Overview Sporting Achievements

In the latest Maritzburg College Sports report, two of Pietermaritzburg’s top boys’ schools faced each other this weekend in a full round of cricket, basketball and water polo fixtures, while College’s water polo A teams competed against the best schools in the province in the KZN Top 10 competition. There was also canoeing action with Jayden van Rensburg and Luke O’Connor winning the U18 doubles Dolphin Coast Challenge race.

Basketball

Delivering an exceptional performance, College’s basketball teams were on top form this weekend against St Charles in the main, winning 20 of their 22 games, and 17 of the 18 games against St Charles. The 1^st team secure a dominant 81-45 win.

1^st team report (Mr Jacques Wilcock, MIC: Basketball)

The local Pietermaritzburg derby is always filled with passion and excitement, and the heat was already taking its toll during warm up as players were making use of Thirsti to stay hydrated. The game got off to a strong start with St Charles draining a lethal three pointer, filling the SK Arena with noise from the many supporters. Bolstered by the strong home crowd, College pushed through to take a commanding 27 – 11 lead by the end of the first quarter. Intense pressure was applied to St Charles throughout the game, and despite a surge from them in the third quarter, College were eventually victors 81-45. Overall, it was a fantastic day for Maritzburg College against local foes, winning 17 of the 18 games played against St Charles.

Summary of results:

 Cricket

College had 14 cricket teams in action over the weekend and won seven of their matches. Despite an excellent 102 from the captain Chad Mason, the 1^st XI fell short by 84 runs, in their match against St Charles. Centuries by Dedekind (2^nd XI) and van Rooyen (3^rd XI) saw both these teams secure good wins.

1s^t team report (Mr Robbie Coutts: 1^st XI coach)

St Charles won the toss on a scorching Pietermaritzburg morning and, on a pitch that looked full of runs, had no hesitation in electing to bat first. The St Charles openers got off to a strong start, putting together a solid 87-run partnership. This was eventually broken by a sharp runout from stand-in captain Oliver da Costa, who was leading the side with regular captain Chad Mason off the field nursing a thumb injury.

By tea, St Charles had lost two more wickets and were sitting at 113 for 3 after 25 overs, leaving the game finely balanced. However, a crucial 100-run partnership for the 5th wicket tipped the scales in St Charles favour, allowing them to post a commanding total of 273 for 6 in their 50 overs.

College’s response began in the worst possible way, with opener Llewellyn Sutherland being caught behind for a second-ball duck. Reece Willson, elevated to number 3 to cover for his injured captain, tried to steady the ship, but College struggled to build substantial partnerships. Only captain Chad Mason, still feeling the effects of his thumb injury, was able to anchor the innings. He stitched together a fighting 51-run partnership with Michael Gibson and added another 43 runs with Ryan McKean, keeping College’s hopes alive.

Mason’s brilliant century, coming off 110 balls, was the lone highlight for College. Unfortunately, his dismissal in the 42nd over left the lower order with too much to do, as wickets tumbled in pursuit of quick runs. College was bowled out for 189 in the 45th over, falling 84 runs short of SCC’s total.

Scores in brief

St Charles 273/6; McKean 2-42 College 189 all out; Mason 102 College lost by 84 runs.

Summary of scores:

Water polo

College’s A water polo teams took part in the Top Schools competition over the weekend. The 1^st team finished in 8^th position, the U15A team finished in 6^th place while the U14A unfortunately finished 10^th.

1^st team report (Mr Darren Sherriff)

The College 1^st team took part in the KZN Top Schools Water Polo Tournament. It was a tough weekend for the RedBlackWhite. Up against Clifton and Glenwood on day one, College did well to secure a 6-5 win over Glenwood. On day 2 the boys pushed Westville and DHS in the first two chukkas of their games, leading initially, but unfortunately lack of fitness was against them, and they lost both. After beating the Invitational team 9-0, College lost to Northwood and finished 8^th.

Summary of scores:

U14A

Played 6, Won 0, Lost 6 Finished 10th

U15A

Played 6, Won 2, Lost 4 Finished 6th

1st team

Played 6, Won 2, Lost 4 Finished 8th

Water polo vs St Charles, Michaelhouse and Hilton

College’s water polo teams played eight matches over the weekend and produced significantly better results winning four of their games.

Canoeing

Congratulations to Jayden van Rensburg and Luke O’Connor who won the U18 doubles race at the

Dolphin Coast Challenge over the weekend.

Sports report compiled by:

Sally J Upfold (Director: Marketing & Communications)

[email protected]

SA Schoolsports digital magazine