Player Critique - Rugby 1927 - 2001
Rugby 1922
Milton v. Senior cadets, won 3-0
Milton v. Senior cadets, won 17-10
Milton v. Queen's, won 24-5
Milton v. Plumtree, (at Plumtree) won 7-3
Milton v. Plumtree, (at Bulawayo) won 12-0
Milton v. Salisbury, won 8-0
A. C. WIENAND (CAPT.) Wienand, rightly selected skipper of the
1st XV, was by far the outstanding member of the pack, a hard worker in
the scrum, yet with plenty of pace on the loose when occasion demanded.
He controlled the team with admirable judgment and was a most inspiring
leader. His ability to forge ahead with the ball often carried the side
out of danger.
J. LEWIS (VICE-CAPT.) Lewis although a good full-back was no
doubt more useful amongst the forwards. He showed his skill in the pack,
in the line-out, and especially in dribbling movements and short passing
amongst the forwards. He is a good place-kick. A little more dash would
add much to his value.
K. GOLDHAWK - After Weindand, Goldhawk was perhaps our sturdiest
forward and although he seldom shone in any individual effort, he did
invaluable work in the pack. He is a most unselfish player and never
loses heart.
W. SCOTT-RUSSELL - Scott-Russell was a forward, not afraid of
hard work who displayed wonderful "lasting" powers in the hardest of
game. He shone in the loose as a fast and accurate dribbler.
J. BLACKETT - Blackett was a forward who in addition to heeling
and hooking well, displayed much initiative at all times, he was a good
"kick" and was largely responsible for the fine work of the pack.
C. F. WATERWORTH - Waterworth was another sturdy forward, very
useful in the loose and shone particularly in the "line-out" where his
height gave him an advantage and he was not slow not slow to make use of
it.
E. BARON - Baron was a hard worker amongst the forwards and
wherever there was work to be done he was amongst the foremost and
played intelligently at all times.
W. VILJOEN.- Although a forward, Viljoen was one of the most
speedy members of the team He occasionally put himself off-side by
over-running the ball in the loose, but he showed great keenness and
with a little more training he will develop into a dangerous man.
W. McPHEE. - Throughout the season, McPhee at full- back did
particularly well. He might improve his fielding a little, and could be
quicker. He cleared well and usually found ''touch,'' in addition he
tackled well and was seldom caught in possession of the ball. He has the
making of a good full-back
H. DAVIS (THREE QUARTER). - A late discovery. He has the making of a
really good wing - posses a natural swerve which he should cultivate.
C. BURGESS (THREE QUARTER). Burgess did not quite fulfill the
promise or last year. H has lost much of his pace and must make an
effort to regain it. He has played in both wing and centre positions. He
is stronger in attack than in defence.
N. HUCKLE (THREE QUARTER). One of the most promising centres the school
has had. He is fast, and his handling has improved considerably,
although his pass to the right is still weak, He has the ideal centre's
gift of knowing how to "break"
J. M. LIVINGSTON (THREE QUARTER). He has learnt the game very quickly
and will make a really good wing. He is fast and makes a real effort,
even when the opening offered to him is not a good one.
J. THOMPSON (HALF-BACK). A really "class" fly-half, his handling and his
short punt to touch leave little to be desired. Perhaps he is inclined
to do too much of the latter when in his opponents half, instead of
opening up the game. He kicks well with either foot. He would be well
advised to increase his pace.
W. DEMPSTER (HALF-BACK). A plucky, hard working scrum-half, who put
every ounce of energy he possessed into his game; got the ball away
quickly and accurately, and tackled safely.
H. BARON (IIALF-BACK). Came into the team as scrum-half in the latter
half of the season and has played a steady, sound game.
Rugby 1923
The rugby season this year, although perhaps not so brilliantly
successful as last year, proved very pleasant.
In the departure of A. Wienand, J. Lewis, W. Scott-Russell, J. Blackett,
C. Waterworth, E. Baron, W. Viljoen, N. Huckle, W. Dempster and H.
Baron, the Milton first XV. suffered a serious loss and to replace ten
excellent players proved no easy task.
