket fixtures, some of which were played in a round-robin format of T10 and T15 matches. College played 21 matches in all, winning 13, losing 4, and 4 matches ended with no result.
Maritzburg College first XI coach Robbie Coutts reports that the College first XI brought home an exciting 50-over victory against the DHS first XI in Durban on Saturday, despite being under pressure for a large portion of the match.
College captain Johnathan van Zyl won the toss and had no hesitation in electing to bat on a pitch that looked like it may break up in the afternoon.
Feature photo: Maritzburg College first XI all-rounder Bryn Brokensha played a pivotal role with bat and ball in the visitors’ exciting 13-run win over the Durban High School first XI on Saturday.
The DHS seam bowlers thrived in the first 10-over power play, taking two early wickets to leave College in the precarious position of 28 for 2 after the 10 overs.
Maritzburg College first XI captain Van Zyl and batting partner Creedon Smith then worked hard in the difficult conditions to establish a 56-run partnership before Smith (24) was out on the stroke of morning tea, the College score 75 reading for 3 after the initial 25 overs.
Van Zyl then linked well after tea with the new batsman Bryn Brokensha, the pair putting on 63 for the 4th wicket before the skipper was out for a well-played 64 that was crafted under considerable pressure.
Brokensha had scored an unbeaten century (139 not out) for his club side the weekend before and built on that momentum. In partnership with the new batsman Luc Jacobs, Brokensha changed the momentum of the game in the closing overs, the pair adding 66 off 51 balls.
Brokensha batted intelligently, running well between the wickets and punishing any loose deliveries, his unbeaten 77 off 78 balls getting College to a defendable 226 for 6 in their 50 overs.
In reply, DHS got off to a great start, the opening partnership of 42 coming off 6 overs before Jacobs trapped an opening batsman in front and was rewarded with the umpire’s raised finger.
College coach Coutts reports that there was very little opportunity for his team in the
next 12 overs, the DHS batsmen punishing anything lose. The DHS second-wicket partnership had reached 65 before the Maritzburg College leg-spinner Chad Mason struck, the DHS total now reading 107 for 2.
At afternoon tea, the DHS first XI were in a comfortable position at a 136 for 2, needing 91
to win in 25 overs with 8 wickets in hand.
However, the introduction of Maritzburg College off-spinner James Wiggill slowed the scoring rate and it was Wiggill who made the vital breakthrough. That said, at 163 for 3 in the 32nd over, DHS were still in control of the outcome of this absorbing match, needing 64 off 18 overs with 7 wickets still in hand.
But it was College’s Caden Hohls who changed the game in the 38th over of DHS’s allotted 50, taking two wickets, both leg-before-wicket dismissals. The breakthrough spurred
the College team on, the Red Black & Whites knowing that the best way to win the game was to bowl DHS out.
From this point onwards, College never allowed the opposition batsmen to settle or any significant partnerships to develop. Brokensha returned to the bowling attack in the 39th over and continued where Hohls had left off, to pick up another wicket, the DHS run chase faltering from 181 for 3 to 181 for 6.
With the pressure now fully on the DHS lower-order batsmen, the College team upped a level with their fielding, not allowing DHS any easy singles.
However, coach Coutts reports that the College bowlers then lacked discipline and bowled far too many wides which allowed DHS to keep the scoreboard ticking over and in the process to go past the 200 mark.
But it was Brokensha who gained the decisive breakthrough by picking up wickets in the 43rd and 45th overs to put College back in control.
And it was Brokensha’s batting partner in the closing overs, Luc Jacobs who finished the game off in College’s favour by bowling out the last DHS batsman, for College to register a thrilling 13-run win.
