This strike, only two minutes into the final, set Nqabalazulu on their way to the Kloof High Football Tournament Cup title.
Nqabakazulu captured the Cup at the Kloof High School Football Tournament on Sunday, beating HTS Louis Botha 3-0 in the final to lift the title in convincing fashion.
Nqabakazulu, who didn’t concede a single goal in their campaign, struck twice within the first five minutes to catch Louis Botha cold. Then, a late strike ensured the victory would go to the side from KwaMashu.
In the playoffs, they accounted for the KZN Inland champions, Carter High, winning 1-0, and they then ousted newcomers’ Virginia in a penalty shootout after the teams had played to a goalless draw.
The team from the northern Free State finished third and were good value for their 3-1 win over Maritzburg College in the third-place playoff. The KZN side struck first with a fantastic counterattacking goal, but they were kept on the back foot throughout the contest.
Virginia stretched Maritzburg College in the Cup’s third place playoff and came away with a 3-1 win.
Virginia impressed with their intensity and tough pressing, and they had the finishing to match their defensive excellence.
Throughout the tournament, they rained in the goals and were comfortably the highest scorers.
At the conclusion of the event, no side had more players included in the team of the tournament than Virginia. Their four included Lebohang Mobe, who was named the Player of the Tournament. He also received the Golden Boot Award after netting 12 times.
Not surprisingly, given that he didn’t give up a goal, Sibusiso Mkhize, of Nqabakazulu, was named the Goalkeeper of the Tournament.
In an enthralling Plate final, Paul Roos, trailing by two goals, scored twice in the last five minutes to force a penalty shootout against Pinetown.
The side from the Boland took it 3-2 from the spot after both ‘keepers pulled off fine saves.
Pinetown’s goalkeeper pulled off this spectacular save in their penalty shootout against Paul Roos, but the Western Cape side’s goalie stopped two Pinetown shots and they won the Shield.
Another team from the Western Cape claimed a title, with Rondebosch Boys’ High edging out Durban High School (DHS) from the spot in the Shield final after regulation time had finished 0-0.
Pietermaritzburg’s Linpark picked up the Spoon, defeating Maqhutshana 2-0 in an entertaining contest.
Props to Kloof High. Running a 32-team tournament is no easy task and they did a fantastic job of it.
TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT
Sello Mokhobo (Virginia), Khotso Maputsoe (Virginia), Mpho Khoarai (Virginia), Lebohang Mobe (Virginia), Tokollo Katleho (HTS Louis Botha), Diego Da Silva (Tuks Sport), Luke Forsyth (Tuks Sport), Sgcino Memela (Pinetown), Mazithi Qasha (Maritzburg College), Breydan Middleton (Maritzburg College), Nicholas Fillis (Paul Roos), Cade Gordon (Paul Roos), Thabiso Madlala (Westville), Kurt Rogers (Westville), Mthuthuko Mnguni (Carter), Andile Vilakazi (Nqabakazulu), Sibusiso Mkhize (Nqabakazulu)
RESULTS
Cup
Quarterfinals
Nqabakazulu 1-0 Carter
Virginia 3-0 Tuks Sport
Louis Botha 1 (6) – 1 (5) Westville
Maritzburg College 2 (3) – 2 (2) Glenwood
Semi-finals
Louis Botha 2 (3) -2 (2) Maritzburg College
Nqabakazulu 0 (5) – 0 (4) Virginia
An extraordinary winning try snatched a 26-25 victory for Hilton College over Michaelhouse on Meadows on Saturday.
For a second season in succession, the away team won both games, and for the second season in succession the cumulative scores of the great rivals were even.
Michaelhouse had won 24-23 on Gillfillan Field on 4 May and they appeared to be on course for their first season’s sweep since 2015 when they went 22-7 up with a try seven minutes into the second half on Saturday.
That try, scored by Connor McAlpine in the left-hand corner, came from a long-range counterattack. It was a rare exit from their half for Michaelhouse during the second stanza. Hilton, down 7-17 at the break, dominated possession and territory after half-time.
There’s an expression that goes “death by a thousand cuts”. In this instance, it was victory by a thousand busts.
Time and again, Hilton ground their way up the field with pick-and-goes, busting it up, putting dents into the Michaelhouse defence, occasionally cutting through, and, in the end, it got them within sight of ‘House. Then came that extraordinary winning try.
With three minutes to play, and with Michaelhouse hanging onto a 25-21 lead, ‘House flyhalf Luke Davidson sent a punt down to just outside of the Hilton 22. It was fielded by fullback Ivan Jjuuko, who broke inside from his left-hand touchline. Then, from midfield, about 15 metres inside his own half, he let fly with a long kick.
It came down about 10 metres shy of the home side’s try line and kept rolling over the try line and towards the left-hand corner. Three Michaelhouse players followed it into the in-goal area. The ball headed towards the dead-ball line.
Hilton left-wing Ricky Adonis kept chasing as Michaelhouse held off, waiting for the ball to cross the back line, which would give them a scrum from where Jjuuko had kicked the ball. Then, running parallel to the touchline, right wing Seb Gaboreau flashed through. He dived, right arm outstretched and forced the ball down as the Michaelhouse defenders looked on.
The assistant referee gave referee Aimee Barrett-Theron the thumbs-up. Gaboreau had grounded the ball mere centimetres from the whitewash.
Barrett-Theron quickly conferred with her assistant as the Hilton players celebrated in the corner. Then, she blew her whistle and confirmed the five-pointer. That proved to be the winning score. It’s why this game will long be remembered.
The vigorous support along the side of the field created a wall of sound throughout the contest.
Credit to Hilton, whose first try also came from some sharp thinking and finishing. It gave them an early 7-0 lead.
Their flyhalf Xola Bakana had made a hash of a drop goal attempt from inside the Michaelhouse 22. His low kick was charged down and ricocheted into the hosts’ possession.
Michaelhouse prop Aphiwe Shelembe dived on and secured the ball in front of the home team’s try line. When it emerged from the back of the ruck, as scrumhalf Jack Hughes went to pick it up, Hilton centre Daniel Sweeney, alertly, dived over the ruck and forced the ball down. It was in the in-goal area and the visitors were on the board.
This time Bakana’s kick was good, and Hilton led 7-0.
Stung, Michaelhouse responded well to the setback, quickly working their way deep into the Hilton half. From a five-metre scrum, they drove the ball up towards the Hilton try line. Then, in front of the posts, they received a penalty when Hanu Pieterse and company strayed offsides.
‘House opted for a kick at goal. Davidson knocked it over and the hosts were on the board.
Three minutes later, they took the lead. After a period of sustained attack, through six phases of play, they drew the Hilton defence in. Then, when the ball was swung to the left, fullback Aya Mkokheli sold a dummy and zipped between two defenders. Jjuuko brought him to ground, but as Mkokheli went down, he turned inside and popped the ball up for Connor McAlpine.
