Michaelhouse need the win, Hilton the form team

May 2025.
Michaelhouse hosts Hilton on the Bailey’s Field in Balgowan this weekend in what promises to be another fiercely contested Midlands derby. The main rugby field Meadows was already waterlogged last week for the Peterhouse match and more rain during the week has not helped. A few matches were attempted on the surface, but it quickly turned into a quagmire. Bailey’s is a narrower field with shorter, harder turf, factors which may change the dynamics of the main match. As a result of wet fields not available, parking is set to be a bit of a nightmare for the many vistors to Michaelhouse for this big occasion.

House find themselves in the midst of a challenging season — one in which they have been labelled underachievers. It’s the nightmare scenario for any schoolboy rugby head coach: a team that looks strong on paper but struggles to deliver results on the field.

That’s not to say there hasn’t been some misfortune, or moments of good form in games that ultimately didn’t go their way. House arguably should have beaten the impressive Northwood in Durban North — a penalty that clearly went over was not flagged by the assistant referees in a narrow two-point loss. They’ve also managed credible away draws against Grey High and the unbeaten St Andrew’s, and pushed the highly rated, undefeated DHS team all the way. So it hasn’t been all doom and gloom.

However, there have been undeniable low points — most notably being outplayed by what is considered a relatively weak Bishops side, and the demoralising defeat to St Stithians, a result that is difficult for supporters and coaches alike to overlook. Head coach James Fleming, widely respected for developing Michaelhouse into a competitive rugby programme across all age groups, is now under mounting pressure to deliver a much-needed victory against Hilton — a win that could restore some confidence and bring a positive shift in sentiment around the season. Fortunately, he has a solid run-on team available for what is KwaZulu-Natal’s most anticipated and best-attended derby.

In contrast, it’s business as usual for top-rated coach Brad McLeod-Henderson and his Hilton College side. Quietly going about their business, Hilton have flown slightly under the radar this year, but their results have been quietly impressive. A combined national ranking placed Hilton at 18th (compared to House’s 36th). Hilton have lost just twice — to unbeaten 2025 front-runners Westville, and to Grey High, who beat them 20–7 (interestingly, the same Grey High with whom House managed a draw).

Hilton have five wins under their belt this season, while House have only managed two — both against modestly lowly rated Zimbabwean opposition.

From a neutral perspective, Hilton appear to have the balance, form, and tactical execution to secure what would be their 98th win in this historic derby. But as tradition often dictates, form alone rarely decides this clash. Emotions run high, and players frequently rise to the occasion. With Michaelhouse sitting on 101 derby wins, and fielding a capable squad this weekend, an “upset” cannot be ruled out.

Judging by the respective team sheets, a significant test awaits Michaelhouse scrumhalf Nick Baker, who steps in for injured in-form first-choice Dan Aissing. Baker faces a formidable challenge in the form of Hilton’s muscular Zander Vorster, tipped as one of the frontrunners in a competitive race for u18 Craven Week selection. This clash is just one of several intriguing individual matchups, others will be between players hoping to catch the eye ahead of provincial youth week trials. The loose-forward and midfield contests, in particular, promise to be among the most compelling battles on the day.

TEAM	MICHAELHOUSE		TEAM	HILTON
1	Koketso Bopape	u18	1	Khanya Jekwa	u19
2	Max Oliva	u17	2	Josh Grant	u18
3	Nicolas Salamousas	u17	3	Mholi Khuzwayo	u17
4	Daniel Carr	u18	4	Andre Boshoff	u18
5	Alexander Arde	u18	5	Andrew Schnell	u17
6	Oliver Davis	u18	6	Jacques Olivier	u18
7	Luke Mitchell	u18	7	Emmanuel Dankwah	u18
8	Dominic Sesink-Clee	u18	8	Zander Miller	u17
9	Nicholas Baker	u18	9	Zander Vorster	u18
10	Stefan Moolman	u18	10	Liyema Nela	u18
11	Jack Carmody	u17	11	Requilme Adonis	u18
12	William Ridl	u18	12	Tristan Uys	u18
13	Rourke o’Sullivan	u18	13	Khazimla Makali	u18
14	Lwandle Nzama	u19	14	Guy Fender	u17
15	Alex Jankowitz	u17	15	James Peattie	u17