Hilton vs Kearsney
This is the first week back after Easter for the private schools, so it’s a nice playing fields leveler for both as opposed to taking on a state school that has one second term game under the belt already. The match at Gilfillan, maybe just maybe the best rugby school rugby ground in KZN, also marks the first of the two-legged meeting between the Colleges for the second successive season. Hilton have a few aces up their sleeve but it’s doubtful whether this will be enough even with home ground advantage –they are the underdogs. Kearsney’s setpieces can be shaky at times so Hilton needs to hit Kearsney hard at this area if they can – make the ball at the back of the scrums a little less tidy, make the hooker second guess his ability to find the jumpers and do all they can to up their opponents error rate. Hilton has the tight-5 personnel to achieve these objects but they need the self-belief and intensity to pull it off. When it comes to broken play and rucks, potentially there is a big swing around as Kearsney tend to be good in these facets of play. The One-Stripes are expected to command a massive player against player advantage in the loose trio. Here they have Luke Croshaw who is arguably the best under-18 specialist fetcher in the province at the moment, the hard to stop powerful Dylan Richardson and the playmaker Brody Erlich who in spite of his very apparent lack of mass for a no.8 has been a revelation. Kearsney manage to create a surprisingly high number of attacking space opportunities but too often their kick-run-pass decision making seems more like kick-run-forget-to-pass to players queuing up in better positions. In a nutshell they don’t take full advantage of a good few well manufactured chances. It might not cost them against Hilton but it’s something they need to be wary of and improve on. Getting back to Hilton, at some point they need to empower their backline beyond their talented flyhalf Angus Curtis. Better designs that see the ball moving through a few sets of hands gives teammates more responsibility, builds confidence, provides diversity that sometimes makes for better elements of surprise as it forces the other team’s defence to think a little harder, sometimes guess maybe even guess wrong and pay a price for it.
Westville vs DHS
This is one of two KZN tier-1 matches on this weekend that provided a preseason preview. At the Voortrekker Night Series in late February, Westville defeated DHS 10-0 in an electric storm shortened torrential rain conditions short match. Westville deserved that win. They owned most of the forward exchanges and looked in control. However since the regular season begin the wheels of what was expected to be a ride to possibly a Top 10 national finish have come off pretty quickly for Westville. Now winless Westville find themselves under huge pressure to break the duck. It’s not unusual for a team to go into battle the next weekend feeding off the tempo and quality of opponents that inflicted a defeat on them a week earlier, such as the one Westville suffered against Affies. However Westville just didn’t seem like themselves at all last week and whether they acquired any positive playing experience out of the Affies match remains to be seen. One thing is almost certain, Ville would have pick themselves up off the canvas, worked incredibly hard in training during the week and will run onto Bowden’s in a far better frame of mind than they ended off last Saturday. The worry for the Ville support basis is what if the team does not get off to a good start. There will be a confidence that they take into battle because it’s DHS, a school no one from the “leafy suburbs” school even remembers when they last lost to, but based on how 2016 has panned out it is likely to be a fragile confidence for both players and the new coaching staff. So a big question is if things don’t go Westville’s way during that first quarter, will they stay composed and can they work through it? The Ville plan should be to keep it simple. Do the basics well, cut right down on the error rate. Use the forwards more, protect the ball, build meaningful phases and hopefully suck in defenders, provide strong centre Brogan Boulle with passes that allow him to challenge the defensive resolve in the 10-12 channel and bring x-factor Tony Mahlangu into the game with a bit of clear air in front of him.
With DHS being 150 years old, there are eyes on them and with that it so it would be wrong to suggest that they aren’t feeling any kind of pressure to perform coming into this match, even as favourable as their 2016 campaign has been to date. School would have sensed that the Griffons are vulnerable right now and obvious see a golden opportunity to cause an upset on Westville soil, having narrowly missed out on wins against Kearsney and Bishops earlier this season. After last weekend’s surprisingly comfortable win against Northwood including a good showing against the big Northwood tight-5, there must be a fairly high degree of confidence in the DHS camp. In spite of fielding such a young team (majority under-17’s) there is a calmness and maturity about the way this team faces challenges and as they accumulate 1st XV caps, there’s an expectation that their performances will improve. Saturday’s underfoot conditions will suit them a lot better than the Ville encounter at Vories. Every game produces its stand out players but generally the go-to Horseflies are Ryan Dafel, Pepsi Buthelezi, Matt Hamilton, Sanele Nohamba, Gert Coetzee and Cham Zondeki. These are all mobile players giving clues to just where the Berea team’s attacking game strength lies.