In passing we must congratulate J. Lewis on his inclusion in the
Rhodesian Rugby Team which recently toured the Union, where, we
understand, he justified his selection.
To turn now to the present players, Milton has to congratulate K.
Goldhawk, better known as "Porky," on the manner in which he captained
his team and for the sterling work he executed in the "scrum '' and the
" loose." J. Thompson in the capacity of vice-captain ably supported the
captain and kept the backs together in good style. Thompson initiated
many successful movements and at times greatly assisted the forwards
by accurate and timely touch-kicking.
G. Dennison lent his able assistance to the "pack" where he
showed an excellent turn of speed and gave the scrum extra stability; he
would be well advised to put more "ginger" into his play, especially in
the" loose" and the "line-out."
E. Briers specialised in "hooking'' and as a front rank player
was invaluable in the" scrum."
J. C. Smith although not so well acquainted with the fine points
of the game as some of his colleagues, proved himself a glutton for
hard work amongst the forwards.
A.Hyde would be well advised to adopt more hustling tactics, and
has the physical qualities necessary for a good all-round forward, but
is lacking in dash. He did excellent work in the line-out.
J.McCay proved himself a good all-round forward and executed some
good "place-kicks" from time to time, in which connection he would prove
himself more efficient by not rushing things.
L.Hill played a good quiet game in the "loose" but like some of
his fellow-players, requires more dash.
S.Short executed some good foot-work for his side but seems to tire too
quickly.
M. Frend scrum-half, came into the team early in the season but
did not at first give the satisfaction desired, being too often offside
round the scrum and not infrequently infringing the other rules
governing the scrum. It is very pleasing to record an excellent and
rapid improvement in his play, and by the end of the season he had
become an asset to his side.
S. McPhee continued his excellent play at full back where he proved
himself a custodian of no mean skill and ingenuity. He tackled well and
kicked to touch in good style.
J. M. Livingston proved himself a speedy wing and on the attack
crossed the line many times for his school. On the defensive he tackled
in good style and brought many threatening movements to an end.
C. Burgess who played both centre and wing is a three-quarter of
considerable merit. On occasions he "got going" rapidly and "broke" well
giving his "wing" frequent opportunities to score.
B. Jacobs came onto the team late in the season and shaped well
as a "centre". He must, however, learn to receive and give a pass more
accurately, and to part with the ball at the right moment.
H. Davies played wing and "went well" when he received the ball,
but a stronger centre would have been a great help to him.
G. Stephenson played centre most of the season and showed much
improvement
D. Ross played wing on several occasions, he is quite fast and a
player of great promise.
Rugby 1925
April 25, v. Raylton, lost 0-20
May 9, v. Queen's, won 13-3
May 16, v. B.A.C. won 9-3
May 23, v. Plumtree, won 12-5
July 4, v. Queen's, won 8-0
July 11, v. Raylton, drawn 3-3
July 25, v. Plumtree, won 13-3
SUMMARY OF MATCHES PLAYED.
Against Plumtree School.
Date.
Ground.
Captain.
Score.
Result.
1911
.........................................................................
L. Rabinson..............25-0 ...................Won
1912 ................................... Plumtree .....................
A.Williams................ 6-6 ................... Drawn
1912 ................................... B.A.C. ........................
A. Williams.............. 21-0 ...................Won
1913 ................................... No Record.
1914 ................................... No Record.
1915 ................................... No Record.
1916 ................................... No Record.
1917 ................................... Plumtree .....................
A. D. Campbell......... 23-3 ...................Won
1917 ................................... Milton
......................... A. D. Campbell ........ 33-3
...................Won
1918 ................................... Plumtree .....................
Hockstein ................. 10-0 ...................Won
1918 ................................... Milton
......................... Hockstein ................. 22-3
...................Won
1919 ................................... Plumtree .....................
P. Swift ...................... 6-0 ...................Won
1920 ................................... Queen's ......................
W. Streak .................... 8-3 ...................Won
1921 ................................... Plumtree .....................
F. Dreyer .................... 3-0 ...................Won
1921 ................................... B.A.C.
......................... F . Dreyer .................. 0-6
................... Lost
1922 ................................... Plumtree .....................
