The Chronicle 2022

sublime as we raced into a 17-7 half-time lead and then onto 31-7 with 12 minutes remaining. Strangely, much extra time was played and despite a couple of consolation tries, one of our best performances of the season ended in a 31-21 victory. Despite this win and a resounding 54-12 victory over St Charles, many supporters still did not believe we could beat Hilton in the return fixture. Within the team, we knew we could pressurize the opposition including four South African Schools representatives in their pack, and we took them on upfront in dominating the scrums and mauls throughout. We went into a 7-6 lead halfway through the first half, but incorrect decision-making in the opposition 22 meant many more opportunities were missed in the first half, and we should have held a bigger lead. Somehow trailing 7-20 at half-time, it could have been easy for the team to drop their heads and get frustrated, but instead the energy and enthusiasm of the final 15 minutes typified this team’s character. Hilton were more efficient in putting points on the board, but our boys showed their relentlessness throughout and were disappointed with the result. Captain and hooker Andrew Davis must be thanked for his driving of high standards and for making this season such an enjoyable one. He also brought back healthy traditions and ensured that the rugby cult ure throughout the entire school changed for the better; these positive behaviours will remain in place for years to come and are a testament to him. Thabo Njapha’s move from U16B hooker last year to loosehead this year was a resounding success, as his strong scrummaging and attacking play impacted the team positively. Donovan van Staden completed the front row, with his scrummaging and physicality at the breakdown being especially impressive. Thomas de Lange and Duncan Davies-Webb were mainstays at lock, and were the two fittest members of the squad, which meant their work-rate and improved lineout knowledge constantly provided opportunities for teammates to flourish. Thomas deserves plaudits for making the most tackles throughout the season. Tom Carmody and Fortune Mpofu provided balance to the loose trio and did great work that often goes unnoticed. Fortune must be complimented for making the second most tackles for the team, despite missing four games due to a serious eye injury. Wandile Mlaba also produced some superb performances as an attacking threat at different stages of the season, notably against Selborne, Maritzburg College and the final Hilton game. Robbie Lawrence continued to develop as a scrumhalf and his defence often harassed his opposite number. His attacking potential was shown against Westville, while his courage in making tackles after he suffered a serious injury in the final match of the season was inspirational and showed what this team means to him. James Cleland also developed into a composed flyhalf who loved to take on opposition defences, while he showed sound temperament and composure throughout. Inside centre Mitchell Davies-Webb’s communication and physical presence gave confidence to those around him, while his enthusiasm proved infectious to others. Outside centre Campbell Ridl also showed his all-round game and proved to be a dynamic attacking threat, with his performance against Maritzburg’s SA Schools centre showing his undoubted potential.

On the wing, Luke Hoekstra showed an uncanny ability to always beat the first defender and his work-rate off the ball made him a constant danger to the opposition. Kevin Smith finished the season on the left wing and added a finishing ability to the team with his pace and evasion. Ayabonga Zakwe also flourished in his move to fullback, with his ability to counter attack neutralizing many teams’ kicking games. Andisa Young, Murray Baker, Tristan Arde and Leo Muziva all started several games and were highly influential in all their appearances and the fact that we had such quality players pushing for spots made other players raise their game. Loose forward Tristan’s work-rate and ability to pop up in the right areas showed his value, while outside backs Andisa’s passing game and stepping ability made him a danger on attack. Murray’s versatility, decision-making and creativity ensured he created much space for those around him, while Leo had some memorable breaks and finished when the opportunities arose. These boys made coaching this team an easy and enjoyable task, and I thank them for that. The coaching staff also relished their time together and Mr JP Olivier’s work-rate, organisation and passion was vital in aiding the team. Mr Rory Connellan’s effervescence and energy rubbed off on the players and meant standards were high at every practice. Mr Ross Dubuzana’s work on the entire squad’s conditioning gave all the players immense confidence. Ms Karin Moffat’s influence on the team as manageress is also highly appreciated as she constantly did work that went unnoticed. Mr Fleming’s drive to improve Michaelhouse Rugby urged the team to improve and the Rector supported the tezam all over the country and he always gave sage advice – their influence was invaluable.

FIRST XV RESULTS DATE

OPPOSITION

RESULT Friendly

SCORE

12 March

Helpmekaar

19 March

Glenwood

Lost

10-17

26 March

Selborne

Won

15-10

31 March

Kingswood

Won

19-12

02 April

St Andrews

Lost

15-17

14 April

College

Won

33-32

16 April

St Stithians

Won

34-3

18 April

St Albans

Won

37-7

23 April

Northwood

Won

38-18

30 April

Hilton

Lost

17-32

07 May

Kearsney

Won

22-9

14 May

DHS

Lost

14-23

04 June

Westville

Won

31-21

11 June

St Charles

Won

54-12

18 June

Hilton

Lost

22-30

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