Maritzburg College’s basketball, cricket and water polo teams were in action against Michaelhouse this weekend, and there was also plenty of athletics and canoeing action. College won the 1st aQuellè athletics meet of the year, with two 1st places, five 2nd places and two 3rd places.

Basketball College won all 16 of their 24 matches, mostly played against Michaelhouse. The 1st team secured a 63-37 victory, and the U16A won 20-15.

1st team report (Ms Nonkululeko Gumede) In a highly anticipated showdown, Michaelhouse served as the battleground for the riveting clash between perennial rivals Michaelhouse and the boys from the RED BLACK WHITE. The basketball court bore witness to a spectacle of nail-biting action, as Michaelhouse sought to assert their dominance with an unwavering intensity and urgency. Despite Michaelhouse’s determined play, the College boys, though not at their peak performance, showcased an unmatched prowess. Ngcobo’s mesmerizing dribbling skills and Dlamini’s flawless shots at the basketball hoop proved to be pivotal in tipping the scales in College’s favour.

Even in the face of a lagging score, Michaelhouse refused to be disheartened. From the stands, their thunderous chants reverberated, serving as a constant source of motivation for their team on the court. In the end, College emerged as the superior force, dominating the scoreboard and securing a resounding victory with a blazing final score of 63-37. The clash not only showcased the skillful gameplay of both teams but also added another thrilling chapter to the enduring rivalry between Michaelhouse and Maritzburg College.

Cricket Sadly the weather was not kind on Saturday and lightning at Balgowen and in Pietermaritzburg, saw eight matches abandoned including both the 1st XI and 2nd XI. College won six of their matches and lost six.

2nds.jpg – A baking hot Goldstones saw College’s 2nd XI take on the boys from Balgowen. Sadly, the games was abandoned due to lightning.

1st XI match report (Mr Robbie Coutts – 1st XI coach) College captain Chad Mason won the toss and had no hesitation in electing to bat on a wicket that would get lower and slower as the day progressed. At the start to the bowling innings, the Michaelhouse bowling attack thrived in the conditions, the combination of the good bowling and a thick out field made it difficult for College to score at a reasonable rate. College were unable to put together any meaningful partnerships, the biggest partnership of the innings being 43 for the 2nd wicket between Mason and Ryan McKean. The College middle order through Michael Gibson gave College the much needed impetus, Gibson batted intelligently, running well between the wickets, his 44 off 70 balls getting College to a defendable 165 for 8. The Michaelhouse reply was unfortunately ended before it could start, with lightening at lunch time keeping the players off the field. The game was eventually called off at 14:45. Scores in brief: College 145 for 8; Gibson 44, McKean 38 Summary of scores:

Water polo College’s 2nd team won 3-2, although the game was closed early due to storms, and the 1st team game was cancelled. 1st team report (Mr D Sherriff – Director Aquatics)

Athletics: College won the 1st aQuellè athletics meet of the year, with two 1st places, five 2nd places and two 3rd places. Results:
1st:N Breedt – Discus under 16 (36.23m)
College Under 20 Swedish relay team (2:05.24)

2nd:Y Mchunu – 100m under 20 (11.26s) and 400m under 20 (51.48s)
S Gumbi – High Jump under 16 (1.70m)
A Kritzinger – High Jump under 20 (1.85m)
S Jansen – Shotput under 16 (11.66m)
T Boshoff – Discus under 18 (37.77m)

3rd:T Boshoff – Shotput under 18 (13.07m)
S Jansen – Discus under 16 (31.37m)
Overall age categories:
U16: Nickus BREEDT 2nd
U16: Sean JANSEN 3rd
U18: Theo BOSHOFF 2nd
U20: Yethaba MCHUNU 2nd

Canoeing On Saturday the College canoeists competed in the 50 miler (23km) posting excellent results:

K2 U18
Jack Odell and Matthew van Heerden 1st
James Gotte and Simon Norton 4th
U23
Jayden JvRensburg and James Sharpe (MCOB) 9th
Nathan Curry & Steve Curry (MCOB) 62nd
Sunday saw the boys participate in the 27km Bishopstowe to Dusi Bridge event.
K2 U18
Keegan Vogt and partner (Greg Palframen) 1st
Jack Odell and Matthew van Heerden 2nd
Luke O’Connor and partner (Dylan Barber) 6th
Scott Venniker and partner (Callum Hall) 7th
U16
James Gotte and parter (Tayla Norton )(mixed double) 2nd
U23
Jayden JvRensburg and James Sharpe (MCOB) 6th
Nathan Curry and Steve Curry (MCOB) 66th

College’s 2nd team were thrilled to secure a 3-2 won against Michaelhouse, in a series of matches which saw Michaelhouse dominate in the pool.