SuperSport Schools Plus | Westville vs Maritzburg ushers in the weekend with a Friday night showdown

Westville Boys’ High visit Maritzburg College for a showdown on Pape’s Astro on Friday evening, while Michaelhouse host Kearsney College in a contest that is expected to keep spectators on the edge of their seats on Saturday.

Westville’s preparations for the 2024 season got off to a rocky start. They rarely had a full team at their disposal, as many of their leading players also play first-team cricket. That stop-start schedule meant that they didn’t hit their straps until after they were a few games into the season.

“It wasn’t an ideal way to prepare for the season, but we worked hard and got what we could out of it,” said Cam Mackaythe Westville Director of Hockey.

However, the Owen Slack-captained side hit their straps last Friday when they romped to a 5-0 win over an always feisty Northwoodwho had come within seconds of ending high-flying DHS‘s unbeaten record on 13 April.

While Westville heads into the College clash buoyed by their recent win, they are wary of the threat Kyle Emerson‘s side poses. “College is always a tough opponent and has always been one of our biggest games in the season. We drew last year at Pape’sso we definitely want to get the better of them this year,” explained Mackay.

Nick Berichon and his good friend and former Tuks’ teammate Ashley Kemp will be in opposite dugouts when their charges face off on Friday at 18:30 in a high-octane contest.

Bérichon’s side grows in confidence with each passing week and Michaelhouse’s performances on the field point to a team that is adapting to the style of play Bérichon has envisioned: aggressive and easy on the eye. That style will, however, be tested by Ashley Kemp’s Kearsney side. Last year, they defeated Michaelhouse 1-0.

“Kearsney will be very tough! They are a top side that is well coached by Ashley Kemp and have had some brilliant results this season,” Bérichon remarked.

Kemp’s charges shared a thrilling 4-4 ​​draw away at Hilton College last weekend. In the past two years, they’ve had the edge over Michaelhouse, producing a better all-round record. However, that will have no impact on Saturday’s game, and Kemp and his charges will not be complacent. They know a serious test awaits.

“Playing against Michaelhouse at their home, with the entire school cheering them on, is going to be a different kettle of fish,” said Kemp, who expects the home crowd to provide the Michaelhouse 1st XI with a lift.

The Kearsney gaffer made sure that his charges were well-prepared for the encounter. The team has trained well, with lots of work focused on deep defense, he said. Kemp doesn’t want his side to be caught flat-footed by Michaelhouse’s attackers, whom he expects to be aggressive.

Clifton College has a tough assignment on Saturday when they take on Northwood in a Durban derby.

The teams’ rivalry dates back to when their respective coaches were still schoolboys. Clifton’s coach, Calvin Pricereturns to his old stomping grounds to lead the opposition.

“In my youth, we always found the games tough. Right now, they are under one of the top coaches around, Justin Collinsand [they have] boys who know each other quite well. This is going to be one exciting game to watch,” Price reckoned.

His charges won 3-1 at St Charles last weekend after falling 0-1 behind. They showed character, took their chances, and pressed well to claim victory over a well-structured team.

The Clifton coach is seeking a performance of either the same standard or higher because that is what it will take to defeat the Knights.

FIXTURES

Saturday

Clifton vs Northwood, Michaelhouse vs Kearsney, Glenwood vs Hilton

CS Chiwanza is a former poet and now a full-time storyteller of Southern African sports. He jokes that those who can’t do a thing well enough either teach or write. He knows the right way to hold a cricket bat and the right grip for the wobbleball, but can’t do either well enough to be picked for a good team. So he writes. However, he mastered the best dart grip and spends hours stat-padding against his wife and kids.