Glenwood vs Michaelhouse
Michaelhouse were soundly beaten by five tries to a consolation try by Glenwood at the DHS 150th. In spite of this defeat, House produced remarkable ball handling for any stage of the season, forget that it just happened to be mid-March and also their first proper rugby match time after summer sports ended. House also came up with some good recycled ball continuity that day but against what has thus far proven to quite possibly be the best arranged defence in SA schoolboy rugby this season, House’s best efforts made little impact against the Green Machine. Where House was really weak that day just beyond the flyhalf channel where they failed to contain inside centre Seun Maduna. Had they made the vital first time tackles, the match might have been a lot closer on the scoreboard. House has responded to this with a positional change for Saturday’s away match, a switch which they are probably hoping with sure up their defence in midfield a bit. There are also a couple of changes in the pack where a major challenge awaits them. Since DHS 150th, Glenwood has added more beef up front in the form of JJ vd Mescht and Marco Palvie, so there will be a significant difference in the two pack sizes and this is bound to count haeavily against the visitors especially if Glenwood employ weapons like the rolling maul. Keeping the score respectable is the realistic goal in this game, as Glenwood are the overwhelming favourites to win and score a number of tries in the process.
Maritzburg College vs Pretoria Boys’ High
College will be hoping to regain some much needed confidence after a miserable last couple of matches. They should beat Pretoria Boys’ High fairly comfortably on Goldstones. Right now the College community will just want to take it one step/game at a time but there is opportunity for the Red Black White to get a winning streak going as they are well matched against some up and coming opponents. It won’t be easy but it is achievable. As far as rugby results are concerned Boys High is really going through a rough patch. A note for the benefit of those who are not aware of the PBHS’s “unique situation” and those who may question how a school with over 1600 students could possibly struggle to achieve good results, is that Pretoria Boys High does not offer sports bursaries. In addition to this they don’t even have a jersey sponsor. It stems from a pure holistic set of values that the school promotes. Some may say that they have fallen behind the times or are naïve, but in truth there should be a special place in every passionate school rugby supporter’s heart for PBHS’s old school values, particularly those who’ve watched the wonderful game over a long enough period to realise that the introduction of money into rugby has never made the game on the field a better one or more enjoyable – if anything money has now starting to seriously threaten top level rugby’s viability south of the equator.
Parktown vs Northwood
Before last Saturday good money might have been on Northwood to pull over another Eldoraigne type win in Jozi. However their poor form against DHS has placed a bit of a damper on their chances of beating Parktown away. Parktown is a middle of the range type team this season, so a good performance against them even if the result equals a loss for the Knights could still be viewed as a thumbs up.
St Charles vs George Campbell
St Charles would have been disappointed with their loss to Clifton last weekend. They should come away with a win at their home of rugby. There are a couple of talented players in the George Campbell team and if the team applies themselves they could be difficult customers and turn it to be a really good battle.
Clifton vs Port Natal
It hasn’t always been this way in the past but Clifton should have too much firepower for Port Natal this year.
@Luvthegame: Rugby without scrums – heresy .
@Luvthegame: How about College 8th & 9th props play for House?
@Rugger fan: Thanks for that info…adds to the thread re staggering of games. Quite correct that there is no stagger this weekend with MC/House. However I have it from a reliable source that once again House have requested uncontested scrums for the 6th and 7th games. I rambled on about this last year and surprise surprise it has not gone away. While I am all for safety in SBR unless there are no recognised props available in a game, uncontested scrums may not be called for. It takes away a vital part of the game and as I said last year, in the 5 years my boy has been at College he has played House 7 times, there were 2 years where he played them twice due to staggers on other days. Of those 7 games 5 have been with uncontested scrums, and in my honest opinion they are not a fair reflection of the game. Case in point last year, they played House 5ths at SCC and he played for the 6ths and they gave them by 25 points. A few weeks later they play the same team at College but uncontested scrums are asked for before the game. The House boys are not the same from 3 weeks before and the team is loaded with backline players. A big reverse happens and College lose by 30. All that happened was the faster boys ran rings around the larger lads and it was a farce…left a very bad taste in the mouth. Anyway, enough of my ravings but I leave the question to be asked “Does changing the rules to suit one side benefit or disadvantage the boys as a whole”? Just saying…
@Old Boy: Watching PBHS at St Stithians vs Graeme, they had territorial dominance but just couldn’t break the line. Graeme had two very quick and nifty backs who did the damage against the run of play. PBHS just need to some help to unlock defences. I really thought their No8 was a good player. Very frustrating to watch….
