After a tough St Stithians festival and having suffered multiple injuries, the “School” team came together for a tough fixture against Michaelhouse on Van Heerden’s on Saturday. It was a pulsating affair where both teams expressed themselves and highlighted why schoolboy rugby is alive and healthy in KZN. DHS showed true character and were able to run out victors by 29-24 on the day. This victory preserved their unbeaten status on Van Heerdens and was a most cherished victory after the hardships of the past two weeks.
Without SA Schools scrumhalf Sanele Nohamba, his replacement Malusi Ntuli (recently converted from flank) performed admirably and was able to steer his forwards into dominant positions to attack. It was a game where there were few standout performers but rather a collective effort that was most impressive.
DHS raced to a 14-0 lead after 15 minutes, however, Michaelhouse started to build some impressive phases together and fought back hard ensuring the teams went into the break at 17-12 in favour of the hosts.
An error from a DHS scrum early in the 2nd half resulted in another House try and put the Horseflies under pressure. But the Durban team drew on that pressure and were able to conjure up some free flowing pieces of rugby resulting in tries from Lock Celimpilo Gumede and Wing Luthando Buthelezi. The pick of them came when Fullback Cham Zondeki engaged two defenders close to the try-line and managed to execute a sublime offload that resulted in try in the corner for wing Buthelezi.
DHS sailed into a 12 point lead and would have felt aggrieved that they failed to finish 4 clear cut try opportunities only to have the ball dropped with the try line beckoning. House then scored late in the game to cut the lead to 5 points. It proved to be an exciting end to the game but ultimately would have proved extremely harsh had DHS not walked away with the victory.
It was a performance that the DHS faithful can be proud of and highlights the importance of a team effort above any individual performance. Ultimately it was a good day for DHS rugby!
Scott Mathie
1st XV Rugby Coach/Head of Rugby