A. C. Weinand ........... 7-3 ...................Won
1922 ................................... Queen's .......................
A. C. Weinand ......... 12-0 ...................Won
1923 ................................... Queen's .......................
K. Goldhawk .............. 9-9 .................. Drawn
1923 ................................... Plumtree .....................
K. Goldhawk ............ 6-19 ................... Lost
1923 ................................... Queen's .......................
K. Goldhawk .............. 0-5 ................... Lost
1924 ................................... King's
.......................... Thompson .................. 8-0
....................Won
1924 ................................... Plumtree .....................
Thompson ................... 5-8 ................... Lost
1924 ................................... Plumtree .....................
Thompson ............... 21-11 ...................Won
1925 ................................... Raylton .......................
A. M. Goldhawk ....... 12-5 ...................Won
1925 ................................... B.A.C.
......................... A. M. Goldhawk .......13-3
...................Won
Matches Played - 21, 15 won by Milton, 4 by Plumtree, 2 drawn.
Rugby Critique of First XV
1927
S. McPHEE - full back; ranks with the greatest full
backs in the school's history. A deadly tackler and a safe and, at times
a brilliant kick. Always cool and deliberate. Gave some very fine
displays during the season.
J. W. C. DICKS - Came into the side as a centre, but
was at his best on the wing. Has a very useful turn of speed and is a
"heady" and spectacular player. Has a good kick, but is not too sound in
defence.
B. PAYNE - though not brilliant, is a very sound
centre-quite fast for 15 or 20 yards, and a fearless tackler.
C. STREAK - played most of the season at scrum-half,
where he was too orthodox. Found his true place at centre, where he did
some sound work, both in attack and defence.
B. GELDENHUIS - a speedy wing who did not reproduce his
form of last season. Played some good games, but not always safe in
defence.
T. MARTIN - played some good game but lacked that
inspiration for making an opening which marks the "class" fly half. Did
sterling work in defence at times. Spoilt his game by standing too close
to the scrum
J. HAYWARD - played some good games; uses his head and
does not always do the obvious.
S. J. KNIGHT - captain until June, when he left, played
some good games, but would have been more useful if he used his weight
in the scrum as it was he labored under the delusion that he was a wing
forward.
A. C. WOLHUTER - captain after June - unfortunately
handicapped by an injury in the second half of the season.
R. C. TREADWELL - a hard worker and clever forward who
never shirked.
F. WISDOM - one of the best forwards in the school; a
hard worker and a fearless tackler, who never gave up trying.
C. GARSIDE - when he exerted himself played a really
fine forward game.
W. WILSON - a forward of the hard working type, who
never spared himself.
B. ADAMS - began the season as a three-quarter, but
turned out to be a really fine forward-good in the loose - a very useful
man.
R. SCHATTIL - was never noticed much, but that was
because he was always in the thick of the fight, a worker.
C. VOSLOO - played well at times and will do better
next season.
DU TOIT - played as hooker once or twice-rather light.
C. SMITH - deputised for McPhee several times, and has
the makings of a really fine full-back.
Rugby 1929
RESULTS
v. B.A.C. II, won, 9-3.
v. Queen's II, won, 21-0
v. Queen's II, won, 22-0.
v. Raylton II, won, 11-3.
v. Plumtree, won, 12-3.
v. Plumtree, won, 27-0.
v. Plumtree, won, 27 3.
v. Prince Edward, won, 21-5.
2nd XV
v. B.A.C. III, won, 14-3.
v. Technical, won, 14-3.
v. Plumtree, won, 20-0.
v. Plumtree, drawn, 0-0.
v. Matopos Farm School, won, 16-5.
Second match, won, 20-0
Rugby 1931
Characters of the XV.
F. PAYNE. - A full back of promise. Was inclined to open nervously, but
once he had settled down played some splendid games. A fine tackler.
R. PETHERAM. - A sturdy wing, full of dash and determination, who never
once let the side down. Awarded an honours cap.
A. SANDERSON. - As a centre was the find of the season. A strong runner
with an eye for an opening and a good break. With experience should do
well.
H. STREAK. - Rather to orthodox - a good tackler.
J. MELTZER. - A wing of promise, with a fine turn of speed should be
very useful next year.