@Rugger fan: I watched both the 1st and 2nd team games on Saturday and in my opinion there are some talented boys in the PBHS side, but there is a clear lack of proper coaching, both the 1sts and 2nds looked a bit lost on the pitch, no proper defence lines and it didn’t seem that the coaches could adapt as the game progressed. What is the role of their director of rugby, he does not seem involved with the coaching.
Where is our mate Bonthuis? About a month ago he was predicting Westville sweeping the board. Unless Bonthuis is just a regular bloggers 2nd avatar to cheese other bloggers off….
@Bush: At MHS (Tarpeys) – also noticed 2 matched vs St Charles for the U14 teams too
@Far Meadows: Morning, I think you are correct. MHS are going to struggle the next 2 years. Characters will be formed
@Rugger fan: Morning, understandable. MHS C and D teams will never be as strong as College nor Glenwood’s. The MHS 8th is their lowest open team so it would be like a 10th team. Where is the College vs Treverton game been played?
FYI – this weekend MHS are staggering vs College too – but not quite so far up.
1st – 7th ( no stagger) MHS 8 vs College 10
16 A & B no stagger – MHS C & D – one team down – College U16 C to play Treverton 16A
U15 a no stagger – 15 B (MC C) / C vs D / D vs F
U14 A vs A / B vs D / C vs D / D vs F
So quite a few College boys missing a fixture (7 teams with a day off)
@Grasshopper:
Cross age group staggers are not allowed under Age Banding Regulations. That isn’t to say that some still do it anyway.
Taking a look at the fixture list , this season looks like it all could go horribly ‘pear shaped’ for MHS.
There are definitely no ‘ gimme’s ‘, the only fixture that I see as a probable win is the St Charles one ( hopefully this doesn’t come back to haunt me ).
@Bush: I think you missed my point. It was a lesson in humility and that if you are prepared to put it out there then you must also accept the possibility that it might be cut off. I agree it setting high benchmarks and I was very pleased that the Westville U14s were competitive against Affies right down to the C team which only lost by 2 points. These boys can only grow in confidence going forward.
@Playa: 33-17 to Glenwood. Seems they either took their foot off the gas or Voories played well in the 2nd half as it was 33-0 at halftime.
@Grasshopper: What was the Voories 1sts vs GW 2nds final score?
@Rugger fan: Agree on finding a game, but really staggers are not that great, especially the across age group staggers. Not sure if they are even allowed. I remember playing Under16B and having to play Pinetown 2nd’s, it wasn’t really fair. We were quicker and fitter but physically they were much bigger than us. We just won the game but there were quite a few injuries. Also for a Tier 1 school like House there should never be a stagger in Open age group, if there is then they need to considering dropping to Tier2 and playing 1st vs 1st and 2nd vs 2nd. The House 2nd team beat Glenwood 2nd’s last year so there isn’t really a reason to have changed it based on what could happen. Maybe Glenwood should have played Voories in a midweek game instead, 2nd vs 1sts. Lessons learnt, I hope.
Staggers are fine for a large school so that all their teams can get matches. For a large school like WV or MC going to a smaller school like MHS – there are probably not 28 odd teams available.
so the E’s and 7ths downward probably wont get a game sadly. It’s also not a fair match to put the 8ths against Voories 1sts (or Howick etc.). So a stagger may be the best option – where the staggers come in will always be up for debate. But in principle I agree that the schools are just trying to get rugger for the boys.
I personally would rather my boy played a match (up or down) than sitting on the sideline because there was no fixture.
@baileys: Hi Bailey, thanks for the feedback. I got the same input. It was generally based around what Umbiloburger stated. If House hadn’t agreed to the staggers, Voories would have lost out on a day of rugby. I don’t agree with them playing down or playing a different school on a set fixture. Let the boys play.
@Star-few years ago House couldn’t fit GW on their rugby calendar. So its not really about “we play GW”. Its great that we do, as its a fantastic bench mark. It exposes the younger players to a hard game and what rugby is all about. So you can decided if you would rather play hockey or Ultimate Frisbee
@McCulleys Workshop: Westville lost their star under 16A No8/Lock Pollard this weekend to a collar bone break, so they will be weakened a bit.
