Michaelhouse carry on victorious
Michaelhouse went up to St John's and added yet another victory to their golden season, winning this one 37-3
Michaelhouse took on their second trip to Johannesburg in 2015 to tackle opponents St John’s College. The hosts would have been smarting with memories of their 52-10 loss to Michaelhouse in 2014 still fresh in the minds of a number of their players; but home ground and slight altitude advantages would have buoyed their hopes slightly.
Both teams were tentative initially with Michaelhouse coming out of their shells first through a penalty by Craven Week flyhalf, Bader Pretorius. With points on the board, Michaelhouse then found their rhythm and began asserting themselves, but were meet by stern and determined St John's defence. The hosts managed to slow the ball down well and frequently frustrated their visitors who were looking to free up their potent backline. After some continued pressure, Bader Pretorius scored a try in the corner but was unable to convert, extending the lead to 8-0. From the restart, St John's were awarded a penalty which they converted. Michaelhouse's forward dominance in the latter part of the first half resulted in a further penalty by Pretorius and a try by Craven Week hooker, Matt Wiseman. The half time score, 16-3 to Michaelhouse.
Michaelhouse increased their tempo of play in the second half and the game became more free flowing. Supporters of the boys in the red and white hooped jerseys will rue the match official's decisions which saw Michaelhouse crossing the try line on four occasions, only for the tries to be disallowed. Two tries were judged to be held up and two passes were called forward. Michaelhouse hit their straps as the second stanza unfolded, but were restricted to just three converted tries by Wiseman, Academy Week centre Liam Furniss and eighthman Jack Walters.
The full time score of 37-3 takes the School’s unbeaten run to 15 since their narrow, final minute one point loss to Maritzburg College on Meadows almost 13 months ago.
From Murray Witherspoon