P. PITMAN. - Deputised for Meltzer in the last three matches - lacks the
necessary dash for a wing.
I G. BLURNE. - Vice-Captain. A fly half with plenty of football sense. A
fine kick with either foot. Awarded an honours cap.
M. KELLY. - Played some very plucky games at the base of the scrum-got
through an enormous amount of bard work.
R. A. G. STUPART.- Captain - good a forward as the school has ever
turned out. A fine scrummager, splendid in the line out and always on
the ball. Honours cap, 1930.
A. RALSTEIN. - A splendid loose forward whose ball control was really
excellent. Always dangerous with the ball at his feet. Might have pushed
harder in the scrum. Awarded an honours cap.
C. VOGEL. - A fine hardworking forward who was always in the thick of
things.
A. KING. - A bustling forward who seldom slacked. Should develop into a
really fine forward.
R. BRISTON. - The hooker who did very well in spite of the lack of
weight behind him.
M. HEIM. - Probably the most improved forward in the pack, considering
that last year he was not even in the 3rd XV.
A. FLOWERDAY. - A light but hard working forward who fully justified his
place in the team.
F. GREENWELL. - A promising forward who worked hard.
It is difficult to single out the forwards for, as mentioned above, the
secret of their success was a perfect understanding and unselfish
combination.
RESULTS
May 30th vs. B.A.C. II, lost 3-7
June 6th vs., Raylton II, drew 0-0
June 13th vs. Raylton III, won 6-0
June 20th vs. Plumtree, drew 9-9
June 24th vs. Technical, won 35-3
July 8th vs. Plumtree, won 8-0
July 17th vs. Old Miltonians "A," won 18-16
July 25th vs. Plumtree, won 16-6
August 1st vs. Raylton II, won 18-0
August 15th vs. Prince Edward, won 14-8
August 21st vs. Selukwe, lost 5-14
August 23rd vs. Gwelo, "A" won 5-3
1963
R. SPENCE (C), Full-back. A very sound player with
first class positional play. Takes every opportunity to open up play by
running, but sometimes faulty in his judgment. Has tremendous potential
as a drop kicker but lacks confidence to use this ability.
D. PARROTT (C), Wing. A first-class player both on
attack and defence, but occasionally loses contact with his team by over
elaborate running.
J. TONES (C), Centre. Has developed very rapidly in his
new position and has become a most penetrative player. Very good on
defence but has a tendency to run across the field when on attack.
A. SMITH (S), Centre. Has proved an excellent link on
attack and has been outstanding on defence. However, lacks pace, which
will retard his development.
M. GERARDY (C), Wing. Has made tremendous strides in
his all round play. A very determined and elusive runner with a sound
defence and effective cross kick.
A. WOLDEMAR (C), Fly-half/Centre. Captain. Has revealed
outstanding qualities of leadership. A very penetrative runner with the
very desirable quality of seldom "dying" with the ball. A very sound
defender, but his kicking, both tactically and on defence, lacks
accuracy. Should have a good future in the game as a centre.
B. EATON (C), Scrum-half. The most-improved player in
the side and one of the best to represent the School in this position.
He varied his play cleverly and was a constant menace to the opposition.
Has a good future in the game.
B. STEYN (C), Front-rank. Vice-captain. A powerful
forward whose scrummaging contributed markedly to the pack's success.
His loose play greatly improved, but he still has a tendency to "die"
with the ball. A very good place-kicker and, with further experience and
practice, could become outstanding. A good pack leader.
I. MARGOLIS (C), Hooker. A very fine striker of the
ball but must eliminate important technicalities in order to realise his
undoubted potential. Very good in the loose.
B. KINGSLEY (C), Front-rank. A greatly improved player
on his last season. A powerful scrummer and enthusiastic player in the
loose, but at times becomes over-keen and undermines his previous good
work.
R. HONEY (C), Lock. An outstanding player in this
position. His scrumming, line-out work and loose play have been of a
high order. With increased pace he may well develop into a very good
eighth man.