@star: At least it may be marginally competitive. I’m waiting for that 1st side of yours to hit their straps. I think they are due a few big wins and surprises… I look forward to the game.
@star: It won’t be a compulsory like DHS this weekend, so don’t worry about war cries etc..
@McCulleys Workshop: These things happen. Looking forward to hosting you boys on the 4th for our OB day. Unfortunately the family will be split right down the middle as per usual.
I also can’t promise anything with regard to staggers
@McCulleys Workshop: Last I checked, every Glenwood Boy has to write an NSC exam in matric.
@baileys: Without knowing the ramifications of not agreeing to the request, I find the request at best strange, and tend to agree with you, regardless of the merits of MHS rugby strength this year. As I’ve said on many occasions, there will at some point be a divide between Rugby Academies (read sports academies) and holistic schoolboy education, where the likes of Glenwood will have to plead, beg, borrow and steal to establish a transport fund to finance their travel requirements to get their boys around the country to play in the super league. At some point it could implode due to lack of funds. It is what it is.
@Dixons @Bush @McCulleys Workshop
Regarding the 2nds ,3rds and 4ths playing on the stagger
against Glenwood on Saturday , you suggested I speak to
“the powers that be ” and would be surprised to discover
that MHS requested these fixtures.I have done so and as I
thought ,they ” reluctantly agreed not requested ” .
I repeat what I said earlier.It was disrespectful to treat the
senior teams like this especially after their record over the
last 5 or so years.There is no upside for the team playing
down.
I look forward to your response.
@star: Jees, no jokes, bad day in the office! I’m not sure what they’ll sing about this year…
@star: oh yes with their unprofessional approach of hiring Brad Mcleod Henderson. They probably going to cancel any future fixture with Paul Roos after their 69 point drubbing recently…..take it on the nose boys in white, we did for more than a decade.
@Roger: You had better believe it
@ Grassy – not scared just a philosophical point of difference.
@star: bwahahaha – schoolboys will always find that raw nerve and rub salt into it
I can’t imagine that went down too well with the Hilton head, GB and old boys
@star: Yep, previous largest win was in 1987, 38-0. Hilton beat Kearsney, what they scared of?
A few records and firsts for House
1) Biggest 1st team margin of defeat against GW
2) The U16A margin must be as well.
3) The first time in history the 2nd team has played a staggered match against a KZN opponent.
Based on the above I do believe that the taunt of ” At least we play GW” that was sung with gusto at the last Hilton/House game will find a little less resonance at this years match
Here are the results from the College website – all codes and teams
http://www.maritzburgcollege.org.za/sport/sport-fix-results/results/432-results-vs-pbhs-week-ending-17-april-2016
@Rugger fan: I agree on PBHS, when I was watching at the Saints festival their boys were the best behaved, greeted adults and were generally a good bunch of boys. Some of the other schools there need a serious wake up, I won’t mention who….
Must add as a College supporter – was good to see College taking a win on Goldstones. A packed ground – and good to see them turning over some handling errors from the Easter festivals – and bring that more positive play they found in Bloem last weekend. It seems even though they were trounced by Grey – there was some confidence that came out of the tour – most of the teams seemed to be “tails up” and giving their all on home ground.
Would like to comment and encourage those PBHS supporters out there. Your school is really doing a lot right in raising excellent men.
Had the honor of meeting close to 45 of them (mainly 1st and 2nd Formers) on Friday night at a host braai. They are the type of people that give me hope for the future of our brilliant country.
And the rugby and hockey was of excellent quality and a never say die attitude – no matter what the score – well mannered to opponents and officials.
The scores were by and large immaterial – as both schools played hard and with pride – from the lowest U14 team – all the way to the 1st teams. The 1st team hockey match was an absolute cracker.
@beet: The fixture didn’t take place from what I’ve heard
@umbiloburger: Thank you, question answered.
@Bush: The decision to play Voories was taken in 2015. The decision to play the GW 2nd vs VT 1st and GW 3rd vs MHS 2nd was agreed upon by all parties. These fixtures were brilliant and a true contest. Hope that helps.
@Playa: Do you have the Dale Port Rex score from yesterday
@Gungets Tuft:
@Grasshopper: In the Eastern Cape as a whole….if you talk about College you’re talking about St Andrews.I think it’s got to do with its history of having university (college) classes prior to the founding of Rhodes University
On a different note, the PBHS 2nd team hooker left College in grade 8 after his parents moved to Pretoria, rather sad as both his brother’s went to College. I couldn’t help but notice that his boots were pitch black. It is either a coincedince or a gesture to the school.
