151 150 system has proven successful, allowing us to maintain a strong work ethic throughout the season. The players' tenacity and ability to fight until the end of every match were truly commendable. They displayed great character and resilience, never letting pressure get to them. I also want to thank the coaching staff and support staff for their unwavering support and hard work throughout the season. This season has been a testament to the team's collective effort and determination. Regular players: Hayden Bishop, Seth Brown, James Francke, Jude Greig, Ethan Groom, Dom Hislop, Sange Mdunyelwa (Captain), Sim Mkhize, Qhamani Mlalandle, Abdul Mohamed, Mfundo Mthethwa, Lwandile Nzala, Ross Phillips, Kyle Pottinger, David Pohl, Jack Rankin, Sani Sawuti, Seth Scorer, Ryan Sim, Rogan Strydom, Jarred Van Staaden, Joe Verbaan, Murray Weyer, Luyanda Xengxe Results: Played 10, Won 4, Lost 3, Drew 3 Mr Mike de Kock Mr Tera Mtembu Mr Neil van Heerden Coaches 3rd XV Rugby From the outset, excitement about the season ran high, and the players bought into our game plan. The most significant aim for the team was to go out onto the field and express themselves by allowing each player to play to their own skill set. After a solid performance, dominating the Pinetown 1st team we faced Westville. Making heavy going with minor errors, we fought back to secure a win. With two wins in our favour, our confidence was diminished as Northwood defeated us. After that, the team struggled to gain momentum, as many changes were made with players moving up to the 2nd and 1st teams. Fortunately, a simple game plan made it easy for newcomers to the team to adapt and learn. In the latter half of the season the boys played their best rugby, never giving an inch and persevering to the final whistle. Beating Glenwood on Stott is always a highlight for the boys, but the team went one better by drawing level with Maritzburg College 3rd XV on Goldstones, where a win was snatched away from under the team’s nose. Early exchanges in the first half saw both teams attacking with exuberance and taking turns to score tries. The second half started in our favour as we opened up a lead of 12 points over Maritzburg College. Our opposition then changed gears and employed different strategies, which forced us to defend fiercely. Unfortunately, the sustained pressure on our defence led to a converted try being scored, narrowing the lead to 5 points. Turning the tables on College saw us attack with flair and create some opportunities inside the opposition's half, but some desperate defence stopped our team from converting this into points. College had the last say, with a hard-earned try on the final whistle. The boys were disappointed to draw 24-all after being so close to a victory on Goldstones. More important than good results, a definite highlight was seeing how the boys reacted and applied themselves at training and on matchdays. They epitomised a “never give up” approach, genuinely playing for one another, even more so when they had their backs against the wall. As coaches, we thank and congratulate all the boys who have contributed to the team at one point or another. Your spirit of play, the friendships you made and the camaraderie you showed on the field made this a memorable season. Regular players: Luca Borrageiro, Seth Brown, Gregor Campbell (Captain), Callam Currin, Connor Grenfell, Nardus Grundlingh, Blake Kruger, Lihle Maqhugula (Vice-captain), Sean Mayoss, Solethu Mdladla, Harvey Millard, Andisi Ndlovu, Kyle Pottinger, Guy Roberts, Alexander Schoombee, Nathan Stocks Results: Played 8, Won 3, Lost 4, Drew 1 Mr Antonie Prinsloo Mr Stafford Green Coaches 4th XV Rugby 2023 proved to be a largely successful season for the 4th XV. The final tally will reveal that nine games were played, five were won, three were lost, and one was drawn, but these stats cannot ever capture the true story of the season that was. At the start of the season, it was clear that we would enjoy greater depth in the Open age group than in previous years, and the quality on display was soon realised when the team won their first match of the season on The Stott, comfortably dispatching a game Clifton 3rd XV (52-0). Further success was enjoyed against Westville (15-0) and Northwood (28-5), both away from home. The side came unstuck against a very competitive Michaelhouse side, where the negative impact of wholesale personnel changes in the backline was felt. Going down 14-32, the team never gave up and fought until the bitter end. Further victories were achieved against Glenwood (24-0) and the St Charles College 3rd XV (32-10). Injuries played a significant role towards the back end of the season, disrupting preparations and wreaking havoc with defensive alignments. This contributed to unfortunate losses to Maritzburg College (5-22) on Goldstones in a Wednesday afternoon fixture and to Hilton College (12-41) in the final encounter of the term. 2023 was a season punctuated with sublime rugby, where the dogged defence was interspersed with champagne line breaks and journeyman-like forward grind. Brandon McCrae and Kieran Pearton, both courageous and determined, ably led the team, and Alwande Mbonambi, a verifiable speedster on the wing, led the try-scoring. Results: Played 9, Won 5, Lost:3, Drew 1 Regular Players: Aidan Albrecht, Jordan Boyd, Max Buchan, Guy Carpenter, Benjamin Delport, Robert Franz, Adam Gray, Connor Grenfell, Elihle Hadebe, Matthew Lamplough, Matt Langeland-Hansen, Sean Mayoss, Alwande Mbonambi, Brandon McCrae (Vice- Captain), Solethu Mdladla, Esihle Mfeka, Harvey Millard (Vice- Captain), Kieran Pearton (Captain), Roderick Tayler, Guy Roberts (Vice- Captain), Callan Osborne, Ethan McCormick, Marcus Scheepers, Troye Schulz, Samelo Shweni, Zweli Sibanyoni (Captain), Tiaan Steyn, Alex van Eeden, Dylan van Tonder, Joshua Velissariou, Clyde Westoby Mr Jonathan Beaumont Mr Myles Delport Coaches
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