N. LLOYD (C), Lock. This year saw the fulfillment of
the promise of Lloyd as a player. He was probably without peer in his
position in Rhodesian schools. Outstanding in all facets of his game, he
has great potential as a place-kicker and he must have the confidence to
develop this ability.
L. CORBI (C), Flank/Wing. One of the finest loose
forwards Milton has produced. Very fast on to the loose ball and
excellent on attack and defence. A bewildering, elusive runner. Injury
to Parrott resulted in his moving to the wing, where he performed with
equal distinction. He scored twenty-three times in sixteen games.
W. FORDHAM (S), Flank. A hard-working player who gave
of his best at all times. His general play lacked in pace only. His
future may well be as a tight forward, as was evidenced by his
magnificent performance in the front row against Chaplin.
N. DAVIES (S), Flank. The youngest player in the side.
He developed markedly over the season and revealed a great ability to
support the man with the ball. Should serve Milton very well next year.
J. ANDERSON (C), Eighth man. A complete footballer but
played out of position in the best interests of the team. His lack of
pace did not permit him to fulfil the "raven" role of an eighth man, but
in all other facets his play was of a high order.
"C" - Colours. "S" - Cap and Scarf.
The following also represented Milton in 1st XV inter-school matches:
P. Cleary, J. Wilson, W. Thompson, N. Morgan-Davies, I. Kynoch,
A. Simpson and J. Painting.
1964
D. Hapelt (Captain). Full-back. Has developed into a
good player. Good on attack but must work on the fundamentals of
full-back play to reach the class of which his undoubted ability gives
promise.
G. Adlard. Wing. A grand opportunist who worked hard at
his game. His handling and his defence in particular must be improved.
R. Wright. Centre/wing. A good team man with a sound
defence. Must run harder with the ball.
I. Bradley. Flank/centre. Not a success on the flank,
switched to centre where, as his confidence grew, he made promising
development.
A. Smith. (Vice-captain). Good on defence and showed
some promising attacking ability, but lacked pace. Must have more
confidence in his own ability.
V. Von Klemperer. Centre/wing. Easily the most talented
three-quarter, but was dogged by injury which limited his appearances to
six games.
D. Foskett. Wing. Has marked ability in both attack and
defence, but very inconsistent.
N. Morgan-Davies. Centre. A talented fly-half whose
defence, while initially weak, has improved considerably. A good drop
kicker but should have shown more confidence in his line by passing
rather than kicking injudiciously ahead.
I. Moore. Scrum-half. Although slow at the base of the
scrum, he improved considerably in all aspects of the game during the
season.
D. Fenton. Front row. Made sound progress during the
season and developed into a competent player.
W. Wilson. Hooker. A good striker of the ball and a
tigerish loose player. Should do well in 1965.
P. Longhurst. Front row. Came into the side in the
second half of the season. Probably the most-improved player in the
School. He should do very well in the future.
N. Davies (Captain). Centre/flank. Generally considered
the best flank in the country. Represented Rhodesian Schools at the
Craven Week, East London. A very fine captain who leads by example. Has
one weakness, a tendency to play too loose when possession is vital.
D. Schermbrucker. Lock. Forced his way into the XV by
consistently good play in the seconds. A very good line-out specialist
who nevertheless gives of his best in the tight and the loose.
D. Fuller. Lock. At times very good and at times
disappointing. A fine line-out player but not a good scrummer. This will
probably come with greater maturity.
J. Eppel. Flank. A fearless tackler whose all-round
game steadily improved. Should prove a first-class player in 1965.
D. Smythe. Eighth man. Started as a lock but switched
with immediate success. A player who gave of his best at all times. He
was developing extremely well when a knee injury put him out of the game
for the last three matches.
Also played: I. Taylor (7), M. Cock
(5), G. King (5), B. Shiels (5),
P. Jones (4), D. Foster (3),
P. Baron (2), I. Robinson (2), K. Reed
(2), J. Hargrove (1), D. Human (1),
B. Furber (1), M. Maytham (1).
(Numbers in parentheses indicates games played.)
