Maritzburg College weekly sporting highlights for the cricket teams who delivered an impressive set of results during the 2026 preseason, showcasing depth, talent, and determination across all levels.
Cricket: 1st XI
College’s 1st XI opened their campaign with a hard-fought two-day encounter against Clifton. College posted 254/8 in the first innings, thanks to a superb unbeaten century from Jursa (123*), before restricting Clifton to 147 all out, with Willson (3-41) and Bharath (2-13) leading the attack. In the second innings, College added 218/9, with Bharath (69) and Jursa again contributing, while Clifton closed on 135/8. The match ended in a draw after two competitive days of cricket.
In their next fixture, College took on Ashton in a 40-over clash, amassing 327/6 with de Bruyn (104*), Puddu (56), and Bisset (41) shining with the bat. The bowlers were on top form, dismissing Ashton for just 91, led by Willson (4/10). College secured a commanding 236-run victory.
2nd XI
The 2nd XI impressed with two strong wins against Invitational sides. In the first match, College scored 327/8, with notable contributions from Katz (64), Schirge (56), and Fabre (52), before bowling out the opposition for 155, thanks to Meyer (3-29), and taking a 172-run win.
In the second fixture, College chased down 234 and reaching 235/9. Schirge (63) and Smith
(44) anchored the innings to secure a thrilling one-wicket victory.
U16A
Maritzburg College’s U16A team outshone Clifton in a two-day match. After declaring
at 264/8 (with Palmer 60*), College’s bowlers reduced Clifton for 61 and 84 in successive innings. Storm (4-19 & 4-8) and Palmer (4/36) starred in a crushing innings-and-119-run win.
U15A – Lance Klusener Cricket Festival
The U15A squad enjoyed a stellar festival, winning all four matches convincingly:
- Vs Kempton Park: Chased down 174 with ease, led by Seach (80) for a 7-wicket
- Vs Rustenburg: Posted 201/5 before bowling out Rustenburg for 80, with Emerson
(85) and St-John Ward (3-21) starring in a 121-run victory.
- Vs Jeppe: Defended 149 successfully, thanks to Mahmoud (3-8), for a 61-run
- Vs MZ Academy: Secured a 36-run win in T20 action, with Seach (56) and St-John Ward (3- 5) leading the charge.
Well done to all the boys and coaches on a promising start to the year, with standout individual performances and strong team cohesion across all age groups. We look forward to building on this momentum as the season unfolds.