First XI scores in brief
Maritzburg College 226 for 6 in 50 overs (Johnathan van Zyl 64, Bryn Brokensha 77*)
DHS 213 all out (Caden Hohls 3 -33, Bryn Brokensha 3-30)
Maritzburg College won by 13 runs
Maritzburg College U16A batsman Cameron Ferraz gets home safely during Saturday’s action on Goldstones as the ball flies harmlessly past the wickets. Photo credit Justin Waldman Sport Photography
Other Maritzburg College cricket results:
2nd XI DHS 76-7 (Mchunu 3-13)
2nd XI College 77-3 (Khumalo 41*)
College won by 7 wickets
4th College 71/6
4th DHS 57/9 (Sewpersad 3-8)
College won by 14 runs
Maritzburg College U16A 97/10
Hilton U16A 98/6
Maritzburg College lost by 4 wickets
Maritzburg College U16A College 132/7
DHS U16A 97/10
Maritzburg College won by 35 runs
College U16B 124-7 (Goslett 30, Tocknell 26*)
DHS 92 all out (Mornet 3-26, Armstrong 3-22)
College won by 33 runs
College U16B 63-5 (6/6) (J Knoetze 19, Warren 18*)
Hilton U16B 53-4 (6/6) (J Knoetze 2-3)
College won by 10 runs
DHS U16C 87/10 (Egberink 4-10 in 3 overs)
College U16C 90/6 (Ferguson 27)
College won by 4 wickets
College U15A 222 all out
DHS U15A 223/2
College lost by 8 wickets
DHS U15B 95/7
College U15B 96/3
College won by 7 wickets
DHS U15C 55/9 (20 overs)
College U15C 56/1 (6 overs)
College won by 9 wickets
DHS U15D 50 all out
College U15D 51/0
College won by 10 wickets after 6 overs
DHS U14A 73/4 (12 overs)
College U14A 59/3 (12 overs)
College lost by 14 runs
DHS U14B 88/8 (Jordaan 3-10, N Naidoo 3-22)
College U14B 89/3 (Schirge 35)
College won by 7 wickets
College U14E 119/1 (Clarke 50*)
DHS U14E 43/3
College won by 76 runs
Westville U14A cricket team setting the pace under coach Wayne Scott
With 4 wins from 4 outings the Westville U14A cricket team has enjoyed an enviable run of success in the first school term of 2022.
And their results have not gone unnoticed outside KZN with the team being highly regarded across the country in this particular age group.
You would be hard-pressed to find an U14A coach who has as much experience and know-how as Wayne Scott, who is clearly getting positive responses from his players.
Tyler Trenoworth assists Wayne with the Westville U14A coaching duties and the combination is bearing fruit in the team’s performances and long may this continue in 2022.
This past weekend the Westville U14A side beat Clifton by 7 wickets and prior to that beat Northwood by 7 wickets, Hilton by 11 runs and Maritzburg College by 90 runs.
Westville U14A scores in brief
Clifton 71/6
Westville 73/3 (McGough 35*)
Westville won by 7 wickets
Northwood 176 (De Bruin 55, Searle 53; Lottering 3-36)
Westville 177/3 (McGough 66*, Rasmussen 42)
Westville won by 7 wickets
Westville 112
Hilton 101 (Brooker 3-15)
Westville won by 11 runs
Westville 261 (McGough 56, Delvin 33, Baudach 48)
Maritzburg College 171 (McGough 4-25)
Westville won by 90 runs
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 basketballers’ 100% win record
Apart from the success Maritzburg College enjoyed in the MyLife Dusi Canoe marathon over the weekend, there was also much to savour on the Red Black and White basketball courts.
The Maritzburg College first basketball team won the U19 tournament that was hosted at the school, as well as emerging victorious in the concurrent U14 event.
Feature photo caption: College’s victorious U14 basketball team won all their matches and the junior section of College’s basketball tournament hosted this week.
Competing with 9 other schools, College won the U19 final 91-67 against Northwood while the Red Black and White’s U14A team beat their Northwood counterparts 50-36 in the U14 event’s final.
The Maritzburg College first team won their preliminary round matches in the U19 section by 95-55 over Kearsney College, by 111-18 against Linpark, by 61-13 versus Port Shepstone High School and by 92-67 against Westville Boys’ High.
Maritzburg College firsts beat St Charles College by 13 points (66-53) in the U19 semi-finals before prevailing in the title match as mentioned, 91-67 versus Northwood.
The Maritzburg College U14A team won all their preliminary round matches, 45-22 vs Westville, 63-8 versus Maritzburg Christian School, and 38-17 vs St Charles.
In the U14A semi-finals Maritzburg College beat Kearsney 48-37 before toppling Northwood U14A by 50-36 in that age-group’s final.
The 100% success record of the Maritzburg College basketballers in the week that was began earlier in the week when the boys in Red Black and White won all 7 matches that were played against St Nicholas and Carter High.
Those results
College 2nds 40 St Nicholas 1sts 8
College U16B 21 St Nicholas U16A 4
College U14B 19 St Nicholas U14A 4
And versus Carter – College 1st team won 68-28; the U16A won 65-6, the U15A won 66-1 and the U14A won 36-5.
Meanwhile, it was pretty tough going for the College seconds water polo team who finished 11th in the Logan Stanley 2nd Team Festival, although the last two matches ended with College taking the honours.
College 2nd team water polo results:
vs Northwood 2nds lost 13-0
vs Kearsney 2nds lost 9-8
vs Westville 2nds lost 7-2
vs St Charles 1sts lost 8-7
vs KES lost 8-5
vs Toti won 8-3
vs Glenwood won 9-2