Loosehead prop Oliver Proudfoot hit him low, but the wing’s momentum carried him over the try line. Davidson, with an assist from the left upright, made it 10-7 to Michaelhouse.
Michaelhouse was playing with confidence and their play flowed. From the kick-off, some sharp handling from Shelembe put his captain Carlyle Hawkins into a gap.
The 8th-man charged up towards the Hilton 22. Then, when he was met by a would-be tackler, he passed around his left shoulder back to the inside, where Rourke O’Sullivan, cutting in, received the ball. He saw open space in front of him and raced through to score beneath the uprights. Another Davidson conversion made it 17-7.
Michaelhouse supporters throw their hands in the air in celebration as Rourke O’Sullivan crosses for Michaehouse’s second try.
After the break, Hilton was onto the attack early, but a spilled pass, just outside the Michaelhouse 22 created a counterattacking opportunity and the home team made it count.
They took the ball blind where Davidson found Mkokheli on his outside and the no. 15 accelerated through a gap after a slight show of the ball.
When Jjuuko confronted him on the Hilton 10-metre line, Mkokheli fed McAlpine, on his outside, and the left-wing stretched out his legs to make the dive for five in the left-hand corner.
With a 15-point lead, Michaelhouse was in a strong position.
Hilton reacted by rolling up their sleeves and relentlessly working the pick-and-go. They were almost in for a try, but Michaelhouse held them up. That was a temporary reprieve for the home side.
Pieterse drove off the back of the five-metre scrum and after a couple more charges at the line, Meyer Malherbe crashed over for a try. Bakana tacked on the extras to make the score 22-14.
Michaelhouse secured possession soon after the restart and forced their way into the Hilton 22, where they were stopped, but the visitors were pinged for going offsides and Davidson had an easy kick from almost directly in front of the posts. He popped it over and ‘House enjoyed an 11-point advantage after 45 minutes of play. Their half-time lead had increased by a point.
Hilton, trusting their game plan, stuck to it and surged onto the offensive. Again, after six phases of driving it up at the line with their forwards, Hilton was held up when over the whitewash.
Twice Hilton crossed the Michaelhouse try line but were held up.
Then, from a penalty five metres out, Hanu Pieterse was stopped just short of the line. A flat pass wide to the right picked out hooker Josh Grant. He dived low and hard and was over in the shadow of the uprights.
Bakana added two more points with the conversion, bringing the visitors to within four at 21-25.
For the next 15 minutes, there was no score. Then came that dramatic winner.
A charge down of an attempted clearance by Jjuuko in the second meeting of the teams in 2023 had helped Michaelhouse to a 18-15 win at Hilton. This time around it was Jjuuko’s boot which helped secure the win.
SCORES
Michaelhouse 25 (17) – Tries: Connor McAlpine (2), Rourke O’Sullivan; Conversions: Luke Davidson (2); Penalties: Luke Davidson (2). Hilton College 26 (7) – Tries: Daniel Sweeney, Meyer Malherbe, Josh Grant, Seb Gaboreau; Conversions: Xola Bakana (3).
Other Results:
u19 – Michaelhouse II 24 Hilton II 24; Michaelhouse III 28 Hilton III 22; Michaelhouse IV 50 Hilton IV 12; Michaelhouse V 26 Hilton V 7; Michaelhouse VI 57 Hilton VI 0; Michaelhouse VII 12 Hilton VII 17; Michaelhouse VIII 42 Hilton VIII 12
u16 – Michaelhouse A 20 Hilton A 19; Michaelhouse B 70 Hilton B 7; Michaelhouse C 50 Hilton C 0
u15 – Michaelhouse A 8 Hilton A 33; Michaelhouse B 56 Hilton B 5: Michaelhouse C 20 Hilton C 0; Michaelhouse D 45 Hilton D 5
u14 – Michaelhouse A 15 Hilton A 24; Michaelhouse B 7 Hilton B 12; Michaelhouse C 24 Hilton C 19; Michaelhouse D 50 Hilton D 7
The Punchbowl Astro crackled with electricity on Friday evening as Michaelhouse hosted Hilton College for their return 1st XI hockey fixture in front of a jam-packed crowd, which included both schools lining the entire length of the field.
There was also considerable support from old boys, parents, and learners from nearby girls’ schools. It made for a magnificent sight – the entire field was ringed by spectators – and set the stage for a superb showdown.
Michaelhouse had won at Hilton earlier in the season, shocking their more fancied opposition 3-2, so Hilton was determined to do the away trick, too. And they pulled it off, securing a 2-0 victory after a back-and-forth, rabidly contested match.
Hilton coach Damian Kimfley told SuperSport Schools Plus after the match: “The last game, we were quite disappointed. We had nine PCs compared to their two, and we just didn’t convert. Also, the emotion of the fixture at home, trying to protect the legacy, was part of it.
“Our main goal for today’s game was to control our emotions. The boys did it much better this time around. We followed the game plan. Everyone knew what they had to do.”
Hilton settled well, establishing a sound base and moving the ball confidently from side to side as they probed for chinks in the Michaelhouse defence while enjoying greater ball possession. They were rewarded with early success.
In the 10th minute, a ball played towards the Michaelhouse circle was nicely redirected towards Tino Hove, inside the D. He picked it up, pushed it wide onto his backhand and smashed a sweetly struck reverse stick shot into the far corner. A super strike and a well taken chance.
Michaelhouse defended well. They also enjoyed an advantage in the penalty corner count. But the game is decided by which team takes its chances better, and, on this occasion, Hilton mustered only two PCS, but they scored from the second one.
It was a straight shot from Grant Bridgeford, low and hard. The goalkeeper managed a half-stop, but the ball dribbled past him and over the line to extend the visitors’ lead to 2-0.
Although they didn’t score, Michaelhouse came very close on three occasions. Twice, they struck the woodwork, and this shot, which was deflected in front of goal, just passed over the top of the crossbar.
Michaelhouse mounted a furious finish and won themselves a number of short corners, but Hilton stood strong and kept them out, even though that required some help beyond that which was dished out by the players and the umpires. More about that later…
An aspect of the game that was pleasing to see was the use of the offensive overhead. Far too often one sees big throws simply to relieve pressure, but both teams threw some good attacking overheads for their players to run onto while the defences had to back-pedal, which also worked to pull them apart.
“They took their chances better than us,” Michaelhouse coach Nick Bérichon said after the game. “It was a game of moments. We hit the crossbar a couple of times, in the same play, which would have got us back to 1-2. Then, we had a number of corners, and we just couldn’t get the ball in the back of the net. They defended really well.”
Coach Kimfley agreed: “Defensively, I was very happy. Our ‘keeper was phenomenal,” he said.