1966
P. JONES. (scrum-half, captain, Rhodesian Craven Week
captain, Colours). A very mature captain who was capable of getting the
very best from his team. As a scrum-half he had several very good games
but tended to neglect individual play for the team game. He developed a
devastating kick over the line-out, which he used effectively both in
attack and defence. His main weakness was in an erratic pass which he
gave at times when under pressure. He led the Rhodesian Craven Week side
and our contingent of seven players.
P. LONGHURST (front-row, vice-captain, Colours). A
tremendous leader of the pack who was always in the thick of the game
urging on his forwards. To a certain extent he lacked size, but he was
strong enough to hold up against the biggest of opponents. A first-class
tight forward.
H. O'MAHONEY (lock, Rhodesian Craven Week, Colours). An
excellent line-out forward by virtue of his height (6 ft. 5 in.) and his
devotion to practice. Quoted as one of the best line-out specialists
during the Craven Week. His tight work was good and he thoroughly
enjoyed running in the loose. His one failing is a tendency to tap the
ball when under pressure.
N. THOMPSON (lock, Rhodesian Craven Week, Colours). A
tremendous jumper for the ball who, with O'Mahoney, assured us of the
vast majority of the ball from the line-outs. A sound scrummager, he
was at times brilliant when running in the loose, where he joined in
enthusiastically in both defence and attack. His weakness was probably
his dislike of the tight loose, especially loose scrums.
N. GORDON (fly-half, Rhodesian Craven Week, Colours).
An intelligent fly-half who was an ideal link man. His play improved as
the season progressed, especially his kicking with the left foot. He got
his line moving smoothly at all times and developed a good double dummy.
His weakness lay in his defence, and he must learn to cover his opposing
fly-half with the intention of grounding him on defence. An excellent
team man.
S. SCHMULIAN (centre, Rhodesian Craven Week, Colours).
A sound player who was prone to a small, irritating injury but
nevertheless played some outstanding games. One remembers his chasing a
Plumtree wing and saving the try, and several memorable breaks which
ended in Hardy scoring. He was somewhat subdued after Craven Week as a
result of being the target for defenders because of his reputation.
M. HARDY (wing, Rhodesian Craven Week, Colours). A
speedy and tenacious wing, he never flinched from taking a tackle.
Rather he tried harder and was rewarded with a crop of tries. One run
against Churchill will in particular be remembered, when he took the
ball on his own ten-yard line and eluded his own wing, the covering
flank and the full-back to score with only a couple of yards to spare
between the defenders and the touch line. His main problem may be a Jack
of size.
C. DAVY (flank, Rhodesian Craven Week, Colours). The
"baby" of the side-only in age! A tremendously strong player with an
urgent desire to get into the thick of things. He improved greatly after
the Craven Week and developed into a first-class tight loose forward. He
was more than useful in the line-outs and should be even better next
year.
W. WILSON (hooker, reserve Rhodesian Craven Week,
Colours re-award). Probably the best player in the side, he missed full
Rhodesian honours due to injury. His hooking was unmatched and he was
the key to our line-out success in throwing in the ball. This, combined
with some brilliant play in the loose, made him almost indispensable to
the team. If he continues his rugby he should gain high honours.
N. PECK (front-row reserve, Rhodesian Craven Week,
Colours). A very strong tight forward who made up the front row with
Wilson and Longhurst. His principal contribution was the support and
care he lavished on his locks in the line-outs. Somewhat ponderous in
the loose, he was always in the thick of things and driving forward.
M. MAYTHAM (centre, Colours re-award). Probably the
player with the greatest brilliance in the side but, like Wilson, missed
Rhodesian selection through injury. A true "curate's egg", he varied
between his brilliant display against Hamilton and one he will want to
forget against St. George's. His running with the ball and his startling
change of direction allowed him to cut open any defence, but his
passing, when he was tired, robbed us of many well-made tries.
H. VAN DER MERWE (flank, Colours). He was probably the
best flank we saw in schools rugby and was unfortunate in missing
selection for Rhodesia. The basis of our "switch" tactic, he started
many moves from the loose that resulted in tries. His dedication to the
game acted as an inspiration to the rest of the team.
P. HERBST (eighth man, Colours). One of the most
dedicated and hardworking members of the team. He sacrificed much of the
glamour of his position so as to fit in with the requirements of the
team. He saved us in many tight corners with some devastating tackling.
