Mighty Maritzburg College march on

Maritzburg College have extended their run of three consecutive wins after beating Pretoria Boys’ High School (43-12), the run includes victories over Affies and Northwood. The comprehensive win was a testament to their skill, teamwork, and unyielding team spirit. Setting up a commanding lead, the midlands school played with precision and intensity, leaving no room for complacency.

Rewatch all the action on SuperSport Schools (www.supersportschools.com).

From the kickoff, both teams demonstrated their determination to dominate the game. Maritzburg quickly seized control of the ball, displaying their renowned offensive prowess that they have shown throughout the season.

Within ten minutes into the first half, Maritzburg scored two quick tries to apply pressure early on with Langelihle Makhathini seizing his opportunity to weave between the Boys High defenses. South African Schools fullback Luyanda Kunene scored shortly after.

By the halfway stage the hosts were well in front with the score sitting at 31-0, putting the away side in a difficult spot.

During the second half, Boys High demonstrated a much better display, showing some grit and were able to get some much-needed points on the board. The side began to find their rhythm, gaining momentum and pushing their way into the opposition’s half. Inside centre, Rickus Wessels scored the first points of the day for the visitors.

Scrumhalf Joshua Naude scored a second try for Boys High in an attempt to put the visiting side in a position to claw their way back into the match.

However, the home team’s defence held firm, refusing to yield and ensuring the side walked away with another clinical win, mounting resolute tackles and thwarting the Candies attempts to score any further points. The damage done in the first half, proved too great for a comeback.

Both forward packs proved to be formidable forces, Maritzburg dominated the scrums and winning crucial turnovers at the breakdowns. Boys High however were more successful in winning their line outs, achieving a success rate of 62% compared to Maritzburg’s 56%.

Over the two matches played, Maritzburg have amassed a total of 90 points, demonstrating their knack for scoring points. The Candies have struggled to keep up with the intensity and physicality that the midlands side have brought to the table.

Next weekend Maritzburg take on King Edward VII, who lost to Jeppe High School for Boys 41-31. The Johannesburg school has had a good season so far and will put up a good challenge against a rampant College team.

The Candies will be facing their rivals Affies away in their annual derby match. Boys High will be aiming to turn things around when they come up against a competitive Witbulle, who are fresh off a win against Waterkloof.

With the season coming quickly to an end, the sides will all be looking to finish off on a high note.

Scorers:

Maritzburg College 43 (31) – Tries: Langelihle Makhathini, Luyanda Kunene, Phiwayinkosi Kubheka, Colm Reardon, Rhett Quinn, Sasha Kadira. Conversions: Luc Du Toit (4). Pretoria Boys’ High 12 (0) – Tries: Rickus Wessels, Joshua Naude. Conversions: Kyle Hezlett

The teams:

Maritzburg College: 15 Luyanda Kunene, 14 Colm Reardon, 13 Ayerton van der Linde, 12 Swelihle Mbatha, 11 Langelihle Makhathini, 10 Luc Du Toit, 9 Rhett Quinn, 8 Sasha Kadira, 7 Kevin Ayliffe 6 Travis Walton, 5 Bohlale Maphisa, 4 Jake Jansen, 3 Aiden Botha, 2 Elbie Mouton, 1 Phiwayinkosi Kubheka.

Pretoria Boys’ High: 15 Kyle Hezlett, 14 Itu Baloyi, 13 Christoper Smith, 12 Rickus Wessels, 11 Ntsako Ndlovu, 10 Keethan Fitz, 9 Joshua Naude, 8 Etienne du Preez, 7 Stephen Adams, 6 Thapelo Mphela, 5 Tsephpiso Shikhibana, 4 Randy Muzungu, 3 Ofentse Moeng, 2 Shaun Schurmann, 1 Kitso Mokoena.

Results:

u19A:  Maritzburg College 43 Pretoria Boys’ High School 12

u14A: Maritzburg College 34 Pretoria Boys’ High School 10

u15A: Maritzburg College 0 Pretoria Boys’ High School 17

u16A: Maritzburg College 33 Pretoria Boys’ High School 13

u19B: Maritzburg College 21 Pretoria Boys’ High School 26