Maritzburg College enjoyed a highly competitive weekend of sport, delivering strong performances across basketball, cricket and water polo against St Charles College, Michaelhouse, Howick and other participating schools. The fixtures showcased impressive skill, grit and depth across the RedBlackWhite.

Basketball: Played 22 | Won 19 | Lost 3 – Maritzburg College dominated their basketball fixtures against St Charles and Michaelhouse, securing victories across the majority of matches. The 1st Team produced a commanding performance with a 70–49 win, setting the tone for the day.   1^st team report (Mr Jacques Wilcock, MIC Basketball)

As the crowds flocked towards St Charles for the “Pietermaritzburg Derby” increasing the tension as the winner would secure bragging rights for the year. The two 1st teams, who are familiar with each other’s style of play, were determined to be dominate their opposite number. A fast and physical affair saw both teams getting into foul trouble during each quarter, with a total of 45 free-throws attempted during the game. Maritzburg College performed well defensively in the 1st quarter holding St Charles to 3 points, although missed opportunities from College meant the score was not as convincing with the quarter ending 12-3. The first half ended with St Charles pushing the score and forcing an unstructured College to make poor decisions taking the halftime score to 30-21 in favour of Maritzburg College.

A total of 64 points were scored in the second half, 36 by College, as the game become more open and the two teams entered the proverbial boxing match, each hoping to land the final blow. The strong start by College was ultimately the deciding factor as Maritzburg College beat their neighbours 70-49, W Makhanda (14 points) and T Lekhobo (12 points) were the star performers of the day as they elevated the team on both sides of the floor in pursuit of the victory.

Strong wins followed across the age groups, with notable results including:

• 2nd Team: Won 37–32
• 16A: Won 41-18
• 15A: Won 43-17
• 14A: Won 52-11

Overall, College’s basketball squad delivered an exceptional set of performances, demonstrating depth and consistency across senior and junior teams.

Cricket Cricket fixtures were played against St Charles, Howick, Michaelhouse and the Imbali Hub, with several standout performances and exciting individual contributions, and all the age group A teams winning their matches. The 1^st XI secured an exciting one wicket victory.

1^st XI report (Mr Robbie Coutts – 1^st XI coach)

Maritzburg College met cross-city rivals St Charles in a 50-over fixture on the Harwin Road campus on Saturday. St Charles won the toss and in hot and humid conditions, had no hesitation in batting first on a wicket that looked good for runs and with a dry outfield further favouring the batsmen.

College captain Reece Willson made the perfect start, striking with the third ball of the match to clean bowl the St Charles opener. He struck again in his second over, once more bowling the batsman, before removing a third wicket in his opening spell to leave the hosts reeling at 23 for 3 after nine overs. Dominic du Toit and Luke Venter added further pressure, each picking up a wicket as St Charles slipped to 59 for 5.

A determined 118-run partnership then allowed the hosts to rebuild and claw their way back into the contest, eventually posting 187 for 7 from their 50 overs. Willson was the standout bowler, finishing with excellent figures of 3 for 38.

College began their reply solidly but lost both openers with the score on 27. Luka Puddu and Dax Jursa steadied the innings with a valuable 47-run partnership off 57 balls before Puddu was dismissed for 20 in the first over after the drinks break. Jursa continued to anchor the chase, adding 42 for the fourth wicket with Luan van der Merwe. Jursa was eventually dismissed for a well-constructed 44.

Van der Merwe and Willson then guided College into a strong position, taking the score to the point where 20 runs were required from the final five overs. Van der Merwe was run out for a composed and well-earned 52, opening the door for a tense finish. Some poor shot selection from the lower order saw College lose four wickets for just five runs, briefly swinging momentum back in St Charles’ favour.

Willson, however, remained calm under pressure and, with support from Greg Hosking and last man Luke Venter, steered College to victory with four balls to spare in a hard-fought and entertaining encounter.

Scores in brief

St Charles 187 for 7  –  Maritzburg College 190 for 9

Willson 3 for 38       –   Van der Merwe 52 Jursa 44

College won by 1 wicket

 Highlights

2nd XI: o College won by 52 runs after posting 241/9, with Willson taking 3–38.

3rd XI:

A dominant display saw College bowl out their opponents for 44, securing a 7-wicket victory.

5th XI:

A strong team performance earned College a 13-run win, with Brand showcasing excellent batting form.

15A: A disciplined bowling and batting effort led College to win by 26 runs.

14A: An outstanding performance saw a 168-run victory.

Water Polo

 Grey College Tournament | 1st Water Polo Team Played 10 — Won 6, Lost 4 1^st team report (Mr Darren Sherriff (Director Aquatics) The College 1^st water polo team enjoyed a competitive and valuable campaign at the Grey College Water Polo Tournament, finishing 5th overall after a demanding schedule of 10 matches, winning 6 and losing 4.

The tournament began with a narrow 4–6 loss to Jeppe, before the side responded well with a hardfought 8–7 victory over PBHS. Despite a challenging encounter against Affies, which ended in a 2–11 defeat, the team continued to show resilience throughout the tournament. Losses to KES (6–10) and Northwood (4–5) were closely contested and highlighted areas for growth against top opposition. Strong performances followed with convincing wins over Grey 1st (5–2) and Grey 2nd (15–5), demonstrating depth and improved defensive structure. The team also produced disciplined displays to secure victories against DHS (6–2), Affies 2nd (8–4), and PBHS (8–4), showing consistency and composure in pressure moments.

Overall, the tournament provided excellent exposure against quality opposition and valuable match experience. The team’s determination, teamwork, and ability to bounce back from setbacks were key positives, laying a solid foundation for the remainder of the season.

Local Fixtures | Played 11 — Won 3, Drew 2, Lost 6

Against St Charles and Michaelhouse, College teams battled hard in a demanding water polo programme.

Results included:

• 2nd Team: Drew 7–7
• 4th Team: Won 15–5
• 15A: Won 14–6
• 14A: Won 23-1

Several matches were tightly contested, including narrow losses for the 3rd, 5th and 6th teams.

Canoeing – Over the weekend, College boys competed in the African Slalom and Kayak Cross Championships held in Underberg. Congratulations to James Gotte who secured gold in the Kayak Cross Head-to-Head

Kayak Cross Head to Head: James Gotte 1st

Kayak Cross Individual: 

James Gotte 4th overall, 1st Junior.

Josh Craig 14th overall, 5th Junior

Slalom:

James Gotte 2nd overall, 1st Junior.  Josh Craig 7th overall, 3rd Junior Fynn Venniker 11th overall, 5th Junior.

Summary – The weekend’s fixtures once again highlighted Maritzburg College’s excellence, resilience and competitive spirit across sporting codes. With standout results in basketball, inspired performances on the cricket field and commendable water polo showings both locally and at tournament level, College athletes continue to uphold the proud traditions of the RedBlackWhite.