Maritzburg College scores late to draw with Pretoria Boys High
Maritzburg College came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against Pretoria Boys’ High School (PBHS) on Pape’s Astro at Maritzburg College on Saturday.
When the teams met in Pretoria in April, it was the Red, Black, and White who triumphed, winning another close encounter 2-1.
Boys High was keen to avenge that defeat, but vengeance was always going to be a tall order for the visitors. The Red Army is tough to overcome on Pape’s.
Saturday’s showdown was preceded by a guard of honour to congratulate Kadin Jenkins, Ethan Fabre, Rory Schirge, and Matthew Smith for reaching 50 caps for the Maritzburg College 1st XI. Those milestones and the fact that it was the final home match for College’s matrics helped inject energy into the hosts.
Unfortunately, though, at the beginning of the contest, it was a bit of a snooze-fest. After a long season, the weariness in the players’ legs was visible, and neither side did much with the ball in the opening exchanges.
However, as the match progressed, the contest began to gather momentum. Coach Mark Sanders’ outfit was intent on giving the home crowd something to celebrate. Pretoria Boys High, though, was resolute in defence.
The visitors, then, shocked College when they drew first blood against the run of play, striking from a penalty corner just before the close of the third quarter. The visitors were re-awarded the set piece three times, and the third time proved to be the charm for the men from Pretoria.
That goal jolted the Red Army to life. Spurred on by their supporters, they went on a desperate hunt for an equaliser.
PBHS, unwilling to let go of their lead, put up a fight for the ages, and when College made it through to goal, they were met by an inspired performance from goalkeeper beat Owen McMenamin.
The SA u18A shot stopper pulled off some outstanding saves to deny the hosts. Eventually, though, College’s’ pressure told, and they were awarded a penalty stroke, which Uyanda Dlamini slotted to level the scores.
Three frantic minutes followed, with College receiving three penalty corners in quick succession, but Pretoria Boys High stood firm and the game ended 1-1.
In total, the schools contested 17 matches, with Maritzburg College winning 11, Pretoria Boys High victorious in four, and two ending in draws.
RESULTS
Maritzburg College vs Pretoria Boys High
u19 – Maritzburg College 1st 1-1 Pretoria Boys High School 1st: Maritzburg College 2nd 0-2 PBHS 2nd; Maritzburg College 3rd 1-3 PBHS 3rd; Maritzburg College 4th 2-1 PBHS 4th; Maritzburg College 5th 1-0 PBHS 5th.
u16 – Maritzburg College A 3-1 PBHS A; Maritzburg College B 6-3 PBHS B; Maritzburg College C 3-1 PBHS C; Maritzburg College D 1-0 PBHS D; Maritzburg College E 0-2 PBHS E; Maritzburg College F 1-1 PBHS F; Maritzburg College G 2-0 PBHS G.
u14 – Maritzburg College A 3-0 PBHS A; Maritzburg College B 2-0 PBHS B; Maritzburg College C 2-0 PBHS C; Maritzburg College D 0-2 PBHS D; Maritzburg College E 3-2 PBHS E.
Northwood vs Durban High School
u19 – Northwood 1st 2-1 DHS 1st; Northwood 2nd 0-0 DHS 2nd.
u16 – Northwood A 2-1 DHS A; Northwood B 1-0 DHS B.
u14 – Northwood A 2-1 DHS A; Northwood B 0-0 DHS B.
Glenwood vs Parktown
u19 – Glenwood 1st 1-3 Parktown 1st; Glenwood 2nd 0-1 Parktown 2nd; Glenwood 3rd 3-1 Parktown 3rd; Glenwood 4th 2-0 Parktown 4th.
u16 – Glenwood A 2-0 Parktown A; Glenwood B 2-0 Parktown B; Glenwood C 3-0 Parktown C; Glenwood D 0-2 Parktown D.
u14 – Glenwood A 2-0 Parktown A; Glenwood B 1-0 Parktown B; Glenwood C 0-1 Parktown C.
