Overview
Maritzburg College enjoyed an exceptional week of sporting achievement across multiple codes, with standout performances in cricket, basketball, water polo, athletics, canoeing, debating, squash and tennis. The results across the board reflect the depth, discipline, and determination present throughout the College sports programme.
Cricket: Strong Performances Across the Board
College cricket teams produced an impressive set of results in a full weekend of fixtures. The 1st XI secured a thrilling one‑wicket victory over Clifton at Riverside. Key contributions from Sura (62) and Bharath (57), supported by a composed final over from Venter, enabled College to chase down Clifton’s 245/6 in dramatic fashion.
1st XI Match Report
Mr R Coutts – 1st XI Coach
For the second consecutive week, the Maritzburg College 1st XI found themselves in a nail‑biter—this time edging past Clifton in a tense white‑ball encounter.
Clifton won the toss and elected to bat in hot, humid conditions. An early breakthrough by captain Reece Willson was followed by a mixed fielding display, allowing the Clifton opener to capitalise on several reprieves. His commanding innings of 126 underpinned Clifton’s total of 245/6. Kyle de Bruyn delivered the standout bowling performance for College, claiming 4/42.
College’s reply faltered early with the loss of de Bruyn, before Akhil Bharath and Dax Jursa steadied the innings through a vital 125‑run partnership. Further partnerships from Willson and Luan van der Merwe kept College in contention, before late wickets created a tense finish. Needing 14 runs from the final over with one wicket in hand, Venter and Hosking held their nerve—Venter striking a six off the final delivery to secure a memorable victory.
Scores in Brief
Clifton: 245/6
College: 248/9
• De Bruyn 4/42
• Jursa 62
• Bharath 57
• Van der Merwe 38
College won by 1 wicket
The 2nd XI continued the momentum with a solid 5‑wicket win, anchored by Somerset (39) and Thornbury (36). The 3rd XI defeated Curro Hillcrest by 6 wickets, supported by disciplined bowling from Schoeman (3/16) and Dunne (3/29).
A standout junior performance came from the 14A side, who posted a commanding 348/8, led by Johnson (71) and Royston (52). Across all age groups, College teams displayed control, resilience, and a strong competitive edge.
Basketball: A Near‑Perfect Week
College’s basketball programme delivered one of its strongest weeks in recent seasons, completing a remarkable sweep of fixtures.
On 7 February, College won all 17 matches against Clifton—an extraordinary achievement that showcased exceptional teamwork, skill, and conditioning. Early wins by the 14A, 15A and 16A sides set the stage for the 1st team, who delivered an outstanding 84–21 victory.
Earlier in the week, College teams faced Northwood and Etham, recording 25 wins out of 27 matches. The 2nd team set the tone with an emphatic 66–37 win, supported by disciplined defence and high‑intensity transitions throughout the basketball programme.
1st Team Match Report
Mr J Wilcock – MIC Basketball
The 1st team made a slow start as they adjusted to the heat and the transition from indoor to outdoor play, ending the first quarter 15–2 ahead. Clifton attempted to disrupt College’s systems in the second quarter, but College maintained a 34–12 halftime lead. A change of hoops brought renewed energy, with College scoring 34 third‑quarter points, executing structured offence and strengthening their tactical foundations.
Top scorers were W Mbanjwa (13), T Lekhobo (11) and C Fynn (11), guiding College to their final score of 84–21.
This superb run highlights the depth and strength of College basketball.
Water Polo: Competitive Outcomes vs Clifton
College water polo teams showed grit and determination in a demanding set of fixtures against a strong Clifton programme.
The 5th team secured a notable 9–4 victory, demonstrating impressive teamwork and tactical execution. Across nine matches, College recorded 4 wins, 2 draws and 4 losses. Noteworthy results included a spirited 3–3 draw for the 4th team and a tight 4–4 result for the 3rd team.
1st Team Match Report
Mr D Sherriff – Director of Aquatics
College battled well in the opening half, trailing Clifton narrowly at 2–3 after two chukkas. Clifton then asserted control in the second half, extending their lead and maintaining pressure.
Despite College’s efforts, Clifton proved too strong, eventually winning 12–2.
These fixtures highlighted encouraging growth and competitiveness within the College water polo programme.
Athletics: College Claims First Place
College competed in the 2nd Aquellé Series meeting against 32 schools and finished 1st overall, securing:
- 9 first places
- 5 second places
- 7 third places
Special congratulations go to:
- Shahaan Smail, Under 17 Champion Athlete, who broke the 800m record
- Caleb Sweetnam, who broke the Under 19 javelin record
Full Results:
1st places: Bottcher (U15 Hammer), Ismail (U17 800m – new record), Mhlongo (U19 200m), Fourie (U19 3000m), Sweetnam (U19 Javelin), C Scheepers (U19 Long Jump), Mogale (U19 Long Jump), Puddu (U15 3000m), Cassels (U15 200m)
2nd places: Swartz, Rossouw, Jansen, Boshoff, Makhoba
3rd places: Ngubane, Geustyn, Scheepers, Smith, Gotte, Sweetnam, de Bruyn
Canoeing: Podium success ahead of the Dusi
At the final pre‑Dusi race (Bishopstowe to Dusi Bridge), College paddlers showed excellent form, securing top finishes:
U18
• James Gotte & partner – 2nd
• Nathan Curry & Josh Worthman – 3rd
• Joshua Craig & Matt Rawson – 5th
Mixed Doubles
• Keegan Vogt & Bridgitte Hartley – 1st
Debating: National selections and strong results
Congratulations to the following boys on national team selections:
- A Ngcobo – South African Development Team 2026
- K Khwane – South Africa Junior Team 2026
Senior debating teams also enjoyed excellent results during the week:
- College 1 beat Alex 1 (Best Speaker: A Ngcobo)
- College 2 beat MHS 2 (Best Speaker: K Mkhwane)
- College 3 beat Carter 2 (Best Speaker: J Padaychee)
Squash
The College 1st team took part in the St Andrew’s Squash Festival. They started strongly with a 4–2 win over KES and a 3–3 draw with Graeme, winning on game score (11–10). Day 2 proved more challenging, with losses to Selborne (0–6) and Grey High (1–5).
Tennis
College’s U15 tennis teams produced very good results:
U15A vs Hilton
Played 4 | Won 3 | Lost 1
Overall: College won 3–1
U15B vs Howick
Played 4 | Won 2 | Lost 2
Overall: College won on games (23–16)
Table Tennis
College boys excelled at the Titans O1 Tournament:
- T Royappen – U19 Gold, Men’s Bronze
- U Patel – U15 Gold
- K Pillay – U15 Silver, Junior Doubles Bronze
- S Moodley – Junior Doubles Silver
- A Arbee – U15 Bronze
Summary
Across all codes, Maritzburg College athletes represented the school with pride and distinction.
With outstanding performances in cricket, athletics, table tennis and debating; a near‑perfect week in basketball; and competitive results in canoeing, water polo, tennis and squash, the College community has much to celebrate as the summer sports season gathers momentum.