On the other end of the park, he also saw reason to be happy: “Today, we were clinical. We took our chances. We had two PCs, we scored one. That was the difference. We needed to be clinical.”
While coming out on the wrong side of the result, especially in a big derby, hurts, Michaelhouse coach Bérichon couldn’t fault the effort his side put forth. “This group has immense character,” he said. “I couldn’t be prouder of their effort.
“Unfortunately, it wasn’t our evening, and well done to Hilton. I thought they played really good hockey. They got their two goals, deservedly, and then put in a good shift defensively, to keep us out. That’s what the game is about.”
Bérichon also expressed his delight with the huge crowd: “That was amazing. What an advert for the game!
“We are big fans of the Friday night games, and to have everyone out here and it’s absolutely packed, it is incredible for these youngsters to play in front of that. I know they enjoyed it, and we really appreciate the support.”
When Leo Muziva scored twice on 17 June 2023, Michaelhouse claimed victory at Hilton and split the season’s series. Hilton will chase an away win on Saturday, 15 June, to even the 2024 clashes.
When the Hilton College and Michaelhouse 1st XVs run out onto Meadow’s at 14:30 on Saturday afternoon, their records won’t be as pristine as those recorded by the 2023 teams, but those records may be misleading, and the stakes are undiminished.
When they did battle in 2023, it was in home and away meetings of the best teams in KwaZulu-Natal. They finished one-all on the season. In 2024, the label of KZN’s best, though, so far, belongs to Durban High School (DHS).
The event also serves to create awareness of, and to raise funds for, BravHER, a foundation established by Michaelhouse learners Makabongwe Mace, Nhlohlori Shikati and Tshiamo Boikhutso to assist underprivileged women and children. Click the banner above to learn more.
The great rivals have both lost more games than they would have expected this season, but they’ve been competitive in each and every one.
A 10-23 loss at DHS at the beginning of the month was ‘House’s biggest of 2024, but they’ve been within seven points or less in their other five defeats. In those losses, their negative points’ difference is just 19. Carlyle Hawkins and company are always in the game.
Hilton, meanwhile, also has one loss by double digits and it was one that stung. They led Westville 23-8 on Bowden’s on 25 May before going down to a 26-40 defeat. They’ve lost four other matches by a mere 11 points combined.
Before their 18-15 win on 17 June 2023, the Balgowan Boys had last won against their rivals almost exactly seven years previously, when they triumphed 21-17 on Meadows on 18 June 2016.
When it comes to Hilton vs Michaelhouse, there is always plenty to play for. The rivalry began in 1904 and when the red and white won at Hilton last year, they reached 100 victories before their rivals did. Now, in 2024, the record reads as follows: Michaelhouse 101 wins, Hilton College 95 wins, and 10 draws.
One has to go back to 1987 for the last draw, but, astoundingly, it happened in both matches that season, which ended 7 -7 and 9-9.
Heading into Saturday’s super showdown – it’s the only big derby game on the menu in KZN – Michaelhouse will be hurting after an upset 15-19 loss at Kearsney College last time out. The One-Stripe delivered an inspired performance on their Founders Day, but they might have done ‘House a favour.
Playing at home, with the bitter taste of that defeat still in their mouths, Michaelhouse will surely be chomping at the bit and intensely focussed on taking down Hilton again to get their season back onto a winning track. Playing with a chip on one’s shoulder can help lift a team to new heights.
Certainly, their win at Hilton earlier in the season was one of their better performances of the year. The match was already won when the home side scored in the last movement of the game to pull within a point.
Should they win, it would be the first time since 2015 that Michaelhouse completes the double over Hilton. That season, Michaelhouse was undefeated, playing 13 and winning 13.
The Craven Week team’s halfback pairing that year was Hilton captain Matt Dahl (scrumhalf) and Michaelhouse captain Bader Pretorius (flyhalf) – rivals and good friends. Both were named in the South African Schools A side.
Interestingly, that Michaelhouse team included lock Jordan Sesink-Clee, who made the Craven Week team, too. On Saturday, Dom Sesink-Clee will run out in the second row for ‘House, hoping to emulate his older brother.
From 2017 to 2022, it was all Hilton, who did the double each season. Michaelhouse, now, would love nothing more than to put together a streak of their own. They’ve made a start to it, but they’ll need to make sure the visitors don’t win for a fourth match in succession if they’re to build upon it.
Both teams draw inspiration from and feed off the examples set by their no. 8s and captains – Caryle Hawkins (Michaelhouse) and Hanu Pieterse (Hilton) – both of whom have been selected for the Sharks’ Craven Week squad.
Pieterse’s return to the starting lineup is a big boost for Hilton, who have a settled look to their lineup, but there is also a return to the right wing for Seb Gaboreau.
Michaelhouse puts out an unchanged team from the one that was upset by Kearsney on Stott Field.
It’s a simple maxim but they’ll know Saturday’s clash will be decided by which team makes better use of its opportunities. At Kearsney, Michaelhouse had ample opportunities to score but their finishing was not up to scratch. Fix that, and a season’s sweep could be their reward.
Saturday’s 1st XV game, and the u15A match, will be refereed by Aimee Barrett-Theron. She is the first professional female rugby referee in South Africa and one of only three in the world.
Barrett-Theron was the first South African woman to referee Varsity Cup, Currie Cup, Super Rugby and the URC.
She is the highest capped women’s test referee in the world and has refereed at an impressive array of prestigious international tournaments, including the Rio Olympics (2016), the Commonwealth Games (2018), and the Women’s Rugby World Cup (2017 and 2021).
Barrett-Theron has a Masters’ degree in Sports Science and is a qualified biokineticist, running her own practice in Cape Town.
TEAMS
Michaelhouse
15 Aya Mkokheli, 14 Lwandle Nzama, 13 Rourke O’Sullivan, 12 Tom Baguley, 11 Connor McAlpine, 10 Luke Davidson (vc), 9 Jack Hughes, 8 Carlyle Hawkins (c), 7 Robert Combrinck, 6 Riley Gehren, 5 Dominic Sesink-Clee, 4 Alexander Ardé, 3 Koketso Bopape, 2 Oliver Davis, 1 Aphiwe Shelembe
Hilton College
15 Ivan Jjuuko, 14 Sebastian Gaboreau, 13 Rukudzo Madinga, 12 Daniel Sweeney, 11 Requilme Adonis, 10 Xola Bakana, 9 Zander Vorster, 8 Hanu Pieterse, 7 Meyer Malherbe, 6 Stewart Falconer, 5 Kieran Hunter, 4 Trent Chubb, 3 Ben le Roux, 2 Josh Grant, 1 Oliver Proudfoot
St Charles’ scrumhalf Matthew Fick created a superb try, which gave St Charles the halftime lead at Hilton College. Photo: Justin Waldman Sports Photography
Hilton College and St Charles delivered an entertaining clash on Saturday on Gilfillan Field, with the contest producing 78 points and a 44-34 Hilton victory.