R. WHILEY (wing, Colours). A very forceful wing and our
most prolific try scorer (20 tries in 16 games). He developed a strong
inside break which brought many of his tries, and at all times he
concentrated on seeking the ball. He was rather unlucky not to be· given
a chance in the Rhodesian trials. A good defender when the need arose.
K. TORR (full-back, Colours). A hesitant player in the
first match, he found his feet after a couple of hard knocks against
Falcon. From then on his game knew no bounds, and incidents like his try
against Selborne and some quite exhilarating kicking from the touch line
will remain with us for a long time. He probably enjoyed his rugby more
than anyone else in the team.
T. SAGER (hooker). He played in several of our key
games and, as his experience grew, so did his hooking ability. At the
end of the season he was as good as any of the hookers we played
against. He was unfortunate in that Wilson kept him out of a permanent
place in the team.
Also played: G. Yeoman (4), F. Simpson
(3), R. Pogir (3), R. Mutch (2),
R. Trevelyan (2), C. Marks (2),
B. Strandvik (2), L. Cary (I).
The games played this year produced some really exhilarating rugby in
which we scored some 72 tries in 16 games, giving us an average of
nearly five tries a game. Of these, 35 tries were scored by our wings,
while the forwards accounted for 14; the rest went to the inside backs.
1967
Three-quarters
B. BITTER (captain; Colours I 967; scrum-half):
As a player Bitter always possessed the qualities of common-sense,
determination and unselfishness. He was essentially a team man who, when
he was allowed a free rein, gave Simpson a long, reliable service. His
kicking from the base of the scrum and over the line-out was shrewd and
controlled. He backed up well and tackled soundly. However, his service
tended to be erratic whenever he was put under pressure by the opposing
scrumhalf, probably because he hesitated before passing, losing valuable
time. His place-kicking, on most occasions, was immaculate, and at times
quite incredible. As a leader I cannot speak too highly of Bitter. He
was sound, dedicated, enthusiastic, responsible, reliable and popular.
He always set a good example both on and off the field, and his
ebullient good humour was a tonic to the side. He is a talented ball
player who should do well. (Scored 90 points; 84 with his boot.)
F. SIMPSON (vice-captain; Colours 1967; fly-half ):
Another talented ball player, Simpson proved to be a tower of strength
to the first XV. In the first half of the season he ran well, used his
backs sensibly and controlled the games with his judicious kicking. He
possesses safe hands, an incisive break and runs deceptively, but in the
latter half of the season he seemed to lose confidence in the other
three-quarters, for he often took the ball standing, broke infield too
often, and kicked unnecessarily. With a good, swift service, I am sure
Simpson will prove a most capable fly-half. His defence was at all times
first class. As a team member he was always reliable and unselfish, and
his example provided some of the other members with something worthwhile
to try to emulate. (Scored or made 33 points.)
A. COLLETT (centre):
A talented runner, he could prove a devastating mid-field player if he
would learn to keep his position, break out sometimes, and not "die"
with the ball after a good run. He tended to crowd other players by
running across, but was nevertheless a very penetrative centre who, with
more experience, could have been very dangerous. He tackled tenaciously
and well at all times and his quiet, modest manner made him a popular
team member.
I. CUMMING (centre - wing):
After showing great potential on tour and at the start of the season, he
never really fulfilled his promise. He was probably the most natural
centre but he seemed to lack determination and the ability to adapt his
play to fit in with the other three-quarters. On the wing he didn't
prove a great success, and he never looked for work. His major handicap
was that he was never really match fit and so often found the pace hard
going. A penetrative runner, his weaknesses were a reluctance to recover
from mistakes and a lack of determination when things weren't going
well. He has the ability, but he will have to work a lot harder if he is
going to succeed in rugby.
G. YEOMAN (wing; Colours 1967):
He proved to be the most-improved player in the side. After a most
inauspicious start to the season as a centre, after a nearly disastrous
tour, this speedy player found his niche on the left wing and he never
looked back. He gained confidence as the season progressed, and improved
greatly on his tendency to slow up when confronted with defenders.