@Grasshopper: They should be.
1983 St Andrews 31 – 6
2011 St Andrews 59 – 18
2014 St Andrews 23 – 20
Here’s me hoping those are right. I believe we played them at festivals, they were all away from home. Grey PE Festival?
I felt College had a good game against PBHS, a few areas for improvement, but there always are. It was great to have them back on Goldstones, the atmosphere was breathtaking.
@Grasshopper: Thanks Hopper, some lovely action photos there. House look good running on
@Bush: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1552454218384602.1073741937.1470837539879604&type=3
@Gungets Tuft: Weirdly down in Grahamstown I think College is actually St Andrews, they are not aware of Maritzburg College
@Playa: And you being a Burru boy, just a small twist of fate and I could have been your dad
Then you WOULD have been a College boy …
@Gungets Tuft: Jeepers…I don’t think my parents had even met in ’77
@baileys: before you get bent out of shape. Maybe just check with the powers that be at MH that they did not in fact request a stagger for the 2nd team game. The answer may surprise you.
The House 2nds were told this week they were playing Glenwood
3rds.They were furious as felt totally disrespected by the opposition.
To add insult to injury they were made to play at midday before the
u 16s and Glenwood 2nds.
Poor form. Don’t see College doing that to PBHS or Grey College
when hosting Glenwood
@Bush: Mixed fixtures happen all the time and have done for years. Affies 3rd’s played Tuine 1st yesterday. Against smaller schools the bigger ones stagger and mix. Obviously someone somewhere felt a better match up would be between the House 2nd’s and Glenwood 3rd’s to accommodate the Voories 1st. This year with Easter falling so early there has been a huge headache with fixtures. The 3rd’s losing by 2 points would indicate it was the right decision. I know it seems disrespectful, especially considering House 2nd’s won last year, but it was a strong year for House. I’m only guessing here as I am not close to either school
@Dixon’s: It still doesn’t make sense to me. As the fixture were GW vs MHS. So GW should have hosted MHS, our 4th team then played Vorries. I will do my best to find out why this happened. As it seems nobody understands why.
@Bush: i can understand that it looks disrespectful to the MH 2nd XV, but i dont think that was the intention. Staggers where requested, and if the Voories 1st team was playing at Glenwood they needed to be given a game ahead of MH
@Dixon’s: Thanks Dixon’s will ask the powers. I can understand the reasoning behind the staggers for U14 and U15 but not a 2nd team.
@Bush: the fixture was vs MH and Voories to fill in where needed. but both visiting schools asked for staggers which caused some problems. you can confirm that with the people who make those decisions at the respective schools
@Henkies: @Grasshopper: It was a simple question, maybe the GW bloggers would know why GW 2nds didn’t play MHS 2nds. Obviously Hopper didn’t know.
@Henkies: Lekker Henkies, no sour grapes. GW were devistating yesterday and deserve all the accolades. Could you imagine what the fixtures would be like if Hopper did organize them.
@ Bush do you think Grasshopper organises the fixtures between Michaelhouse and Glenwood? Sounds like sour grapes when you bring up the TK situation after a heavy loss.
@Grasshopper: Doubt he made the decision. May have to speak to the Director of Sport, if I can get an appointment. Don’t know if he will be at school this week after the 1st team and u16 loss.
@Bush: ask the powers that be about the fixtures, the Rector not the teachers
@Grasshopper: BS, stick to the topic.
@Bush: Very low blow that.
@Bush: That’s what it costs for the tea & coffee at House in a year, you guys certainly can’t feel hard done by…
@Bush:
@Grasshopper: I’m not pleading poverty, you guys are 5 bar in the kuk.
@Grasshopper: Don’t fall off your rocking horse
@Grasshopper: Hopper I asked teachers from House and they gave the same answer I have stated here “We don’t know”. In any Sport and I’m sure you will know that. You raise you game when playing a stronger opposition. Or you lower your standards playing weaker opposition. Nobody turned on GW, it was your home fixture not Houses. In all it was a kuk decision whoever made it.
@Bush: No they don’t, Voories is a Tier 2 school, hence 2nd’s vs 1st. Also, KZN selections involve many schools coaches and selections. House has plenty in the past few years, so you can’t plead poverty. Gosh, starting already…
@Bush: House 2nd’s beat Glenwood 3rd’s 21-19. I’m sure it had to be a mutual decision, otherwise House would have refused. Why do people always turn on Glenwood. Maybe House asked for the staggers…
Would be awesome to see GW do the same against DHS, Northwood and Kearsney.