It could have gone the other way, but two intercept tries in the second half, both scored by Rukudzo Madinga, hurt the visitors.
Add to that a charge-down try, also in the second stanza, scored by Daniel Sweeney, and Saints were burned by a number of unforced errors.
They led 17-10 at the break, having trailed 0-10 after only 10 minutes. A try just before the halftime whistle, though, gave them a seven-point advantage, and it was a cracker.
Scrumhalf Matthew Fick made a scything break from a lineout variation only 10 metres from the St Charles’ try line. He raced up the left-hand touchline, then cut inside, making it to the middle of the field, on the halfway line, before handing off to Salmaan Mohammed, on his outside.
The pacy fullback took it up to the Hilton 22, but when he was caught by the cover defence, he popped a pass into the hands of Rashied Isaacs and the centre handed off a despairing tackle attempt from Ivan Jjuuko to score a spectacular try.
Hilton responded quickly in the second half, firstly through a penalty from flyhalf Xola Makongola and then from a try, scored by no. 8 Emmanuel Danwah, after Hilton had battered their way towards the Saints’ try line with a series of pick-and-goes.
Shortly after that, Dankwah made a searing blindside break off the back of a scrum close to Hilton’s try line. He powered through an attempted tackle as he sprinted up the right flank. Then, he angled back inwards before passing to fullback Ivan Jjuuko, on his outside, on the halfway line.
Jjuuko was stopped in the Hilton 22, but the ball was quickly made available and four phases later Makongola rounded off a wonderful counterattack in the left corner.
An Ntsangani penalty brought St Charles to within five points, but Madinga then struck with the first of his intercept tries. He was over under the uprights and the seven points opened up a 32-20 advantage for the home team.
Soon, Hilton was back in the Saints’ 22. The visitors turned over possession, but a crunching tackle by Trent Chubb put them under pressure at a ruck. When St Charles attempted a touch-finder, the kick was charged down, and Daniel Sweeney was quickly onto the loose ball to tack on another try for Brad Mcleod-Henderson’s charges.
St Charles found a reply from close range after forcing their way into the Hilton 22 when Okhule Peti charged onto a flat ball from scrumhalf Fick and bashed his way over the tryline.
In a tough break for the visitors, Madinga, then, pulled off his second interception try of the contest. Again, he dotted down under the posts, and that meant a 14-point swing in the contest, which was truly game-changing.
To their credit, St Charles kept pressing until the end and they were rewarded with another try when Peti powered through a would-be tackler and went over to the right of the posts. Ntsangani kept up his perfect conversion record and it ended in a 10-point win for Hilton.
The second term’s rugby action in KZN is almost done, except for the rather significant match set for Meadows in Balgowan on Saturday. It’s the second Hilton vs Michaelhouse clash of 2024 and it will stand alone in the spotlight.
SCORES
Hilton College 44 (10) – Tries: Rukudzo Madinga (2), Khazimla Makali, Emmanuel Dankwah, Xola Makongola, Daniel Sweeney; Conversions: Xola Makongola (4); Penalties: Xola Makongola (2). St Charles College 34 (17) – Tries: Okuhle Peti (2), Ukhanyo Ntsangani, Rashied Isaacs; Conversions: Ntsangani (4); Penalties: Ntsangani (2).
Other Results
u19 – Hilton II 45 St Charles II 7; Hilton III 37 Linpark I 10; Hilton IV 35 St Charles III 7; Hilton V 29 St Charles IV 5; Hilton VII 10 St Charles V 27
u16 – Hilton A 38 St Charles A 14; Hilton B 22 St Charles B 12; Hilton C 22 KZN Development 10
u15 – Hilton A 12 St Charles A 6; Hilton B 22 St Charles B 19; Hilton C 17 Linpark A 49
u14 – Hilton A 41 St Charles A 7; Hilton B 22 KZN Development 19; Hilton C 14 St Charles B 19
A spectacular try by Daniel Eager, Kearsney’s third, was just enough to secure victory for the One-Stripe over Michaelhouse on their Old Boys’ Day.
Kearsney College, beaten by 15 points on Meadows earlier in the season, returned the favour when Michaelhouse visited Stott Field on Saturday, delighting their alumni on Old Boys’ Weekend, with a gutsy 19-15 victory.
Kearsney coach Neil van Heerden commented afterwards: “During the week, we said that Old Boys’ Weekend always gives Kearsney a superpower, something extra, and I think we saw that today.
“Michaelhouse is a fantastic team, with stacks of talent, but they couldn’t get their game going today. Credit to the Kearsney boys.”
The One-Stripe, from the moment they charged onto the field, certainly appeared to be raring to engage in a physical battle, and it was their tireless work rate, the manner in which they contested every ball, that was the key to their win, which was a third on the trot.
“If you’re going to beat a team like ‘House, a phenomenal team, you’ve got to make them uncomfortable and you’ve got to get them out of their system, whether it is in the ruck or the lineout or the scrum,” Van Heerden said.
And speaking of the scrums, he lauded the performance of the Kearsney captain, tighthead Anele Cele: “I think Anele, after not making Craven Week, had a point to prove, and he showed that he can scrum against the best,” Van Heerden reckoned.
As so often happens in games, though, winning was also about which side made better use of its opportunities. Three times Michaelhouse mauled their way right up to the Kearsney try line and three times they were halted, and the scrum went to hosts. Kearsney, early in the second half, struck from a similar position near the ‘House whitewash to take the lead, which they held until the end of the game.
Not even an ankle injury to one of their stars of the 2024 season, flank Connor McIntyre, which forced him from the field in the first half, halted the One-Stripe’s momentum.
“Credit must go to Heinrich Fourie, who has been part of the first team and lost his way a little bit and played for the 2nd XV in the last two or three games. He came on [for Connor McIntyre] and made a good impact,” Van Heerden said. “He stood tall, and that’s also indicative of the type of team that this is. Even with setbacks, they haven’t taken a step back.”
Michaelhouse took the game to Kearsney but were repeatedly repelled by the home team’s smothering and hearty defensive effort.
It was Michaelhouse, however, who opened the scoring in the sixth minute and the efficient and clinical manner in which they did so suggested that it might be a long day for the home side.
It began with a counterattack from fullback Aya Mkokheli, from inside the Michaelhouse half. Once he was stopped, the ball was shipped to the right, through three phases, before it was brought back to the left, where ‘House had a two-man overlap.
Kearsney scrambled well, and Mkokheli, having joined the backline, sold a dummy and cut infield. He was tackled, but as he went down Riley Gehren was ranging up on his inside. He took a pop pass and the path to the try line was open. Luke Davidson converted the try and Carlyle Hawkins and his men led 7-0.
