DHS in big Maritzburg win

At half-time, Maritzburg College were leading 18-17.

At the final whistle, Durban High School were 48-31 ahead, and the score was as close as that thanks to a six-minute DHS burst just before the end.

But College deserved their half-time lead. In fact, it flattered school, for the home side had dominated possession and territory in the half.

DHS attacked right from the kick-off, which College fumbled. They had a five-metre line-out but overthrew the line-out.

But it was DHS who took the lead when their scrumhalf Sanele Nohamba, a Craven Week player in 2016, kicked a penalty goal. 3-0 after 6 minutes.

School backs threatened when Lwandile Menze broke but then College answered as their backs thrust down the right.

A penalty gave College a five-metre line-out, and they took School by surprise by NOT mauling, as hooker Fezokuhle Mbatha gave to flank Nthuthko Mchunu who burst through two defenders to score.

Boaters were flung into the air, blazers came off as College led 5-3 after 13 minutes.

The lead did not last long. From a scrum near the half-way line, fullback Cham Zondeki gave to captain Phendulani Buthelezi who raced in magnificent fashion for 42 metres to score – an outstanding try by an outstanding player. Nohamba converted and School led 10-5 after 15 minutes.

From the kick-off lock Marcel Nel burst downfield and gave to Menze who raced away for another long-range try for DHS. 17-5 after 17 minutes.

A penalty, a free kick and another penalty in quick succession gave College three points and narrowed the lead to 17-8 after 21 minutes.

College won a line-out on the far left just inside their own half and went wide right where Nkondlo Radebe had an overlap and swept over and round to the posts. 17-15 after 30 minutes.

A run by Nthuthko Mchunu down the right set College attacking, they went left with Ross Williamson and Njabulo Mjara threatening but they then settled for a penalty goal and the half-time lead of 18-17.

School were first to attack in the second half wing Luthando Buthelezi was prominent and flank Phendulani Buthelezi charged and was brought down on the line, but Nohamba was on hand to nip over for a try which he enjoyed and converted. College had the lead at 24-18 after 41 minutes, and they did not relinquish it.

A Weideman penalty for a high tackle, brought DHS to 24-21 points, the closest they got in the second half as Schools stretched further ahead, doubling their score in the next 13 minutes.

First Nohamba kicked a penalty goal (27-21) and then just after the kick-off he kicked a punt a long way downfield to the DHS 22 where the ball bounced high and – perversely – backwards into he arms of Luthando Buthelezi who swerved on a rapid run to the posts. 34-21.

Scrumhalves are often cheeky but it was Nohamba's cheeky diagonal kick from left to right that gave Luthando Buthelezi his second try, in the right corner. Nohamba then converted from touch. 41-21.

From a scrum far out Menze broke and sent outside centre Asanda Kunene forcing his way over for a try. 48-21 after 58 minutes.

College do not give up and scored two tries in the time left. Two penalties to DHS led to a tapped kick five metres from the School goal-line and big Jeandré Labuschagne scored.

College attacked and bashed again till centre Njabulo Mjara scored. 48-31 with six minutes to play.

Time was up when the ball came back to Nohamba bear the right touchline. He darted into touch and straight to his coach to hug him.

It was a big victory for Durban High School.

Scorers:

For Maritzburg College:

Tries: Nthuthko Mchunu, Nkondlo Radebe, Jeandré Labuschagne, Njabulo Mjara

Con: Sean Weideman

Pens: Sean Weideman 3

For Durban High School:

Tries: Phendulani Buthelezi, Luthando Buthelezi 2, Lwandile Menze, Sanele Nohamba, Asanda Kunene

Cons: Sanele Nohamba 6

Pens: Sanele Nohamba 2

Teams

Maritzburg College: 15 Sean Weideman, 14 Nkondlo Radebe, 13 Njabulo Mjara, 12 Yamkile Tetyana, 11 Matthew Squires, 10 Ross Williamson (captain), 9 Philani Simanane, 8 Andile Kanyile, 7 Damian  Walden, 6 Nthuthko Mchunu, 5 Jarryd van der Linde, 4 Jeandre Labuschagne, 3 Sephekahle Dube, 2 Fezokuhle Mbatha, 1 Phelelani Zuma.

Durban High School. 15 Cham Zondeki, 14 Luthando Buthelezi,  13 Asanda Kunene, 12 Lwandile Menze, 11 Tonderai Ndudzo,  10 Lwazi Moletshe, 9 Sanele Nohamba, 8 Sean Barnes, 7 Phedulanie Buthelezi (captain), 6 Kamvelihle Fatyela, 5 Marcel Nel, 3 Asande Mnguni, 2 Luthando Jojo, 1 Thomas Kempen

Replacements: Donovan Adams, Andile Nzuza, Michael Kyprou, Christopher Coleman, Malusi Ntuli, Nikita Mhloma, Zethembe Mbonambi.

Referee: Quintin van Rensburg

Assistant referees: Danie Joubert, Vusi Msibi

Recent Results

2008: DHS won 29-7

2009: Maritzburg College won 35-13

2010: Maritzburg College won 20-0

2013: Maritzburg College won 38-11

2014: Maritzburg College won 52-15

2015: Maritzburg College won 15-10

2016: Maritzburg College won 26-19

2017: DHS won 48-31