The 2025 Chronicle

since 2010, a result that reflected the character and ability of every boy involved. In the third term, eight golfers returned to Kloof Country Club for the opening rounds of the KZN Schools Championships. The following boys qualified for the final round, which also served as provincial trials: Oliver Brown, Benjamin Heuer, Jack Campbell, Matthew Carolan, Gareth D’Oyley and Connor Brown. The final round was held at Victoria Country Club, and there was much to celebrate. Five Michaelhouse golfers earned provincial se lection: Benjamin Heuer and Oliver Brown were named to the KZN U18B team, while Connor Brown, Matthew Carolan and Jack Campbell were selected to represent the KZN U18A team. A tremendous achievement for all five boys. The U16 squad made the trip to Gqeberha for the Grey High School Golf Festival, played over three days at Port Elizabeth Golf Course, Wedgewood Golf Course and Humewood Links Golf Course. In a reflection of the growing interest in golf at Michaelhouse, two teams were entered for the first time. The U16A team finished a commendable fifth, while the B team came in 11th. The experience was particularly valuable for the B team, several of whom were competing in a festival environ ment for the first time. The annual school championships were held at Gowrie in late October. Despite difficult weather conditions, the 17 competing golfers produced a high standard of play throughout. The day produced a memorable finale, with Benjamin Heuer draining a long birdie putt on the 18th to force a play-off with then-leader Michael Pitt. Michael held his nerve to win the play-off on the same hole, being crowned champion golfer of 2025. The Douglas Cup, a 27-hole Ryder Cup-format contest against Hilton College, was unfortunately curtailed by heavy rain and concluded without a result. Michaelhouse therefore retained the cup. The successes of 2025 would not have been possible without the generosity and commitment of those who support the programme. Particular thanks are due to Bradley Ross and his team at Bosch Hoek, and to Jonathan Menteath and his team at Gowrie, whose ongoing support of Michaelhouse golf has been instrumental to the school’s continued growth in the sport. To our 2025 captains, Connor Brown and Matthew Ca rolan, your dedication and example inspired many of the boys around you. It is hoped that golf will continue to play a signifi cant role in your lives long after your time at Michaelhouse.

A deliberate effort was made to expand the opportunities avail able to boys to compete at a high level, and the results of that investment were evident throughout the year. The first term saw the return of the Midlands Schools League, which features fixtures against Hilton College, St Charles Col lege and Maritzburg College. The second team acquitted them selves well, winning two matches, losing one and having two abandoned. The first team were equally impressive, winning five of their matches, with one abandoned. This fine form car ried into the Nomads KZN High School Team Championships at Kloof Country Club, where the first team finished second over all, the best result the school has achieved in many years. In March, five golfers represented Michaelhouse at the Dain fern National College Golf Championships. The boys faced the dual challenge of an unfamiliar course that had been set up for the Dainfern Club Championships, as well as opponents with considerable home advantage. They responded admirably, fin ishing eighth out of 28 teams. Over the Easter holidays the first team travelled to Pretoria for the prestigious Affies Golf Tournament, contested by 12 schools from across the country over four days and four dif ferent formats. On day one at Wingate Golf Club, the team carded a combined 389 strokes to finish second for the day, earning 20 points and sharing the lead. Matthew Carolan and Oliver Brown set the tone, returning rounds of 3 over and 4 over par respectively. Day two at Copperleaf Golf Estate saw the team post the second-best score of the day with 111 Sta bleford points, moving to second place overall. Oliver Brown and Benjamin Heuer were the standout pairing in the compe tition, finishing 5 under par for an impressive 41 points. Day three at Centurion Golf Estate proved more demanding, with the team placing fifth for the day. Oliver Brown was once again the team’s best performer, returning an even-par round for 36 points. Despite the testing day, the team retained second place heading into the final round. The tournament was decided on day four through individual matchplay at Serengeti Golf Estate. Michaelhouse were drawn against Paarl Boys’ High School, who had led the competition through the first three days. In what proved to be a memora ble conclusion, the boys delivered performances of exceptional quality and composure, winning four matches and losing two to claim a remarkable victory over the tournament favourites. Michaelhouse were crowned Affies champions for the first time

HOCKEY

U16C: Mr Michael Sevenoaks, Mr William Koopman U16D: Mr Sanele Zikhali, Mr Joshua August U16E: Mr Brandon Peel, Mr Steven Ngwenya

Master in Charge: Mr Grant von Mayer Specialist Coaches: Mr Chaka Ngubane

First XI: Mr Nicholas Bérichon, Mr Lwando Saunders Second XI: Mr Jeremy Cahill, Mr Ryan Ravenscroft Third XI: Mrs Mary McMichael, Mr Xavier Saunderson Fourth & Fifth XI: Mr Doug Rodgers, Mr Vuyo Mkhize U16A: Mr Jason Syce, Ms Aimee Nel U16B: Mr Paul Snyman, Mr Ian Crawford

U14A: Mr Grant von Mayer U14B: Mr Dominic Leslie U14C: Ms Riette White, Mr Che Charles Captain: William Gilson

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