Kearsney responded well and surged up into the Michaelhouse half after Cameron Veenstra sliced through the visitors’ defensive line with a well-judged angled run. They soon came close to scoring, but a chip and chase from right wing Valentino Lenge was slightly too strong and he narrowly failed to dot down.
In the 18th minute, with Michaelhouse on the attack, the visitors quickly created an overlap from a lineout just outside the Kearsney 22. Seeing that, flyhalf Davidson went for a skip pass, but Lenge read it perfectly, racing up out of the line to snare an interception and turn on the jets to scorch his way to a try. If he hadn’t pulled it off, three ‘House players were outside of him, and they could well have been in for a second try.
Cameron Veenstra knocked over the conversion kick to level the scores at 7-7, which was where it remained at halftime.
Three minutes into the second half, a pinpoint touch-finder put Kearsney on Michaelhouse’s five-metre line, with a throw-in. The take was clean.
As the ball was brought down, Doan Nel began speeding towards the maul, at an angle and from a distance. The ball was taken off the back of the maul and released flat to Nel, who took a small step off his left foot, and he was across the line for a try. Another Veenstra conversion put Kearsney 14-7 ahead.
A dive for five early in the second half by Doan Nel took Kearsney seven points clear of Michaelhouse.
Good team that they are, Michaelhouse took it in their stride and worked their way down into Kearsney’s 22, moving the ball from side to side to test out the host’s defences out wide. First, they went left, then right, then left again, and it paid off. ‘House’s Craven Week prop Aphiwe Shelembe rounded the defence to crash over about 12 metres to the left of the uprights.
It was a simple conversion, but Kearsney’s defenders raced off the line to snatch the ball off the kicking tee when they thought Michaelhouse kicker Luke Davidson had moved. The referee agreed with them, and the visitors still trailed by two points.
From the kick-off, the One-Stripe turned over possession and Kuda Kachambwa charged away from the ruck, into the Michaelhouse 22. Kearsney drove it up once more, heading towards the uprights, before the ball was sent back to flyhalf Roydan Madatt.
The Michaelhouse defence had been drawn in and the no.10 knocked a cross kick out wide to the right. It wasn’t perfect, but it was not too far off.
The fact that it was a touch heavy led to a spectacular one-handed grab from fullback Daniel Eager, who leapt high, stretched out his right arm and hauled in the ball, preventing it from going over the touchline. Then he was over in the corner with a dive worthy of the spectacular play.
Michaelhouse had almost 15 minutes to pull it back. Again, they ground their way down into Kearsney’s 22.
When ‘House won a penalty, right in front of the uprights, they opted for a kick at goal, with 10 minutes still on the clock. Davidson knocked it over and only four points separated the sides.
Michaelhouse kept taking the game to Kearsney, but Cele and company defended tigerishly, once more turning a Michaelhouse maul towards their try line into a Kearsney scrum.
With Carlyle Hawkins and his cohorts on the attack and time up, Kearsney was awarded a penalty at scrum time. A kick to touch sealed a memorable win for the school and its Old Boys.
Kearsney College 19 (7) – Tries: Valentino Lenge, Doan Nel, Daniel Eager; Conversions: Cameron Veenstra (2). Michaelhouse 15 (7) – Tries: Riley Gehren, Aphiwe Shelembe. Conversion: Luke Davidson. Penalty: Luke Davidson.
Other Results
u19 – Kearsney II 15 Michaelhouse II 28; Kearsney III 24 Michaelhouse III 43; Kearsney IV 7 Michaelhouse IV 17; Kearsney V 6 Michaelhouse V 12; Kearsney VI 15 Michaelhouse VI 22; Kearsney VII 5 Michaelhouse VII 36; Kearsney VIII 17 Michaelhouse VIII 32
u16 – Kearsney A 13 Michaelhouse A 23; Kearsney B 14 Michaelhouse B 83; Kearsney C 0 Michaelhouse C 48; Kearsney D 0 Michaelhouse D 57
u15 – Kearsney A 21 Michaelhouse A 17; Kearsney B 40 Michaelhouse B 29; Kearsney C 19 Michaelhouse C 17; Kearsney D 14 Michaelhouse D 34
u14 – Kearsney A 29 Michaelhouse A 14; Kearsney B 7 Michaelhouse B 35; Kearsney C 26 Michaelhouse C 12
Sharks’ Craven Week no. 8, Carlyle Hawkins, will lead Michaelhouse at Kearsney on Saturday.
On Saturday, Michaelhouse runs out onto Stott Field to face Kearsney College, with the challenge from the home side appearing to be a lot stiffer than it looked not too long ago.
Catch the action on DStv Channel 216
After a good start to the season, the One-Stripe found themselves on the wrong end of the result eight times in succession. Admittedly, every one of those games was against strong opposition. But both winning and losing can become habits.
Thankfully, for Kearsney, they’ve recently reversed that losing trend. Part of the reason has to do with the fact that have an outstanding leader in Anele Cele, and the fact that the team has not once lost the typical Kearsney fighting spirit despite the deflating nature of defeats.
They returned to winning ways two weeks ago with a particularly meaningful victory over Glenwood, which was their first against the Green Machine since 2013, and they did it in Durban, too. It was an impressive performance, which underlined the fact that scoring points has not been an issue for Kearsney. In fact, in the five games preceding it, their lowest haul had been 19 points, against Michaelhouse.
It was close on Dixon’s, with Kearsney winning 25-22, but it was a game they attacked positively, playing without fear of failure, and they were rewarded.
The following week, against Clifton at the Riverside Sports Club, Anele Cele and company showed what an injection of confidence can do as they ran up a 28-0 halftime lead, on their way to a convincing 48-0 victory.
Kearsney’s impressive performances in the set pieces were what set the One-Stripe up for victory over Clifton, but Michaelhouse is going to be a tougher challenge. Earlier this season, on Meadows, ‘House claimed a 34-19 victory over Kearsney.
Last weekend, in the cauldron of Van Heerden’s Field, on Durban High School’s (DHS) Founders Day, they gave the Horseflies, the best team in KZN so far this season, a very tough game before going down 10-23.
There’s a change to the Michaelhouse line-up for Saturday, though, that catches the eye. They welcome back their captain and Craven Week no. 8, Carlyle Hawkins, who like his opposite number is also the Head of School. He’s a force on both offence and defence, an all-rounder who consistently delivers excellence as a player and as the captain of the side.
His return gives ‘House its regular loose trio of Hawkins, Robert Combrinck and Riley Gehren, and they function superbly as a unit. That’s a real boost for the visitors. Alex Arde, who ran out at flank at DHS, in Hawkins’ absence, takes up position in the second row, alongside Dom Sesink Clee.
