Fireworks expected for College’s Reunion Day and Clifton’s Old Boys’ Day
Maritzburg College will host Michaelhouse in a blockbuster hockey encounter to celebrate their Reunion Day, while Clifton hosts St Charles for their Centenary Old Boys’ Day celebrations on Saturday.
Michaelhouse coach Nick Bérichon, a College old boy, returns to his alma mater wearing the colours of the opposition, and is chasing a cherished victory on College’s hallowed Pape’s Astro.
It is not an improbable outcome. Michaelhouse is coming off an inspiring 3-2 win over Hilton College at Hilton last weekend. In that encounter, West Mitchell-Innes opened and closed the scoring in a match where the home team refused to let go and kept fighting back.
“We have taken confidence from our actions in both the attacking and defensive circles versus Hilton last week, so we are looking to be even better in both those departments,” Bérichon shared with Supersport Schools Plus ahead of Friday’s showdown.
College, on the other hand, will not only have home advantage but they’re also coming off a 2-1 win over St Charles. As they have done for most of the season, they dominated possession in that match. It is an approach that they are not about to relinquish. The only thing coach Kyle Emerson has bemoaned recently was his charges’ wayward finishing.
“We should have put the game to bed with many chances,” he commented after their win. That has been a recurring theme for his side.
Bérichon is expecting College to bring the fight to his charges, but he is certain his team will be up for it. “Reunion Day is a big day for College, so we know they won’t be taking one step backward. That is motivating us to bring our absolute best in our preparation and on Saturday,” he said.
College’s opponents from last week, St Charles College, travel down to the Riverside Sports Club in Durban to face Clifton College.
Matt Coombes’ charges will be pursuing a reversal of their fortunes since the teams last met on Saints’ Old Boys’ Day on 20 April, when Clifton scored a 3-1 win.
Clifton’s coach Calvin Price is expecting a serious examination from the Pietermaritzburg school: “Traditionally, yes, they are a strong unit and always challenge us. We beat them on their Old Boys Day and definitely know they will come out firing this weekend on our Old Boys’ Day,” Price said.
With loyal home support, the Clifton 1st XI will be spurred on by their Old Boys, who will be celebrating 100 years of their school’s existence.
FIXTURES
Saturday
Maritzburg College vs Michaelhouse
Clifton College vs St Charles College
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