RUGBY
RUGBY
1st XV
Back row : A Landman , K Walsh , N Odendaal , M Squires Middle row : C Reed , C Hope , J Truter , L Cameron-Macintosh , M Hancock , A Khanyile , N Mjara , R Williamson Front row : A Duma , M Diedericks , Mr J Greeff ( biokineticist ), A Reintges , Mr K Smith ( coach ), C Glover ( captain ), Mr T Orchard ( assistant coach ), R van Blerk , L Muller Absent : X Guma , Mr R Scott ( assistant coach ), M King
Overview from the master-in-charge
Maritzburg College provided rugby for approximately 390 boys this year , made up as follows : nine open , six U16 , six U15 and five U14 teams . At times we were able to field a 10th and U16F side , but interest waned as the season progressed and injuries in the teams above depleted the ranks . College can be justifiably proud of the fact that the numbers swelled despite the national decline in boys playing rugby at school level .
We were very happy with the depth of our coaching expertise at A and B team level and a number of the younger members of staff have stepped up to the plate . They have added a new energy and impetus to the rugby set up . We were also reliant on a number of students from the local university campus to bolster the coaching ranks . These young men very quickly identified with the College ethos and they brought cutting edge rugby understanding to the lower sides as many of them are still actively playing the game .
A number of the top teams were involved in rugby festivals during the Easter holiday . The 1st XV participated in the Wynberg and Kearsney Festivals for the first time . The 2nd XV , U16A , U15A and U14A also travelled to the Wynberg festival .
The Skonk Nicholson 7s was very well organised by Kevin Smith , Carol De Matteis and their committee . This festival is now firmly established on the schools ’ rugby calendar and has created its own niche . There is a belief that the more established rugby schools will now also start sending their sides to the festival , especially as 7s rugby gains in popularity in school circles in the third term .
On the whole , the rugby results were satisfactory . We played 305 games , winning 62 % and losing 38 %. Fifteen percent of these losses were against ‘ higher sides ’. These statistics are marginally better than the previous two years . On average on any Saturday a College side scored 24 points and conceded 15 . The most successful age group was the open group , which won 68 % of its games . There were no unbeaten sides . We still field between 24 and 26 sides every weekend which is a similar situation to ten or fifteen years ago .
The statistics for the 1st XV reflect an average season . They played 17 matches , winning eight , losing eight and a draw with KES . The pre-season matches against Voortrekker and Westville have not been included . The team scored a total of 366 points and conceded 466 which amounted to an average of 22 points for and 27 against , per game . The lasting memory , ironically , was probably the 26-33 loss to Glenwood in the last game of the season because it epitomised the ‘ never-say-die ’ attitude of this group of boys who punched above their weight week after week . We realised from the outset that it would be a difficult season but coaches Kevin Smith , Tim Orchard and Rob Scott brought out the best in these boys and there were a number of memorable performances , none more so than against the highly rated DHS side on their Founders ’ Day .
The Midlands referees ’ society continues to provide us with an invaluable service . On an average Saturday 18 neutral referees took charge of rugby matches at College . They also managed a steady stream of College boys who are both willing and capable of blowing rugby matches , ranging from the 5th XV to the U14E team .
The following boys gained KZN Schools ’ selection :
KZN U16A :
S Dube
KZN U18 Academy A : M King , D Atembe , C Glover , A Duma , N Mjara , P Zuma , A Reintges
KZN 7s Squad :
J Truter , N Mjara KZN U18 Craven Week : F Mbatha
A successful College rugby season is non-negotiable because the boys generally are happier and more settled when the 1st XV rugby side is performing well . At no time is the school more united in a common goal than on Goldstone ’ s on a Saturday afternoon at 15:30 . Hopefully the class of 2017 will build on the success of this group and ensure that their year is even better .
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