@Grasshopper: Hopper, you could have played Vorries during the week. So GW now feels their 2nd Team is a 1st Team. So Craven Week selection in KZN is going to be a joke. House fixture was against GW, win or lose doesn’t matter.
@McCulleys Workshop: https://www.facebook.com/glenwoodhighschool/photos/pcb.1699666466970963/1699666363637640/?type=3&theater
@Bush: I don’t think they snubbed House, it was more about fitting in Voories and they thought the 3rd’s would be a better match, which it looked to be..
@McCulleys Workshop: I have no idea, I felt it was a kick in the arse for House. I’m sure one of the GW bloggers will soon tell us why that happened.
@Bush: I can’t work out what happened there? Why did the 2nds not play GW?
To add to the fixtures from yesterday, House 4th team played Vorries. Which I felt was BS as the fixture were meant to be against GW.
@Grasshopper: Thanks for trying to make me feel better. It hasn’t worked. I’m really looking forward to watching GW against Grey. Hope GW won’t be intimidated or suffer from BMT.
@McCulleys Workshop: Morning, those were 2 great games. U15A game House did all the playing, Glenwood fed off House mistakes. House will struggle the next few years against GW. GW have some good teams coming through the ranks. But all lost is not lost, good coaching which House has at their finger tips, can quiet easily close those gaps. I found it really disappointing that GW 2nd team snubbed House in playing them.
@Bush: Hi Bush, I watched the u14a and u15a and in both games MHS were competitive with a number of tries against the run of play, and defensive structures needing some work. The u15 side had grown considerably with a number of talented players.
@The Scout: Agree on Holtzhausen and he seems to be kicking well too, I think it was 100% yesterday. I hope they remain injury free.
Glenwood look like the team to beat this year. Am pretty sure that their coaches have ticked a lot of boxes. What makes this Glenwood side is that you never know where the attack will come from. They have pace, skill and vision. Holthauzen had a cracker. His decision making was fantastic, he’s definitely putting his hand up for Craven Week. The Glenwood defense was tested by Michaelhouse in the 2nd half but final succumbed to the pressure after Palvie was yellow carded. I have no doubt that this side will go all the way in the Sanix Competition. Good luck to all the boys and the coaches.
@Bush: Here is some consolation, House’s biggest win over Glenwood was 42-3 in 1936, that was the equivalent of about 80-0 these days, 80 years ago! What is scarier for me was the under16a result, 80-0…
@Grasshopper: Well done to GW today, they were devastating.
Well done School. made it difficult for yourself but won an awesome game against the Ville
@Gungets Tuft:
Ouch!! College won you know……
@GreenBlooded: @Grasshopper: I make up for it by being childish, pedantic, puerile… and I’ll go to an early grave trying to keep up with the lighties like you.
@GreenBlooded: I was a twinkle in my daddies eye, 79 baby…
@Gungets Tuft:
In 1977 I was in Gr 1
@Playa: 1977, much more of a ballie than you thought. My Boet was 1978, my BIL in 1979, so it’ll be interesting nonetheless.
@Grasshopper: My info is that PBHS were better than that score, strong 2nd half, just couldn’t finish and good College defense. But also heard that College left quite a few points out there.
@beet: eish, I saw that. Gillfillan playing its tricks again. I mean Hilton were pasted by Paul Roos (I think) 69 points or so.
Eish I’m gonna be eating humble pie now. Hilton 31-23 win against Kearsney. Great result for Hilton. The BMH influence seems to be taking shape.
Take away Glenwood and it’s season on. 6 schools any of whom could win on the day. Maybe not Top 30 material at this rate but exciting games lie ahead in KZN tier-1 that’s for sure.
Glenwood 56 – Michaelhouse 5, biggest win over House in history. Previous biggest was 38-0 in 1987. Green Machine laying down a marker for the season :-)
@Skywalker: Yep, 25-24, last sec try by Westville. Amazing stuff, well done School!!
Did DHS just beat Westville?
Seemed like final score was 25:24?
FT Glenwood 2nd’s 33 – Voortrekker 1st 17, well played in the 2nd half by Voories..
FT College 32 – PBHS 11. Gosh PBHS are struggling big time.
HT Glenwood 2nd’s 33 – Voortrekker 1st – 0.
