Michaelhouse claimed a 34-8 victory at Maritzburg College on Saturday to remain unbeaten this season.

KwaZulu-Natal's top two rugby schools have a recent history of closely fought encounters, with Maritzburg winning 25-24 last year.

Michaelhouse took the initiative in the first half of this year's clash, with an early penalty by Bader Pretorius. The flyhalf then scored a converted try to make it 10-0 at the break.

The second half was a much livelier affair, with Maritzburg opening their account via a penalty by fullback Ruben van Blerk.

The teams then exchanged tries with Michaelhouse centre Liam Furniss scoring under the posts and Maritzburg captain and flanker Kelton Thunder dotting down.

Michaelhouse then sealed the victory with another two tries from lock Jarred Kleynhans and flanker Zander Prinsloo.

‘It was a special victory today, because of the high regard in which we hold Maritzburg College,' Michaelhouse 1st XV coach Ryno Combrink told SARugbymag.co.za. 'We had to work hard and the guys were exhausted at the end, but it came down to us benefiting from some poor decision-making from Maritzburg. We also showed great discipline, especially in the smaller battles.’

‘It’s never nice losing at home, but they were great today and deserved the victory,' said Maritzburg 1st XV coach Francois Lubbe. 'We weren’t accurate enough throughout the game, and didn’t take our opportunities. We’re focusing now on bouncing back next weekend against Westville.'

Maritzburg College – Try: Kelton Thunder. Penalty: Ruben van Blerk.
Michaelhouse – Tries: Bader Pretorius, Liam Furniss, Jarred Kleynhans, Zander Prinsloo. Conversions: Bader Pretorius (4). Penalties: Bader Pretorius (2).

Schools rugby results (13 June)

Photo: Ryno Combrinck