151 Centenary Edition Back row (L-R): James Hastings-Brown, Aya Jikwana, Bukho Hlwatika, Mason Hielckert. James Pohl, Amu Khuzwayo Middle row: Ndabenhle Mkhize, Siyamthanda Duma, Kyle Pullock, Jamie van Wyk, Jayden Jonsson, Milo Matikinca Seated: Simo Mnqokoyi, Mr Kyle Eysele, Tristan Uys, Luca Sandri, Mr Thinus Els, Simanye Mlakalaka Absent: Billy Keka RUGBY UNDER 14A TEAM Under 15C Rugby Players: Seth Brown (Vice-captain), Jasper Bruno, Sinqobile Buthelezi, Pelo Cindi, Callum Clark, Seth de Beer, Jarred Fitt, Gareth Fly, Tyrique Fynn, Dylan Howard, Asavela Khambule, Matthew Lamplough, James Linley, Kyle Mackay, Alwande Mbonambi, Ayabonga Mbuyeleni, Callum McCrae, Andisi Ndlovu, Nick Powell, Athandiwe Qunya, Patrick Rocher, Matthew Shepherd, Samelo Shweni, Josh van der Walt (Captain), Alex van Eeden, Joe Verbaan, Clyde Westoby The 2021 rugby season was a massively disrupted one. Unfortunately, COVID put a premature end to the season, which only lasted two and a half weeks. This disruption, injuries, COVID isolations and player movements meant that the team never settled as a group. The first match of the season was against Michaelhouse. It was clear that the extra week of preparation the opposition had, having played a match, made a difference. Our boys started slowly and could not compete with their intensity and physicality in the opening half and let in two soft tries. However, our character showed, and once our defence became more organised and robust, we could get into the game more. The boys showed a real fighting spirit. Unfortunately, we could not cross the try-line, despite having several opportunities. The match eventually ended 0-22 to Michaelhouse. The next match saw us take on a very well drilled and physical Northwood team. The game started brightly, but missed tackles meant that we conceded points and the game slipped out of reach. Unfortunately, we could not get enough of the ball and could not launch any attacking plays, which meant we never scored a point in this match. It was so pleasing to see the enjoyment from our boys finally getting back out on the field despite the losses. There is massive potential in this age group, and I am confident that going forward, we will see some great rugby being played by these fine young men. Results: Played 2, Lost 2 Mr Matthew Savage Coach Under 15D Rugby Players: Pelo Cindi, Matthew Gourlay, Jordan Colls, Owami Hlongwa, Matthew Huson, James Linley, Luke Maritz, Ayabonga Mbuyeleni, Callum McCrae, Matthew McGill, Onalenna Nameng, Mandu Ntinga, Samelo Shweni, Matthew Tucker, Joshua Velissariou Reserve players: Alex Diakogiannis, Finn Calenborne and Callum Clark The U15D side consisted of some very energetic and enthusiastic boys. They enjoyed themselves at every training session and improved their skills regularly. Unfortunately, the boys only had a chance to play one game for the season due to the pandemic. The fixture was against a tough Northwood side. Although the boys played well and showed grit and fighting spirit until the final whistle, they lost 5-15. The game's highlight involved our second centre, Mandu Ntinga, who made an intercept from our own half to go and score a try in their corner. The try gave us a 5-0 lead at half-time. During the second half, the boys lost concentration and composure and made unforced errors, which led to three opposition tries. Based on their performance in that game, this great bunch of young men would have been a tremendous threat to all their opposition had the rest of the season continued. The D-team had excellent players, which saw some starting and benching for the C-side. Mr Yanga Sotshangane Coach Under 14A Rugby Even though we experienced a truncated season, the boys learned a fair amount about their own game, the level of high school rugby and the dedication required to succeed. One of the team’s primary goals for the year was for each player to improve consistently. Great focus was also placed on each player being able to enjoy their rugby. Our season kicked off with a home fixture against Michaelhouse. The excitement leading up to 10h00 on that Saturday was palpable. We tried to convert the players’ nerves to excitement and challenged the boys to embrace the occasion. The boys took the lead through number 8, Luca Sandri, bustling over the line from a lineout. Flyhalf Tristan Uys converted. Uys was well complimented by scrumhalf Jayden Jonsson, and the pair were instrumental in the team’s attacks. They also led the side’s courageous defence. Shortly after half time the team soaked up the onslaught at their line until eventually, after successive attacks, Michaelhouse crossed the line to tie the game at 7 apiece. The game remained on a knifeedge, with each team trading in territory gains and possession. Finally, after a tense 15 minutes, centre Amu Khuzwayo crossed the line to score in the corner. A gusty performance charged with passion cumulated in a 12 – 7 win. This was an occasion the boys will remember for many years to come. The following weekend was a tough fixture against a skilled Northwood side. Following a delayed departure and rushed warm up, the boys struggled to focus on their task. The team lacked conviction and struggled to keep up with the pace of the opposition. However, despite the 24-point differential, there were some encouraging phases of play and we managed to score a well-deserved try. The results in the U14 age group were not in our favour, but the boys had fun and made memories. Thank you to all the parents who supported both their U14A’s Luca Sandri Under 15D Team
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