RUGBY
U16A
Back row : C Allchin , E Hodgson , W Michaux , E Heuer , B Nel , J Swan Middle row : C Slater , B Noble , J Brink , M Ford , K Zvandaziva , J Aldum , L Xaba , J Oberholzer Front row : S Dube , R Zeelie , Mr B Collocott ( coach ), G Lesur ( captain ), Mr S Botha ( coach ), N Radebe , K Collyer Absent : S Silver , S Mokoena , L Shrives , M Willemse , P Simamane
The U16A rugby team had a tough season , with injuries in key areas and a general lack of players in vital areas which made it extremely difficult for the team to build . They started well enough with good performances against Voortrekker and a touring side , but with the loss of captain R Zeelie early in the game against Grey College , and the failure of several players to pull with the team , the season was littered with unnecessarily poor performances . Several players did put up their hand and played every game , culminating in S Dube ( tighthead ) making the KZN U16 side as well as being invited to the SA U16 training camp in Paarl .
The front row of E Hodgson , L Shrives and S Dube had no problem early in the season in the scrumming area , but did not gel in supporting the team in the lineouts . The front row changed regularly with J Swan ( loosehead ) and J Brink and J Aldum playing at hooker . A special mention must be made of Dube who came back from injury to play an important role in the set pieces as well as in carrying the ball effectively in the team ’ s pattern of play . The lock pairing of G Lesur ( captain ) and W Michaux added value in the tight loose , with Lesur also showing promise as a loose-forward . E Hodgson was always positive and willing to play at lock , playing almost every game of the season . The loose forward trio of E Heuer , C Slater and M Ford never quite performed as a unit , but showed instances of good play . Heuer was extremely competitive as an open side flanker and shows great promise as a rugby player . Slater will develop but needs to work on his speed , while Ford will benefit from a strong off-season programme . R Zeelie came back from injury and concussion and will add value in the years to come . Other players to represent the forwards were S Xaba , J Oberholzer , B Nel and T Shockey . Overall , the forwards held their own but struggled in the lineouts .
improved as a rugby player and benefited the most from the experience at centre ; however , as his work rate increases so he will add more value at hooker in the future . Radebe was the best backline player , having the ability to run good angles , and was abrasive on defence . He will add value to the open age group . B Noble had a number of games at centre and is one to watch next year . The wings , S Silver and C Allchin , struggled to make an impact but put in the effort and were solid under the high ball . A serious injury early in the season to K Zvandaziva curtailed the opportunity for an exciting prospect for College rugby . Other players to represent the backline were M Sithole and A Vermaak .
Rugby is a team sport and requires commitment with every player playing for his teammates and his team . The U16A team pulled in many directions . Hopefully next year when playing with older players , the talented players in this age group will learn and shine in the open age group . I wish to thank all those players who put everything into the season , as well as Messrs R le Roux and D Sherriff for their positive input into the team .
Results :
vs Voortrekker 38-0 , Sarel de Wet 71-3 , Grey College 12-82 , PBHS 25-5 and 8-10 , Michaelhouse 19-32 , SACS 7-31 , Wynberg 7-27 , KES 19-10 , Northwood 45-12 , Kearsney 28-27 , Westville 10-26 , Hilton 12-22 , Affies 0-74 , Glenwood 0-49 , DHS 13-22
Mr B Collocott
The U16A backline this year lacked penetration and a solid defensive ability . T Mokoena and later P Simamane are good scrumhalves each with their strengths . Mokoena trained very hard and combined well with his forwards but lacked the pace to break while Simamane has the ‘ X ’ factor which will take him a long way in rugby if he works on his basics . K Collyer played most of his games at fly-half and showed promise . He gave everything when asked to run at fullback and will be a late developer in the game of rugby . M Willemse played a number of games at fly-half and will also contribute more in the future . The centre pairing of B Nel and N Radebe should have clicked more but needed more time to do so . Nel
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