Overview
Maritzburg College’s cricket teams delivered an impressive set of results during the 2026 preseason, showcasing depth, talent, and determination across all levels.
Maritzburg College’s 2025 cricket captain Daniel Nadasan hands over the captain’s blazer to incoming captain Reece Willson ahead of the start of the new year.
1st XI
College’s 1st XI opened their campaign with a hard-fought two-day encounter against Clifton. College posted 254/8 in the first innings, thanks to a superb unbeaten century from Jursa (123*), before restricting Clifton to 147 all out, with Willson (3-41) and Bharath (2-13) leading the attack. In the second innings, College added 218/9, with Bharath (69) and Jursa again contributing, while Clifton closed on 135/8. The match ended in a draw after two competitive days of cricket.
In their next fixture, College took on Ashton in a 40-over clash, amassing 327/6 with de Bruyn (104*), Puddu (56), and Bisset (41) shining with the bat. The bowlers were on top form, dismissing Ashton for just 91, led by Willson (4/10). College secured a commanding 236-run victory.
Jursa de Bruyn
2nd XI
The 2nd XI impressed with two strong wins against Invitational sides. In the first match, College scored 327/8, with notable contributions from Katz (64), Schirge (56), and Fabre (52), before bowling out the opposition for 155, thanks to Meyer (3-29), and taking a 172-run win.
In the second fixture, College chased down 234 and reaching 235/9. Schirge (63) and Smith (44) anchored the innings to secure a thrilling one-wicket victory.
U16A
Maritzburg College’s U16A team outshone Clifton in a two-day match. After declaring at 264/8 (with Palmer 60*), College’s bowlers reduced Clifton for 61 and 84 in successive innings. Storm (4-19 & 4-8) and Palmer (4/36) starred in a crushing innings-and-119-run win.
U15A – Lance Klusener Cricket Festival
The U15A squad enjoyed a stellar festival, winning all four matches convincingly:
- Vs Kempton Park: Chased down 174 with ease, led by Seach (80) for a 7-wicket win.
- Vs Rustenburg: Posted 201/5 before bowling out Rustenburg for 80, with Emerson (85) and St-John Ward (3-21) starring in a 121-run victory.
- Vs Jeppe: Defended 149 successfully, thanks to Mahmoud (3-8), for a 61-run win.
- Vs MZ Academy: Secured a 36-run win in T20 action, with Seach (56) and St-John Ward (3-5) leading the charge.
Well done to all the boys and coaches on a promising start to the year, with standout individual performances and strong team cohesion across all age groups. We look forward to building on this momentum as the season unfolds.