Hilton, Michaelhouse warm-up for derby with big wins
A massive showdown awaits Meadows, in Balgowan, on Saturday, 3 May, when Michaelhouse hosts Hilton College in the first of their annual derby matches. Both scored one-sided wins on Saturday ahead of their big rivalry clash.
Michaelhouse hosted their brother school, Zimbabwe’s Peterhouse, and, unusually, the match was played on Baileys instead of Meadows, which ‘House coach James Fleming described as “a muddy mess” after heavy recent rains.
No doubt, the decision to move the match was also made with an eye on the coming weekend’s clashes.
It’s believed that the Michaelhouse 1st XV last played on Baileys in 1955, which, coincidentally was the same year that Peterhouse was founded by former Michaelhouse Rector, Fred Snell.
Despite all the familial connections, Michaelhouse was not in a charitable mood on Saturday and they ran riot against their brother school.
At half-time, they had powered their way into a 33-0 lead. Then, in the second half, they tacked on 35 more points to run out 68-0 winners.
The pack laid the foundation, and the backs revelled in the freedom they were given to express themselves. Fullback Alex Jankowitz went over for two tries. So, too, did outside centre Rourke O’Sullivan, and scrumhalf Dan Aissing, who also enjoyed the space afforded him, bagged a brace, also.
William Ridl, Luke Mitchell, Nick Baker, and Dom Sesink-Clee added further five-pointers as Michaelhouse tallied 10 tries in total. Unfortunately, for Peterhouse, Stefan Moolman had his kicking boots on and he goaled nine of them to add salt to the wounds of the tourists.
Hilton, meanwhile, visited St Charles College, who are celebrating their 150th anniversary. Sadly, for Saints, Hilton wasn’t in the mood to give them any more reasons for celebration.
The home team was hobbled by injuries and illnesses, and Hilton captain Liyema Nela and company took full advantage of that.
It was all over bar the shouting in the first half, with Hilton powering their way into a 40-0 lead at the break. From there, they went on to a 74-14 win, scoring 12 tries.
Three players – Zander Vorster, Ricky Adonis, and Guy Fender – dotted down twice each. Further tries were scored by Jacques Olivier, André Boshoff, Emmanuel “Jerry” Dankwah, Khazimla Makali, Mholi Khuzwayo, and Andrew Schnell.
Flyhalf Liyema Nela added 12 points from six conversions, and John Grubb scored two more with another conversion.
At Kearsney College, the One-Stripe, well beaten by Hilton earlier in the season, continued their resurgence by edging out Glenwood by a single point in a high-scoring clash, beating the Green Machine 32-31.
Since a 25-22 win at Glenwood last year, Kearsney has won eight of 10 matches.
It was a second loss of the season for Glenwood, who were also beaten at Maritzburg College, They were unbeaten during the Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival, drawing 26-26 with Monument while defeating Milnerton 37-34 and Dale 33-12.
RESULTS
Michaelhouse 68-0 Peterhouse
St Charles College 14-74 Hilton College
Kearsney College 32-31 Glenwood High School