Northwood vs Parktown
u14A won 19:16
u15A won 21:19
u16A lost 11:13
1st lost 24:36
HT College 20 – PBHS 6
Glenwood vs Michaelhouse
Under14A win 21-0
Under15A win 45-5
Under16A win 80-0
@Gungets Tuft: 100%…I’m in regular contact with 40 out of 81 in my matric class.Guess I have the advantage of technology you didn’t have in the 80’s.You finished in ’79 right?I have an interesting story for you
@lawless: https://www.facebook.com/glenwoodhighschool/posts/1699584586979151
@Gungets Tuft: 2012 was the year he attended the OB dinner; http://www.glenwoodhighschool.co.za/mr-bob-poole-glenwoods-oldest-living-old-boy
@Gungets Tuft: This guy came to an OB dinner about 2 years ago; http://www.glenwoodhighschool.co.za/glenwoods-oldest-surviving-old-boy
@Gungets Tuft: That exists in other schools too, I remember watching the Under14E’s play and the whole 1st team were there cheering them on at 8am in the morning. People have the misconception that Glenwood only cares about the A teams which is bullocks. They care about all the sides, we just don’t have the same depth as schools with bigger BE’s and in the country, so the lower teams results are not as good. My 96 year, we have 140 guys in touch, not too bad. Only issues is of the 220 who finished, 75% of them are in Aus or UK. Next week there will be 250 Old Boys at the annual OB’s dinner, some going as far back as the 30’s. Point is again, it’s not unique to College.
@Grasshopper: Nope. It means there is just as much pride in the success of the U14G side as there is in the success of the U14A or 1st team. Recognition for effort is the same. Of course there’s a hierarchy and rite of passage, and College has a reputation for that being particularly tough (those “rites” have been rightly and massively modernized), but it’s about people earning their spot, not being respected only for playing in top teams. But your statement about their being winners and losers makes me think we’re too far apart to actually get it, so we’ll agree to differ.
And of course other schools have it, I’m talking just from my experience. The fact that there are 37 of my matric year in regular contact makes me think we’re doing it right. And that’s nothing compared to years like 1984/5 where they’re still very involved. I think that post school loyalty is pretty rare.
Good luck to College and all the KZN sides today :-)
@lawless: Chess was yesterday at 3pm vs Westville Girls at Westville Girls…
@Gungets Tuft: Yes boet, I know the point, hence my kibbutz comment, where everyone is treated the same and there is no hierarchy. But we all know in traditional schools, it’s all about a right of passage. You little nobodies in 2nd form and earned your stripes by 6th form. I get the camaraderie and sense of being a brotherhood in and after school, let’s just say it’s not unique to College.
@Grasshopper: What venue are the chess team playing at this weekend?
@Grasshopper: Elegantly missing the point. If I have to explain then it’s too much effort. Let’s just say it’s not about the jersey …
@lawless: that is why 1st team chess should be as recognized as 1st team rugby, which it is at Glenwood.
@Gungets Tuft: the same pride and heritage exists in many schools, not just College because of the jersey being the same. That is what my College friends need to realize, it’s not unique to College….
@Grasshopper: Then ask why College have that gees which has been notable for so many years, why their Old Boys society is so strong. Sure, there are those more talented, and they’re recognized and perhaps even idolized a little, but in the end the real deal is being a College man. That goes on long after school even after the 1st Team sports badge has been replaced by the Old Boys blazer. Evolution should never be allowed to trump values and tradition.
That’s why I admire PBHS, I just hope that they manage to hold the high ground while they figure out the sports thing. I reckon it starts with the Old Boys, but thats just me.
Proof of this for me was the very emotional Facebook post from a College mom when she got the confirmation that her younger son had been accepted to College. Being there is the reward for us, making a first team just a bit of icing … but I would say that …
and it’ll be hard to explain the emotion seeing my own son at the reunion dinner this year.
@Grasshopper: I am all for hard work being rewarded and the first team players (of all sports) are rewarded with a specific badge worn on their school uniform instead of the normal school badge. However, there might be a guy in the 8th team who works a lot harder than a naturally talented and gifted first team player and wouldn’t be rewarded for his hard work.
