Michaelhouse flexes their strategic repertoire with victory over St Albans

Diocesan College and Clifton started us off for the first game of day three at the Standard Bank St Stithians Easter Festival, with Bishops taking their third win of the festival in a phenomenal fashion.

The coaching personnel for Bishops flexed their tactical muscles today and showed what you can achieve when you utilize everything at your disposal.

The talent in Bishops first team is not only palpable, but perfectly positioned and timed.

Gilermo Mentoe was once again on fire this morning, booting four conversions alongside scoring a try for his side. Kashief Joseph played brilliantly as flyhalf in the first half, when he succeeded in landing a try for Bishops.

Haashim Pead, however, was swapped in as flyhalf for the next thirty minutes and also succeeded in scoring a try. Winger Lucca Mynhardt obviously put five points on the board with a try, and Wakeem Fortuin managed two tries as well. The sheer brilliance really showed when Bishops scored their final twelve points in the last minute and a half of the game.

Even with Clifton’s fight and grit, Bishops came out on top today.

Wynberg Boys’ High played Northcliff in the second game and gave them an absolute hiding; beating them 41-0. Unfortunately for Northcliff, there is no chance for redemption, with today being the last day of the festival.

Wynberg played with great unity; they also played a truly unselfish game as a whole. The backline were really showing off their pace and coordination; with Ethan Thomas (outside centre) earning a hat trick of tries.

We also got to experience some lovely tries from Amier Adams (inside centre), Bibo Mawkendi (prop) and Nicholas van Schalkwyk (hooker).

All players with different strengths. That was the secret to their success. They did not care how the points got on the board or who played the final role in putting them there, they all supported each other in each play and helped their brothers to succeed for the good of the team. That is what rugby’s all about.

One does still need to mention the flyhalf, Yaqeen Ahmed’s kicking game. Getting three conversions and a penalty through the poles is no small feat.

The third game went exactly as you’d expect if you’ve been following Michaelhouse this season. We already know they will not allow any losses this season, and they certainly did not when they defeated St Alban’s College by 40-10 today.

Sometimes there are intangible qualities of a team that make them exceptional to watch; and oh boy does Michaelhouse have just that.

They are just so entertaining on the field. We already know we would get some great tries from Leo Muziva (winger) and Campbell Ridl (outside centre), with some big forwards, Luthando Buthelezi (prop) and Wandile Mlaba (eighthman), also earning one and two tries respectively.

In an exceptional play; Michaelhouse’s flyhalf, Josh Aissing, used magician-like slight of hand to perform a behind the back pass to their eighthman, Mlaba, leading to a highlight reel worthy try.

It brought a smile to their faces and ours.

It was one of those moments that could make anyone love the art of rugby. Michaelhouse is playing a witty, fantastically tactical game; and best of all, they’re having a great time doing it.

Helpmekaar made the highveld proud today when they defeated Kingswood College 31-5. Everyone has been looking forward to the moment when Helpmekaar really shows what they can do, and today was that day.

This may be a turning point for them this season; as a great victory can be a truly unifying experience for a team. Inside centre, Michael Benzien’s kicking was on point, as per usual. His performance was flawless as he converted every try.

What was fascinating, was the role that the forwards played in putting tries on the board. Every single one was touched down by a forward. The team really seemed to find their stride today and come together for an excellent game of rugby.

If they can keep this up and use today as a frame of reference going forward, this could be a very strong season for the Helpies.

Although Kingswood College has been a great squad to watch at this festival and are playing really effectively, the victory simply did not go their way today.

The final game between St Stithians College and St John’s Harare had much riding on it, it was the last game of the festival and St Stithians were surely hoping for a comeback.

Unfortunately for the hosts, the boys from up north took the win as the game ended at 15-7 is St John’s favour.

At least the long trip was not for nothing, as St John’s can return home proudly with two wins. The game was interrupted by lightning and bad weather, but that would not stop either team from giving it their all or break their spirit. St John’s number eight, Joshua Galant, showed his brute force when he scored them two tries.

Outside centre, Stefan Kruger, took a different approach as he ran full throttle, flaunted his pace and scored a try for his side. St Stithians did fight back, with their lock Francois Botes landing them a try which was easily converted by none other than captain and flyhalf, Chris Anderson.

The final day of the festival provided some excellent matchups and was really great to watch. This is looking like a really competitive season coming up with some really strong, combatant squads.

Who knows what the future holds, but man are we excited to find out.

Scorers: 

St John’s College (Harare) 15 (5) – Tries: Joshua Galant (2), Stefan Kruger. St Stithians College 7 (7) – Try: Francois Botes. Conversion: Chris Anderson.

Michaelhouse 40 (26) – Tries: Campbell Ridl (2), Wandile Mlaba (2), Luthando Buthulezi, Leo Muziva. Conversions: Luke Davidson (5). St Alban’s College 10 (3) – Tries: John-Joshua Steenkamp. Conversion: Josh Verster. Penalty: Josh Verster.

Helpmekaar 31 (10) – Tries: Ruan Welman (2), Pedri de Wet, Jandre Labuschagne. Conversions: Michael Benzien (4). Penalty: Michael Benzien. Kingswood College 5 (0) – Try: Shingi Manyarara.

Wynberg Boys’ High 41 (3) – Tries: Ethan Thomas (3), Amier Adams, Bibo Makwendi, Nicholas van Schalkwyk. Conversions: Yaqeen Ahmed (3), Sange Mbuto. Penalty: Yaqeen Ahmed. Northcliff 0.

Diocesan College 43 (19) – Tries: Wa-keem Fortuin (2), Kashief Joseph, Matthew French, Lucca Mynhardt, Haashim Pead, Gilermo Mentoe. Conversions: Mentoe (4). Clifton 10 (10) – Try: Michael Langston. Conversion: Joshua Kennedy. Penalty: Joshua Kennedy.