The 2023 Chronicle

Special congratulations must go to the skipper, Fortune Mpofu, a man of few words but plenty of action, and his deputy, Murray Baker, a born leader and winner, for guiding the team. Thanks to my assistant coaches, Mr Dave Pachonick, Mr Nick Tisdale and Mr JP Olivier for constantly challenging and investing in the team. And to Mr Dubazana for building these boys up in confidence and stature from their U14 days, when they lost to all but two of the teams they faced this year. Michaelhouse is blessed to have been represented by such fine men.

and well drilled as ever, with a flyhalf that controlled their game beautifully. Despite conceding a try in the first half, we felt we had the edge on them at half-time. Luke Davidson was kicking brilliantly and our first phases, especially line outs under one of our unsung heroes, Michael Thornton, were running smoothly. The tension built in the second half and the hosts must have felt they had done enough to win before flying winger Leo Muziva scored two incredible tries: the first after a well-weighted cross kick, charge down and gather; and the second, an eight-phase cracker in the corner after almost every player had handled the ball. The drama was not yet over as Hilton won back the kick-off and carried the ball into our 22m area. The boys defended for their lives, with Hilton even going over the line only to be brought back for a penalty after the effort was adjudged a double movement. In a reversal of the first game, the hosts had the opportunity to draw the game but chose to go for the win with a tap penalty. This time it was the boys in white that were left in tatters as our defence held out and they knocked the ball on to give Michaelhouse their 100th win. The next few minutes or even hours felt like a dream, with hundreds of boys and families flooding on to the pitch to celebrate with the First XV – a match and day they will remember and treasure forever. Working with the First XV of 2023 was an absolute privilege. What an incredible bunch of boys they were, always striving for more, both on and off the field. They were open to learning and improved with every game. There was also a bond that nothing could break, no matter what the opposition or circumstances threw at them. Not only did they entertain the crowds with their style of play, they also reinforced how powerful the combination of talent, hard work and brotherhood can be. I truly believe they were role models to so many at Michaelhouse, and that they raised the bar to those in the stands to follow their example.

FIRST XV RESULTS P W L D

%

PF

PA

PD 148

13

11

1

1

85

390

242

OPPOSITION

RESULT

SCORE

Helpmekaar

Drew Won Won Won Won Won Lost Won Won Won Won Won Won

24-24 27-20 29-22 37-21 41-10 36-12 17-20 23-20 31-27 34-19 38-12 36-22 18-15

Maritzburg College

St Andrews

Clifton College

St Albans Glenwood

Hilton

Kearsney

DHS

Pretoria Boys

Northwood

Westville

Hilton

RUGBY SEVENS

Lwandle Nzama, Hendri Zietsman.

Master in Charge: Mr James Fleming First VII Coach: Mr David Pachonick Second VII Coach: Mr Chris Felix Third VII Coach: Mr JP Olivier Senior Manager: Ms Marcel Cornelius U15A VII Coach: Mr Ryan Strudwick U15B VII Coach: Mr Luyansa Zondi Junior Manager: Ms Emsone Fourie

SPECIAL AWARDS MARK RICHARDS MOST VALUABLE SEVENS PLAYER: Jack Hughes he Sevens season takes place in the third quarter, with the First VII and U15A teams participating in tournaments over five weekends of the term. The sport has grown so much in popularity that we have also arranged friendlies for our other teams, against schools including Howick, Hilton, Kearsney, Wembley and the Drakensburg Boys Choir. The open age group consists of U16, U17 and U18 boys, whereas the juniors is a combined age group of U14 and U15. The highlight of the season was the First VII tour to the UK upon accepting a prestigious invitation to participate in Rugby School’s international tournament to celebrate the 200thanniversary of the T

Trainer: Mr Mthunzi Mdunge First VII Captain: Campbell Ridl AWARDS Honours: Luke Davidson, Carlyle Hawkins, William Ridl Colours: Ayabonga Mkhokeli Half-Colours: Daniel Aissing, Alexander Ardé, Riley Gehren, Akhona Mchunu, Sithe Nkompela,

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