Hilton win a 100th time against Michaelhouse

May 2026
Hilton were dominant in the first half — so dominant, in fact, that it is tempting to say their effort won the game in this half.

They had forward ascendancy, controlled the lineout battle, and their much-revered territorial kicking game functioned beautifully. Spearheaded by the hang-time and precision Ruan Muller consistently generates, and aided by Michaelhouse being forced to receive into the sun, Hilton turned the aerial contest into a weapon. House even resorted to an innovative lineout-style lift to field one of the not-so-contestable kicks — a clear indication of the preparation concerns around Hilton’s disruptive kicking pressure.

Credit must go to the Hilton forwards, particularly Craven Week hopefuls No 8 Zander Muller, who carried with authority, and lock Andrew Schnell, who was an absolute nuisance at the lineout, not to mention his valuable contribution around the park.

Out wide, the electric Tomupeishe Gurupira finished a well-taken brace, scoring once on either side of half-time after two quality team build-ups.

At 13-0 up at the break, Hilton looked firmly in control.

What was particularly impressive about Hilton’s first-half display was their pragmatism. They took points when they were on offer, built scoreboard pressure, and avoided overplaying in key moments.

But Michaelhouse found a very different gear in the second half, with centre Alex Jankowitz at the heart of the fightback.

Jankowitz has already impressed this season as a superbly rounded player — comfortable distributing, kicking out of hand, and slotting goals — but this match showcased another side of his game. His directness and leg drive through contact were outstanding. It was the type of performance that surely strengthens his case as the frontrunner for the Craven Week No 12 jersey.

A clever training-ground setup off a scrum allowed Michaelhouse to isolate him, running hard and flat at what appeared to be Hilton’s softer defensive options in the backline, as well as their smallest forward. In those collisions, Jankowitz was simply too powerful for all four would-be tacklers.

Hilton did briefly restore breathing room at 20-7 through their second and final try.

Top commentator Andrew Duncan, meanwhile, continued his enduring love affair with all things late 1990s Brumbies. In a moment of mild rugby historical injustice, an outrageously ugly swan dive was credited to Ben Tune rather than its true spiritual owner — the patron saint of theatrical finishes himself, Chris Ashton: the Ash Splash.

Duncan was, however, spot on in highlighting scrumhalf Ben Hughes’ behind-the-back assist to flank Jed Reilly as pure Gregan-to-Finnegan vintage. Hughes later produced a near carbon copy from close range, this time combining with hooker Max Oliva to send Michaelhouse over and into the lead for the first time at 21-20 with under 10 minutes remaining.

Then came the decisive moment with time almost up.

Left wing Liyema Gazi produced the kick-ahead and chase that ultimately shifted the contest. His effort found valuable grass in the middle of the 22, allowing Hilton to regather under pressure they exerted on House. From the ensuing pick-and-go phases, Hilton earned a penalty.

Reserve flyhalf Nico Davel stepped up and held his nerve to slot the winner.

The moment carried two layers of significance.

It sealed Hilton’s 100th victory over Michaelhouse and ensured outgoing coach Brad Macleod-Henderson signed off with one final home Midlands Derby win. Meaningful as that was, there is little doubt the return fixture on Meadows at the end of the season will carry even greater emotional weight.