There’s also a change in the front row, with Koketso Bopape starting at tighthead.
Maybe the most interesting change takes place at fullback, where Aya Mkokheli, who has spent the season out on the wing, pulls on the no. 15 jersey. He’s a speed merchant with considerable counterattacking prowess, which has brought him some impressive tries this season. Will he be able to provide Michaelhouse with even more punch from the back?
The margins, one imagines, are going to be tighter in this second meeting of the sides in 2024, especially with Kearsney entering the contest with a couple of wins in the bag and playing at home. Michaelhouse, though, is a well-balanced outfit, and they’re never out of a game.
It’s a tough one to call, although the edge, based on the season’s record, belongs to the visitors. However, playing on Stott Field levels the playing field. In 2023, Michaelhouse, who lost only once all season, won by just three in Botha’s Hill, edging the game 23-20.
Kearsney College vs Michaelhouse on Stott Field at 15:00
Saturday’s showdown on Gilfillan Field between Hilton College and St Charles College has become ever more interesting as the season has unfolded. That has more to do with the visitors than the hosts.
Catch the action on DStv Channel 216
Saints opened their season with a visit to the Cape and took down Milnerton in their opener. At first glance, that didn’t appear to be an important result. However, subsequent away wins by Milnerton at Rondebosch Boys’ High and Bishops have changed the way that result has been viewed.
Under Craig Dwyer, Saints are playing exciting rugby, and while depth could be an issue if they have to deal with injuries, they have remained relatively fit and will present Hilton with a searching examination on Saturday. And they will put the same XV into the field once again.
It was only on the final whistle that College scored in the corner to seal the deal last Saturday, and that should serve to show that Hilton remains a formidable challenge; College has lost only once at home in the past two seasons.
Often, Hilton is viewed as a grind-it-out kind of team, but that’s not fair. They rustled up two outstanding long-range scores against Maritzburg College, and they have plenty of gas in their backline to challenge anybody.
They have been a tad inconsistent this season, but their 2024 results include six wins in succession before Michaelhouse sneaked a 24-23 win on Gilfillan Field on 4 May. And among those victories are defeats of Boland Landbou, Grey High School, and Hoërskool Nelspruit.
The contrast of styles, with Hilton preferring a tighter game, with a greater focus on playing the game in the right areas, should make for a fascinating duel.
If Hilton gets their tactical kicking right, they will be tough to stop. However, if they don’t, St Charles has the runners to make them pay. Fullback Salmaan Mohammed is one of the most exciting and effective counterattacking no. 15s in the game.
One battle within the battle to keep an eye on will be that between the scrumhalves, Xander Vorster, of Hilton College, and Matthew Fick, of St Charles College. Both present strong physical challenges.
Vorster dotted down twice last week against Maritzburg College, thanks to his strong support running and strength, but he will find, in Fick, probably the strongest number nine on defence in the province, and one of the best in the country.
Fick was named in the Sharks’ Craven Week squad for a second year in succession for good reason. He has been outstanding all season long and delivers all round excellence week in and week out.
Sadly, for Hilton, they will be without their captain Hanu Pieterse again. That is a setback. However, it is a rare luxury that they have a player of the calibre of Emmanuel Dankwah to take his place.
The set scrums will be an interesting area of contestation. St Charles dominated up front against Glenwood and, in fact, they opened their scoring from a tighthead deep inside the Green Machine’s 22. Will they be able to gain the upper hand against Hilton, too?
Playing at home, the odds tilt Hilton’s way, but it would not be a surprise if they find their hands full against St Charles on Saturday.
Hilton College vs St Charles College, Gilfillan Field at 14:30
Hilton College
15 Ivan Jjuuko, 14 Rukudzo Madinga, 13 Khazimla Makali, 12 Daniel Sweeney, 11 Ricky Adonis, 10 Xola Bakana, 9 Xander Vorster, 8 Emmanuel Dankwah, 7 Meyer Malherbe, 6 Stewart Falconer, 5 Kieran Hunter, 4 Trent Chubb, 3 Ben le Roux, 2 Dylan Neill, 1 Oliver Proudfoot
St Charles College
15 Salmaan Mohammed, 14 Athenkosi Qumo, 13 Rashied Isaacs, 12 Okuhle Peti, 11 Matthew Ludick, 10 Ukhanyo Ntsangani, 9 Matthew Fick, 8 Stefan Landsman, 7 Sam Odell, 6 Lazola Makaula, 5 Reece Curtain, 4 Raphael Ajibade, 3 Christian Allardice, 2 Marlon Mbewe, 1 Lutho Mrwata
St Mary’s DSG became the winners of the inaugural St Anne’s Cupin May, annexing the title in emphatic fashion against a classy eight-team field. With captain Georgia Pollock pulling the strings, the Kloof side outplayed St Mary’s Waverley champions’ Durban Girls’ College 4-0 in the final.
Pollock was named the Midfielder of the Tournament. Her teammate, Cassandra Forbes, was named the Defender of the Tournament.
“The St Anne’s Cup was insane!” Pollock recently told SuperSport Schools Plus. “Being here in the primary school, hockey was always a big thing, and you look at Oranje Meisies and Eunice, and those are the teams. This was the first time in my high school career that I’ve played either of those sides.
“My team played them at St Mary’s Waverley. I got to watch. This was the first time I had played a Free State team, and then we beat them, which was surreal.
“Having a Durban derby game in the final was also kind of cool. Winning… I felt it could go either way. Obviously, last time they beat us 3-2 [in a league match, which Pollock missed with an injury]. I think everyone played out of their socks.
“That was a huge highlight because we went unbeaten throughout the tournament. It felt like we played a really good brand of hockey.”
Pollock, who made the SA Schools team in 2023 and also represented the SA u17 side at the Mirnawan Cup in Malaysia last year, where they finished fourth, missed out on the St Mary’s Waverley Tournament early in April because she had suffered an injury on a pre-season tour of the Netherlands. It was tough sitting on the side, watching her teammates in action.
Even without the influential midfielder, St Mary’s DSG placed sixth in the elite 32-team field. “They were all very sweet to me and said how they had missed me. But I think they did incredibly without me. I will give them credit for that, but it was kind of sad to watch from the side,” Pollock said.
Playing against Eunice for a first time at the St Anne’s Cup and helping St Mary’s DSG to a 3-2 win over the Bloemfontein powerhouse was a big highlight of 2024, Georgia Pollock said.
“I felt like they could have used more legs when I wasn’t there, because they had to fill so many other roles. I felt bad for them, because that is quite tiring.”
It’s those physical demands of hockey that fuel Pollock. Describing what she likes about the game, she said: “I love the athleticism of it, and how you are always running around. There’s always something new to learn, like a new skill. I love that it is a team sport, and that you make friends through it.”
