Overview Sporting Achievements
College’s first fixtures of the year are traditionally against our respected rivals Westville Boys High, and the past weekend was no different. In a full round of matches, College dominated on the basketball courts, while Westville proved the stronger on the cricket fields and in the pool.
College won 16 of their 20 basketball matches against Westville, with the 1st team repeating their 2023 end of year victory against Westville, winning 75-56. College’s 1st XI cricket team had a good game with an undefeated 101 from the captain Mason, and were unlucky to lose in the penultimate over.
The College canoeists had a great start to the season participating in the 2nd Dusi pre-season race, with podium places in the U18 K2 and U16 K1 events, as well as for College canoe coach Bridgitte Hartley in the ladies K2 race.
Basketball
College won 16 of their 20 matches against Westville, with the 1st team repeating their 2023 end of year win against Westville 75-56.
1st team report (Ms Nonkululeko Gumede)
The Alan Paton Hall was alive with anticipation as the curtain rose on the much-awaited first basketball fixtures of the season. Excitement permeated the air as eager 2nd formers joined the ranks of the red, black, and white-clad boys. The 1st team clash began with the home team, Maritzburg College, initially falling behind the formidable boys from Westville, concluding the first quarter at 1114. Westville continued to exert pressure, showcasing flawless finishes at the rim. Yet, a transformative moment unfolded for College when they showcased remarkable ball skills, and Masinga emerging as the standout player. In a dramatic turn of events, College seized control, surging ahead amidst a brotherly uproar from the spirited College boys, boldly asserting their aspirations for victory in 2024. The game reached its climax with two slam dunks and a last-second basket, cementing Maritzburg College’s well-deserved triumph. As the final whistle echoed through the hall, the scoreboard proudly displayed a decisive winning score of 75-56, signalling a promising start to what looks to be an exhilarating season ahead.
Cricket
College’s 1st XI cricket team had a good game with an undefeated 101 from the captain Mason, and were unlucky to lose in the penultimate over. Several matches were cancelled due to waterlogged fields. Rain and DoE school closures prevented most of the practices taking place in the first week of term, and the matches proved to be good learning experiences for the boys, with much to work on in the weeks ahead.
1st XI match report (Mr Robbie Coutts – 1st XI coach)
College’s captain Chad Mason won the toss and did not hesitate in electing to bat on a good batting pitch. The Westville opening bowlers were disciplined and bowled in good areas at the start of the innings, putting the College opening pair of Daniel Nadasan and Llewellyn Sutherland under pressure. The pressure told with both opening batsmen back in the changeroom with the score on 7. Mason and Michael Gibson absorbed the early pressure and batted well to tea, adding 83, College 90 for 2 after 25 overs. The partnership of 117 was broken when Gibson was caught and bowled for a wellplayed 58. College was unable to accelerate towards the end of their innings, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Mason batted through and in the last over went to a well-deserved century, ending on 101 not out. College finishing on 212 for 9 in their 50 overs. The Westville start was solid but slow, the first wicket falling on 42 in the 13th over. The Westville batsmen played intelligent cricket, running well between the wickets and putting bad balls away to the boundary. The College team came out firing after tea and put the opposition batsmen under pressure, taking wickets at crucial times. Ryan McKean and Sphamandla Dzanibe bowled well in tandem, not allowing the opposition batsmen any easy runs. The Westville batsmen absorbed the
pressure and ensured there would be no late drama, getting home with 9 balls to spare, 5 wickets in hand. Scores in brief: College 273/6; Mason 101*, Gibson 58 Westville 216 for 5; Konigkramer 2-27, Dzanibe 2-39 Westville won by 5 wickets
Westville proved the stronger in the pool, winning all of the nine matches, although the scores were very close in a number of games.
1st team report – Mr Darren Sherriff, Director of Aquatics
Maritzburg College hosted Westville on Saturday in what was always going to be a tough encounter. College took an early lead and looked to control the first chukka. Westville came back strongly, and were able to gain the lead and pull away from College. College lost the match 6-12.
Canoeing
The 2nd race of the pre Dusi Series, Geoff’s road to 2nd Saddles took place on Sunday 21 January.
In the K2 U/18 event, Matthew van Heerden and Jack Odell placed 2nd, and Keegan Vogt and partner (Greg Palframen) took the bronze. Simon Norton and James Gotte finished the race in 6th position.
In the U/23 category, College’s Jayden JvRensburg paddling with OC James Sharpe finished in 7th place, while Josh Worthmann and Gary Clarke completed the race in 42nd place overall.
For the K1 U/16, event, College’s Scott Venniker took sliver and completed the race in 11th position overall of the K1 boats.
A special congratulations to our coach, Bridgitte Hartley, who with Hilary Bruss, took top spot in the ladies event.
Sports report compiled by Martizburg College.
Photo credit: Maritzburg College
