Four KZN blockbusters on the cards
When Michaelhouse hosts Pretoria Boys High on Saturday, a thrilling encounter is expected, while Hilton squares up against Westville. Kearsney is away at Glenwood, who will be celebrating their Old Boys’ Day, while Maritzburg College faces a tricky tie at Northwood.
When Michaelhouse and Boys High met last year, PBHS ran out 4-0 winners. But that was a different side. Most of the players who played in that match have matriculated.
Another important part of the narrative is that Michaelhouse was not coached by Nick Bérichon, who, having previously coached at Garsfontein until the end of 2023, will have very good knowledge of Boys High’s hockey.
With regards to their form, Michaelhouse has won one and lost one in their last two games. They went down 0-2 away to Maritzburg College but then bounced back to win by the same margin against St Charles at home.
Bérichon hopes that the half-term break, which provided his team with a well-deserved rest after a busy run of matches, will not reset his charges to last year’s principles, which he is working to replace with his own approach.
Justin Collins’ Northwood hosts Maritzburg College on the Durban school’s Old Boys’ Day. The rivalry was dominated by College for many years. In fact, when Northwood won 3-1 in 2022 it was their first win over College.
Last year, the teams settled for a draw. This year, Kyle Emerson’s charges will be looking to undo Northwood’s momentum against them.
However, that will not be an easy task, especially with Northwood playing on home turf. Collins’ team is playing confident hockey and they’re in good form. In their previous three matches, they drew at Kearsney and then followed that up with wins over Jeppe and Glenwood.
Led by Trent Jessop up front, Northwood fired seven goals past Jeppe and Glenwood and conceded only one once.
College has been playing well on the ball, dominating possession, and pressing hard when not in possession, over the past few weeks. Emerson and his charges have done their homework on Northwood and have been practicing ways to nullify the threat brought by Collins’ boys, who usually employ a sharp-edged counterattacking game.
“The focus will remain on our game and ability to keep the ball,” Emerson said. “We know that Northwood plays well with and without the ball, so the game should see two disciplined teams playing to their strengths, and it will come down to who can take their opportunities on the day.”
Westville is at home against Hilton. They’re a tough nut to crack with home field advantage, and they’re well marshalled by KZN Coastal central defender Owen Slack.
Hilton, too, takes their lead from their skipper. Jared Kitto will be a key player for them if they’re to overturn the Griffin on their home turf.
Kearsney takes a short drive to the 3 Schools Astro in Durban for a meeting with Glenwood. Braydon Naidoo’s team is going through a rebuilding phase and aspiring to reach the heights of their predecessors, and they will be keen to impress in front of their old boys. Kearsney, though, presents a serious obstacle.
“They are tough competition, defensively well-drilled. They have a good programme running. You have to respect them, otherwise they will hurt you. But we will take the fight to them,” Naidoo said.
For his part, Kearsney coach Ashley Kemp has expressed his desire for his boys to maintain the good run that has seen them win a few matches on the bounce. He is not taking their opposition lightly.
“They have a good programme running and have a few talented players,” Kemp said. “I am looking forward to the fixture. It should be a competitive match.”
Fixtures
Saturday
Michaelhouse vs PBHS
Westville vs Hilton
Northwood vs Maritzburg College
Glenwood vs Kearsney.
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