That’s something that jumps out when watching the 2024 St Mary’s first team in action: they’re an excellent team, but a big part of the reason appears to be the spirit in the side. They have fun and they enjoy each other’s company. Friends? Definitely. But, for Pollock, it goes even deeper than that.
“It is very cringe or cliché, but they feel like your sisters, which is so nice, because on and off the field you know that they have your back. It’s not just about hockey. They can tell when you’re having a bad day, and it helps how they treat you on the field and off, so that’s nice,” she explained.
If they are a happy bunch of sisters, much of that stems from Pollock’s leadership, which she described as “democratic”, and that healthy atmosphere also comes from the example that she sets.
“I like to get everyone’s opinion and perspective, even about small things, like what colour we’re wearing on the day. I would say I am open minded and approachable,” Pollock said.
That leadership, too, is evident in the way she plays the game. There are many different types of midfielders, but Pollock describes herself as “a distributor”. Once she shares that description, watching her in action, the crucial role she plays in the team becomes clear.
Pollock makes the players around her better. That’s the mark of a special player. She’s not flashy, but she’s the oil that greases the machine for St Mary’s DSG.
Driving forward and putting St Mary’s on the attack against Danville Park Girls’ High School.
The school has been her home through primary and high school days, and she’s moved up the ranks with three other members of the first team: Anna Birt, Alex Bowyer and Courtney Stewart. Many of the other first team players moved to St Mary’s when it came time to choose a high school, so that they could benefit from the established excellence of the hockey programme.
Included among those later additions are Cassandra Forbes, who was in the SA u17 team with Pollock in Malaysia, and Elizabeth Anderson, who regularly finishes tournaments as the top goal scorer. Earlier this year, at the u21 Inter-Provincial Tournament, she, as usual, topped the scoring charts.
There have always been outstanding players at St Mary’s who have inspired her, Pollock said: “Watching them play, they were huge inspirations. I have a sister, Jemma, who is older, so in her year she had Cerian Fourie, Dani de Oliveira, and Hannah Breytenbach. They were all huge inspirations and knowing them on a personal level made it that much more incredible.
The culture, and the manner in which St Mary’s approached the game, was very appealing, also: “I think something about all of them is that none of them seemed to be selfish. They were all team players and then had one aspect that you could look at, like Cailynn Den Bakker, look at how she runs on the field, and that work ethic, and it’s like ‘Wow, I want to incorporate that’.
“It felt like St Mary’s really nurtured everyone’s individuality but played together as a team, which was so appealing, and something that we all admired.”
There has also been a long list of excellent coaches to help advance Pollock and her team-mates’ hockey education. “I’ve been very fortunate to have so many good coaches,” she said. “Even now, [Director of Hockey] Mrs [Caryn]Springate walks past, and just knowing what she did for the country, and how she had 99 caps, very cool!
“Kelly Reed, as well, Cam Mackay, Carla Mackay, Nolwazi “Chicken” Nkabinde, Keegan Pearce, for club hockey, has been incredible.
“Even with indoor, I have been really blessed to have people who have played for the country, and their technical skills, or just the way they play as a team. All of them have left a mark on me in their own unique way.”
Ever the leader, she nervously laughed: “I don’t want to leave anyone out! ”
Georgia Pollock fires off a shot in a KZN league match against Danville Park Girls’ High School.
Since she was u12, Pollock has been a regular representing KZN Coastal at provincial level. Last year, she helped the SA u18 side win one and draw one against the SA u21 team. Then, visiting Malaysia, playing in the green and gold, was special.
“It was so cool. Even the cultures mixing together, because then you really feel like you are taking a part of your country with you, which is really fun.
“Having the kit at home is always a nice little reminder of what you can achieve, and why you play the game, to get to that level, and just to have fun and explore.”
This year, at the SASHOC National Week, the KZN team will be primarily made up of players from St Mary’s DSG and Durban Girls’ College, with each school providing six players. There’s a strong bond between the players from the two schools, Pollock explained, which will be a huge benefit to the side’s challenge for the overall honours.
“I have been fortunate that we have always played together. They feel like sisters. We have this odd tradition, whenever we play them, we tend to always meet afterwards, or have something planned for after our game. Even when we are playing, we will have conversations with each other on the field. We are friends throughout.”
She’s optimistic that 2024 could be KZN Coastal’s year to go all the way. “Very excited,” she smiled, “because we have been together for so long. We know how each other plays. Hopefully, this will be our strongest year. In u16, we were in the final, but we came second. Hopefully, this year we can win.”
Throughout her hockey-playing days, the foundation for her success, Georgia Pollock revealed, has been the support of her parents, dad Shaun and mom Trish. What kind of sports’ parent is the cricket legend, SuperSport Schools Plus wondered?
“Honestly, I couldn’t ask for better. I think the way that he and my mom work together has been such a blessing for me. I think he’s really got my best interests at heart.
“Because he’s been in the game, he knows the mental side and what the sport requires of you. He’s been so nice, especially being my dad, first and foremost, and then when I’m looking for advice, he’s always willing to give it.
“He’s built an Astro in our garden, which is just beyond! I’m sure it’s the little boy inside of him, getting quite excited just to have the sporting facilities. He’s been incredible.”
Northwood flyhalf Siya Nkosi performed superbly against Westville to help his team to a narrow victory away from home.
Westville vs Northwood
Westville Boys’ High welcomed Northwood to Bowden’s Field on Saturday for a showdown between exciting and in-form teams.
With home ground advantage, the Griffin might have fancied their chances, but the Knights made themselves at home from the first whistle to race into a stunning lead.
The contest began with both teams probing for territory with the boot. Then, Westville tried to attack down the left-hand touchline, but good defence saw Lian Terblanche turn over possession. When the ball was sent to flyhalf Siya Nkosi, he had summed up the situation in the blink of an eye, and sent a low, pinpoint kick out to Northwood’s left-hand touchline, where it was fielded by Ramatuku Sikhakhane.
He hit the gas, drew Jade-Will Koopman, the last defender, and put Carlos Lovell, on his outside, over in the corner, with a spectacular dive. One minute had been played.
Just two minutes later, Westville found themselves under massive pressure, thanks to a good kick and chase from Jed Mun-Gavin. His opposite number, Westville scrumhalf Ryan Pistor, was trapped in possession behind the try line, but the Griffin, either bravely or foolishly, kept the ball alive, shifting it left as a wave of Northwood defenders bore down on them.
Three passes were made behind the whitewash before Koopman moved a couple of metres over the line. He was blown up, though, for holding onto the ball at a ruck.
Mun-Gavin tapped quickly and, after an initial prod at the home team’s pack, the ball was let go down the backline to the left. Lovell, with a sweet show and step, went over for his second five-pointer, and the visitors had opened up a 10-point advantage.