@lawless: I knew that was going to be the response, I bit like the kibbutz system. I’m not saying it’s wrong just what College prefer, we respect that. For me life is hard & you have winners & losers. Why not give credit to those who have worked hard to earn their 1st team jersey. Things evolve with time so do jerseys…
@Grasshopper: By having all boys wearing the same jersey it shows that the College boys are equal, it shows the first team players that they’re not heroes or idols, they are simply the more skilled players and all boys have a responsibility to the badge and to that same jersey that housands of old boys, some of these old boys famous springboks, wore before them. In my opinion if the first team jerseys are different and are so sought after, the guys in the lower ranks with no hope of getting a first team jersey will not value his “ordinary” jersey as he’ll feel it’s not as prestigious as the first team.
I get the pride that College have for the same jersey for all, but I prefer the 1st team jersey being different & special. When you get it, it’s a huge achievement and you join only a few that have worn it. At Glenwood the 2nd team jersey is different too, like that too.
I’m not sure why some of you are concerned re numbers or a different colour 1st team jersey. Even in my day, it was a HUGELY sought after privilege for the boys to make the 1st team and wear the special shirt with a number on the back.
First team or 10th team, the College rugby jersey is the same pattern and design throughout. Something i am very proud of. The only differences are the numbers, the sponsor and a special badge awarded to boys that play first team for any sport. If you take that away, it’s the same jersey, I do not know of many schools, especially in natal where the first team jerseys are the same as everyone else’s, besides the numbers and sponsor.
@Amalekite: No you probably right, just shows how materialistic kids are these days. I still remember the College fullback, Clint Bruyns. He had about 70 caps for College and his jersey was so light and worn from washing he stood out amongst the College players, but we respected him immensely. To have played that much rugga for the College 1st team he must have been a legend. I also like the Aussie tradition with their caps, they never get a new one. Look at old Ponting’s one when he retired, completey stuffed!
@Grasshopper: Nope, now you are putting words into my mouth.
They are still very proud of their schools, but they just like the importance of having sponsored stuff. They feel like they have earned it through all their hard work. They feel bummed when they see 1st team players from other schools with a whole lot of cool sponsored kit, and they are not getting the same treatment. Hey, we are dealing with kids here. It’s understandable.
Do yourself a favour, and ask a few of them whether they prefer to have logos of sponsors on their kit or not. You will be surprised. Like I said, I think that it is silly, but I’m a baillie
@Amalekite: exactly the outcome to be avoided in my opinion
KES still get all the sponsored kit etc – they just get the funds elsewhere.
@Amalekite: That is sad to hear, so they really playing for Nike, Reebok, Mr Price, Puma etc than for their schools and fellow schoolboys…..very sad…
@Roger: I hear you guys, and I respect your fondness of staying with tradition, and not selling your school to professionalism. I am on the same page as you.
However, I have heard it from many boys from many different schools that the more sponsors logos etc. there are on their jerseys, the more they feel important and worthy. Obviously, they may change their point of view once they leave school and become more mature.
They also love all the sponsored kit: bags, socks, shorts, caps, boots and whatever else. It is of huge importance to them. I think that it all makes them feel more professional.
Parktown should easily beat Northwood and College vs PBHS will be close, both battling a little with confidence at a low. Homeground advantage might play into College’s hands. Glenwood must not underestimate House, think Kearsney in 2015. Kearsney should win easily and DHS are due a win in the leafy suburbs…
@Roger: Not too sure. Used to have Mr Price (like 1/2 of SA schools a few years back). Lately it has been more localised sponsors. Sorry I’m not sure exactly what they give (or get) for the deal.
But that said – sponsoring atop KZN school certainly gives a lot of exposure to the upper LSM’s and at least 1 TV match a year too – plus photos in the media most weeks too.
@Rugger fan: what do College get from their jersey sponsors – is it just kit or is it more?
@Rugger fan: it was debated long and hard – trust me. The right call was made and hopefully it stays that way. The numbers on the back I think were more to do with television because KES never used to have numbers either. I think that was one tradition they couldn’t hold onto if they wanted TV’s filthy lucre
@Roger: Was a sad day in the College OB history when the 1st team jersey suddenly had numbers on the back and a sponsor on the front. It always fed the mystery and legend of college that every team at College played in identical kits with black boots. Only a small badge on the 1stXV breast.
Agree that it is awesome that there are schools who hold on to their core values. PBHS v College is always a gem of a fixture- either home or away
All the best to Boys High – hope they come away with a win.
Beet – KES do not have jersey sponsors either. Although their rugby set up is more “professional” than Boys High ito scholarships etc – they and Boys High have deliberately steered away from soiling the jumper – long may it continue!