6 June 2024
(Article by Marlowe Bloem)
This Saturday offers two fixtures between four of the top private schools in the province.
Hilton College vs St Charles College
Hilton hosts St Charles on Gilfillan Field at 14:30 on Saturday.
The home side has been subjected to a number of narrow losses this season against top schools, like Maritzburg College, Northwood and Michaelhouse.
While their record might not be the best, they have been very competitive. They play a fast game. Their fit loose forwards are thieves at the breakdown, and their backline is dangerous when chasing kicks.
St Charles has been growing the school’s rugby culture over recent years. Last week, they travelled to Durban and beat Glenwood by 13. They have also beaten rival schools from outside of KZN, including St. Stithians and St. Alban’s. At this rate, they will soon be chasing the big dogs in KZN rugby, as Northwood and Westville have done this season.
Despite their good form, I believe there is still a gap between Saints and the hosts. I predict Hilton to win by two converted tries.
Kearsney vs Michaelhouse
Kearsney welcomes Michaelhouse to Stott Field on Saturday, with kick-off taking place at 15:00.
The One-Stripe, after going through a mid-season dip, are improving. This season, their results have included losses against leading sides, Westville and Northwood, in which they finished strongly.
More recently, they have been in good form, winning their last two games against Glenwood and Clifton.
The Michaelhouse 1st XV, while not quite reaching the heights of last season, has proven itself to be a strong side. Their list of victories includes beating both Northwood and Hilton, and that’s the Knight’s only loss to KZN opposition this season thus far. They fought hard in their losses against Maritzburg College and DHS.
Based on their overall records, I believe Michaelhouse will be a bit too strong for the hosts, and I predict the visitors to claim a 10-point win.
All four of Saturday’s sides have a rich heritage of excellence and have been playing entertaining rugby this season. Expect that trend to continue on Saturday.
Leave a Reply