They had momentum on their side, and they were playing the game in the right areas of the field.
Driving hard, deep inside the Westville 22, they were stopped just short of the try line. Mun-Gavin fed Nkosi, at flyhalf. He released the ball to Bongane Khumalo, who stabbed a beautifully judged grubber through the fast-closing defensive line. Fullback Aphiwe Buthelezi chased the ball, it sat up perfectly, and he made a dive for five.
A successful conversion kick had Northwood in charge, up 17-0 in the 17th minute.
The home team, at last, found a response six minutes later, and it was a special reply. Jadrian Afrikaner fielded a high up and under. As he caught the ball, he was tackled, but he managed to lay it off around his left shoulder, where Zekhethelo Siyaya was charging up. He raced down the sideline for about 40 metres before passing inside to centre Michael Satade, just outside the Northwood 22.
Turning on the afterburners, Satade angled back outside, rounding two men before he was cut down from behind. He had momentum on his side, however, and he was over for a try.
A penalty brought the score to Westville 8, Northwood 17 at the break.
Early in the second half, the exciting Jade-Will Koopman stepped his way over the Knights’ try line after a period of sustained pressure from the hosts.
The visitors responded well, driving their way deep into Westville territory. They were stopped from breaching the whitewash, but they had earned a penalty in front of the posts, barely 10 metres out, and the easy kick put them seven points clear.
Westville, though, had upped their game since getting themselves into a 0-17 hole, and they stormed back at Northwood.
Just before the hour-mark, flyhalf Unathi Mlotshwa hit Wandile Simelane with a fantastic flat pass, just inside the Northwood 10m line. He pinned his ears back, showing off his speed, just as he had done in scoring a long-range try against KES, and he was over beneath the uprights again.
The simple conversion kick from Mlotshwa levelled the scores at 20-20.
It didn’t take long for Westville to make their way deep into the Knights’ half once more. Flank, Brandon Eke, joined the backline on the blindside, creating an overlap, which opened up space for left wing Jadrian Afrikaner. The Sharks’ Craven Week selection was brought down just shy of the try line, with two defenders dragging him to the ground.
The Griffin, then, hit it up twice in succession, with a behind the back pass back to the inside picking out Jeshua Ferreira, who crashed over for five more, and another successful conversion put Westville 27-20 up. Since falling 0-17 behind, they had outscored the Knights 27-3, but the visitors were not done, and they demonstrated their character as they found a response.
It came with four minutes to play, from a lineout close to the Westville try line. A clean take and a concerted drive at the line splintered the Westville defence and Northwood was over. Savio Stevens, on as a substitute, coolly split the uprights with his conversion kick.
With a minute remaining, there was a scrum on the centre spot. Westville had enjoyed the better of the set pieces during the match, and they got the shove on Northwood. The referee, however, penalised the home side for scrumming inwards.
Quick as a flash, scrumhalf Mun-Gavin took the tap. He made some ground but was brought down. Westville, though, hadn’t retreated 10 metres and the referee awarded the penalty again. This time, though, it was on the Westville 10m line, within range of Stevens’ boot.
His aim was true, and Northwood had edged in front 30-27. From the kick-off, the visitors claimed possession, made ground through the midfield, and then flyhalf Siya Nkosi knocked the ball into the Northwood supporters, knowing the final whistle would sound with that last move.
It was another superb win for coach Jacques Deen‘s charges, who have done a fantastic job all season of rising to the challenges thrown their way. They won at Hilton, they drew with DHS, widely regarded as the best team in KZN, and on Saturday they claimed a hard-fought victory over the high-flying Griffin.
DHS might be number one, but Northwood has made a very strong case that they’re next in the provincial standings this season.
Glenwood vs St Charles College
The St Charles 1st XV of 2024 wrote their names into the record books on Saturday with a 32-19 victory against Glenwood, the first for the Pietermaritzburg school over the Green Machine since 1942. And it came on Dixon’s, Glenwood’s home ground.
The visitors showed no concern for past records, nor for their opponent’s vaunted reputation, and were full value for their 32-19 win.
They’re a team that thrives on running rugby, playing confidently with the ball in hand, and with some outstanding difference-makers, who truly showed their skills last season in sevens, when Saints made a big impact.
St Charles’ scrumhalf Matthew Fick, who will represent the Sharks at the Craven Week for a second year in succession in 2024, was a key contributor to Saints’ historic win at Glenwood.
It took them less than three minutes to get onto the board. Their exciting lock, Raphael Ajibade, took a pass from a ruck. Yet, instead of the typical South African approach of bashing it up to suck in the defence, he immediately passed out to his right, just as the defenders had begun to converge on him.
Saints made ground up into the Glenwood 22 down the right, then brought the ball back to the left. Glenwood, though, won a put-in beneath the shadow of their posts. The visitors, however, as would happen throughout the contest, put the Green Machine into reverse. On this occasion, it won them a tighthead.
A long pass out to the right from scrumhalf Matthew Fick put Saints wide of the Glenwood defence and they were on their way.
Five times, St Charles crossed for tries, with Ukhanyo Ntsangani, Okuhle Peti, Stefan Veldsman, Sam Odell and Matthew Ludick all getting through the Glenwood defence which, in a challenging season, has usually been solid.
The Pietermaritzburg boys led 10-0, but Glenwood hit back with two tries of their own to take a 14-10 lead into half-time.
A bullocking run off the back of a scrum, inside the home team’s 22, from no. 8 and captain Stefan Veldsman restored the Saints’ lead in the second stanza. They didn’t concede it again.
They extended their advantage to 32-14 before Glenwood drove over for a late consolation try, but it had been an emphatic performance from the visitors.
Saints’ Director of Rugby, Craig Dwyer, a Glenwood old boy, praised his charges afterwards, saying they had been incredible in the build-up to the clash. He also commended their self-belief.
Clearly, he is enjoying the job he took up at the beginning of the year. Dwyer described the players as very coachable and “a great bunch of lads”, who put in extra work.
“We always talk about leaving the jersey in a better place. They have done that this year!” he reckoned.
On Saturday, 8 June, Saints are at Hilton College. A result prediction that might previously have been written in pen will now have to be written in pencil. St Charles is a serious team and, much like Northwood, they’re shaking up the established pecking order.
An extraordinary winning try snatched a 26-25 victory for Hilton College over Michaelhouse on Meadows on Saturday.
The Punchbowl Astro crackled with electricity on Friday evening as Michaelhouse hosted Hilton College for their return 1st XI hockey fixture in front of a jam-packed crowd, which included both schools lining the entire length of the field.
Saturday’s showdown on Gilfillan Field between Hilton College and St Charles College has become ever more interesting as the season has unfolded. That has more to do with the visitors than the hosts.
St Mary’s DSG became the 
