There isn’t a league or a knockout competition in KwaZulu-Natal, however with all the top rugby schools playing against one another on an annual basis, there is opportunity to compare the KwaZulu-Natal inter-schools results in any given season and determine who the top team is. This is the exact purpose for which the eighth annual Traditional Rugby Schools Awards Luncheon was held on 15 August 2012. Founded and conceptualised by a group of North Coast old boys of the top seven rugby schools in KZN in 2004, this now popular awards luncheon has become a noteworthy part of the KwaZulu-Natal schools rugby calendar with the highlight being the handing over of the trophy to the winning school.
Many well known rugby personalities have been invited as guest speakers including President of the KZNRU Peter Hassard, Springbok skipper Gary Teichmann, rugby commentator Hugh Bladen, Natal’s first Currie Cup winning captain Craig Jamieson and Springbok 2007 World Cup winner Butch James. This year the honour fell on Springbok Stefan Terblanche who is now the Executive Director of the SA Rugby Legends Association. African adventurer Kingsley Holgate and legendary Sharks coach Ian MacIntosh were also present.
Michaelhouse emerged as the clear-cut winners, having the best record of all the top schools in the province. It has been an outstanding season for the private school from Balgowan. Six players Justin Moberly (captain), Stephan Hardman, Joshua Moon, Robert Anderson, Michael Mvelase and Bruce Arnott were selected to play at Craven Week 2012. Cian Grendon made the Academy team and Christopher Brits, Gordon Laubser-Hattingh, Zaahir Harribance and Bryce Nicolson-Deh all featured in the final round of KwaZulu-Natal under-18 trials.
Michaelhouse coaches Michael Schwartz and Andre van Wyk accepted the trophy on behalf of the school.
Kearsney claimed second place. There was a tie for third place between Maritzburg College and 2011 winners Glenwood. Westville were in fifth place, Hilton sixth and DHS seventh. St Charles was one of the original schools considered for the trophy when the luncheon began in 2004. However since then the school has fallen on some hard times on the rugby field, so it came as a surprise when it was announced that the Pietermaritzburg school, founded in 1875 would be welcomed back into the mix in 2013, particularly in light of the fact that Northwood and George Campbell play more games against top KZN schools and achieve better results as well.
@Beet, agreed those 4 would add value for sure but I don’t blog on 365 out of policy not to back rubbish. Maybe you can entice them over? Maybe Roger too so we can gloat when the College and Westville beat KES next year…
@Grasshopper: We must get Vleis here in 2013. Him, Martin, Playa and Westers are on the blogger list
Beet, you need to update the 365 story too as Vleis is concerned Hilton did not get a mention…
@beet: Hahhaa .. now is when you need an edit or delete button for a post. I was about to ask ou Star if his relatively old age was making him short-sighted. He would have an adequate comeback of course .. :-)
@star:
eeeek I changed it quickly.
@ beet- are you angling to be guest speaker. Also a bit tough on Hilton who have to watch their mortal enemy MHS get the top award while they do not even get a mention.Should they not be sixth?
Cool, I will look into it. I will be running a biggish web analytics business when I return so we might be able to get some budget for that as long as we get some mention on here
@Grasshopper: R40000 should cover venue hire, catering and guest speaker
I’ll be happy to sponsor an Under16 trophy/luncheon…
@HORSEFLY NO.1:Thing is no oone in the whole country measures schools by any other standard other than 1st team.
There is perhaps opportunitty to start a different luncheon. Last Sat I saw ballgirls at Kingspark for the first time. Changes happen all the time.
I see this is just an u18 trophy as all age groups would have to be considered to make it what its said to be. Either way well done Michalhouse.
Well done Michaelhouse! The 4 sides below you this year will be wanting to take that crown and Glenwood will want it back big time. 2013 will be very interesting!