Clifton played a good first half of rugby and deserved to lead at the break. They were the architects of their own downfall as far as conceding first half points were concerned. Their props and converted number-8 did good things for them.
Northwood had a bit of a disjointed first half. The talk at the break seemed to do the trick. A lot more cohesion, purpose and pace injected into proceedings in the second half. They lock and number-8 did enough to catch the eye.
St Charles started quite well against DHS. They are able to play a good structured ball-retention game. It is enjoyable to watch. Also possession proved to be the best form of defence and they were not far behind at the break. The next half started okay with a great try by their star scrumhalf to make it 21-5 after DHS’s third try but it was one-way traffic after that.
DHS followed on from the second half against College with a lot more freedom of expression in their play now. They got the ball into wide position and as a result both wings and their top-rated fullback (flyhalf) had standout performances. A few players in the hunt for CW honours were out of action.
Westville played like a team that had been told five minutes before kick-off that none of them were booking tickets to CW or maybe it was vice versa. But anyway these last few weeks have shown that there are serious contenders for CW spots in the Westville ranks. They just could not match Maritzburg College’s motivation and energy level. Once again the lineouts were not great.
Maritzburg College were arguably the team of the day. Excellent form. To produce that sort of an effort against a strong team in a big game must have been very satisfying to all the players, coaches and those who support College. A number of players who one might have regarded as outside the CW fringe before kickoff, did ever so well to leave a lasting impression of what they have to offer. Amongst them the hooker, uncapped lock, inside centre and left wing. The flyhalf deserves extra recognition because based on his show in this match he must certainly be one of the most improved players in SA since the season started. Considering this was a CW trial, the blindside flank took a huge step towards booking his place in Krugersdorp.
Kearsney are trying to be more adventurous but in doing so are taking a few more costly risks. Unfortunately their defence a little away from the breakdowns has become too suspect. Just like against Hilton they were always chasing the game due to not being able to plug their leaky D. So full-marks to them for trying to the very end. There is still a good spirit in the team and nice to see that even with depth constraints they are able to bring on a sub midfielder who could produce a moment of magic.
It looked like Michaelhouse would be put to the test during their match against Kearsney but they came out with a comfortable win. Michaelhouse always kept the scoreboard ticking and created pressure in that way. Their pack, half of whom are u17, featured well. Their backline is more than useful and although one or two didn’t have the highlight matches they perhaps needed to make the selectors think twice, there was enough talent and teamwork going on to make a difference.
In terms of character, this year’s Glenwood team is so different from last year’s one. These youngsters fight to the very end. It was a bit of a frustrating evening under the floodlights as most of what they tried to do just would not work out. This included the period when they played against just 13 players of Hilton and ate up so much time trying to get a score.
Hilton were organized and dedicated to their task at hand. They executed well. Their flyhalf was one of the big beneficiaries of seeing everyone play at the same venue, as his maturity in the role and class shone through again. The comprehensive win was made possible by good balance between forwards and backs in what they tried to achieve.
@KatzRugga (Comment #15)
Use the day to force the schools that refuse to play each other to play each other?
@beet (Comment #14)
Maybe the mistake we’re (I) am doing is to compare this day to a Derby day. If seen as something different and not 1 being at the cost of the other it’s a great outing and new initiative despite my preference.
Sharks are trying to do something atleast
@KatzRugga (Comment #9)
I still think there is place for both.
This is a better solution than playing midweek trials IMO
@TheGoose (Comment #6)
If I had to pick my top 10 personal opinion changers from Sharks Day it would be:
1 Liyema Nela – He is playing so well. I would select him as first choice flyhalf on current form. That may mean Davidson drops out.
2 Zenkosi Mthiyane – at KERF I thought he played well and offered a good option at 11/13 plus he has a left boot. Had a very good outing. I feel his direct compo is Michael Satade. Michael plays 13 as opposed to wing so that give him an edge. Lee-Rynne Sinkfontein of College is also very close as he is playing good rugby.
3 Siyabonga Nyathi – a solid hooker. Gets through his workload and his lineout work is tidy. I would move him above Mahle Sithole.
4 Zekhethelo Siyaya – he’s just back from injury and has serious X but on form as I was it maybe send him to the u17 AW and let Mthiyane travel to CW as a 11/13 instead. Veenstra can start at fullback Boqwana can cover 10/15.
5 Nkululeko Sithole – Zingce Simka has struggled with injury since last year. He is well off his best at the moment. Nkululeko had a brilliant game.
6 Marcwin Nero – Zander Vorster didn’t play. He is easily the best kicking 9 in KZN. In his absence Marcwin showed that he is still an option for the bench.
7 Teddy Dlamini – its always an honour to represent your school but Teddy played with the sort of determination that one expected from a player who wants to be picked for CW. An option is to make the Vos of nature a loosehead at CW to accommodate Teddy.
8 Lian Terblanche – I felt like his main rival is his teammate Ethan Macey. Still hard to separate the two but Lian didn’t do his selection chances any harm. DHS’s Sibusiso Mahlangu did not available.
9 Adriano Jackson – had a standout match. A good sized wing at 1.87m and well built plus quick. Has struggled to be a first choice for DHS. He could however still have a role to play. Hilton star Rukudzo Madinga missed Sharks Day due to concussion.
10 Matt Fick/Naz Isaacs – two players who had solid performances and moved from possibles to probables in my books.
I saw a pic of the College 1st team with empty stands everywhere, no thanks.
@KatzRugga (Comment #9)
Thanks. I share your final sentiment.
@Skywalker (Comment #2)
statistically MHS are currently sitting 3rd in the ‘KZN VS KZN’ schools. Trailing DHS and College, I would say running on as underdogs on Gilfillan this Saturday.
BIT OF BOTH
Undeniable it’s a big occasion for the boys in the 1st team set up to play at the Shark tank. Although it wasn’t all that well supported in the stands. Which is understandable as all other teams was playing at their schools.
As good as it is that something new is being tested and tried everything needs a bit of a nip and tuck going forward to be perfect and suit most.
The remaining fixtures for all others team at their respective schools regrettably seems to have lost all build up, atmosphere and revenue.
It’s a personal opinion but I would by far prefer a normal day being played at a school venue anytime.
What is the general feeling from the participating schools? Was it good to all play at one venue or would they have preferred to have played at the various schools with the normal schoolboy crowds?
I would love a day like this for WP schools trials – it would be right up there at tournament level if planned and marketed correctly.
@beet When will the Craven Week Teams be announced? Also – based on performance at KP, does your view of the prospective teams change much?
@beet – that is all one can ask of a young team, to keep fighting and learning, builds character. Hoping the grade 11 boys are absorbing everything so they can draw on this next year.
@KatzRugga (Comment #3)
I actually think St Charles could beat Glenwood, eeek. Clifton have the wooden spoon, so it’s a bun fight for 6th, 7th, 8th in KZN. Sad times for me…
LOCKED IN SCHEDULE
I do feel that St. Charles deserves a go at 1 or 2 other KZN teams this season as they looking really slick on occasion.
MICHAELHOUSE
NW