Unfortunately he was starved of the ball for a large part of the season;
otherwise his already impressive tally of tries would have been a lot
greater. He ran hard and penetratively, defended soundly (if his tackles
were sometimes rather high) and covered tirelessly. A good player who
has a bright future ahead of him if he maintains this interest. (Scored
nine tries.)
M. HARDY (wing; Colours 1966):
Unfortunately struck down cruelly by a hip injury in the third game of
the season, this speedy winger never really recaptured his pace and
bewildering swerve of last year, which earned him a place in the Craven
Week Rhodesian Schools side. A plucky player, he felt his lack of size
and I think resented being a marked man this year. Perhaps more
determination and common-sense to keep the defence away from him would
have made an already difficult task a lot easier.
R. MUTCH (full-back):
A most reliable, solid fullback who always played with calm
determination. Possessed of magnificent hands, he got away with standing
too deep, and often with allowing the ball to bounce. A reasonable place
kicker and sound defender, his big weaknesses were a reluctance rather
than an inability to kick with his right boot, and an unwillingness to
join the line or turn defence into attack. An unselfish, thoroughly
dependable team member.
A. LUCAS (full-back; Colours 1965):
A brilliantly attacking full-back, who injected the game with
excitement, was again unfortunately crippled with a knee injury most of
the season, despite his obvious determination to play. Possessed of
amazing natural ability as a full-back, who fielded, kicked and tackled
well, his greatest asset was his flair for the unorthodox and the
unexpected. Unless hampered by injury, I predict a great rugby future
for him.
ALSO PLAYED: C. Marks, A. Maytham, S. Ferguson, J. Santa Clara,
S. Versveld, K. Boyd.
Forwards
R. FENTON (tight-head prop):
Weighing over 210 lb. and possessing a tigerish temperament, we held
high hopes for Fenton at the beginning of the season. In the match on
tour against Estcourt, for example, we had four key players off the
field with injuries for all the second half. Fenton rose to the occasion
and more or less took on all the opposition forwards by himself with
devastating effect. As the season progressed, however, his enthusiasm
waned badly. Fitness was his big problem and his work both in the loose
and the tight became very spasmodic. We also found that his large size
tended to overbalance the tight scrum and reduce its effectiveness.
W. GOOSEN (hooker):
Probably our most-improved player. He only came into the side in our
fourth game of the season, but soon became one of its most valuable
members. At the end he had a superb mastery of hooking technique and he
backed this up with some dashing performances in all other departments
of the game. He is small, remarkably strong and a fitness fanatic. He is
unafraid to go in hard into the tight and backs up magnificently in the
loose. I predict a very bright rugby future for him.
R. BARLOW (loose-head prop):
Possesses the ideal build for his position. When he has hardened more,
with the increased maturity of a further year at school, he should prove
an invaluable asset to the side. He is a very intelligent player with a
sound sense of positional play. His hands are also good. He was
sometimes a little tentative in the tight and did not always like
getting his head well into the set scrums. These deficiencies will be
overcome, I am sure, next year, and he should have an excellent season.
S. FERGUSON (tight-head prop):
Ferguson was brought into the tight-head position towards the end of the
season from the centre, when our set scrums were not functioning at all
well. It turned out to be an excellent move. Of a more compact build
than Fenton and with stronger legs, he gave the scrum the coherence that
it had lacked. From then on the forwards became a team that raked the
ball back with a most satisfying degree of regularity. He helped Goosen
greatly in the hooking and worked extremely hard in all aspects of
forward play. He was awarded his rugby cap and scarf, though deficient
in numbers of matches played, for the great contribution he made to the
side when he joined it.
M. DAVIES (flank; Colours 1967):
An outstanding loose forward and great team man who was tireless in his
support of the three-quarter line. He was the initiator of numerous
tries by reason of his ability to rapidly size up the state of play and
to send the ball in the direction of the opposition's points of
weakness. He was a little slow on his feet, but this was more than
compensated for by the cleverness of his deceptive tactics. He really
played the eighth man's game from the flank position. In consequence he
often failed to harass his opposite fly-half sufficiently. This was a
small drawback, however, in the face of the great contribution he made
to the side. After Davy's injury he took over as leader of the forwards
and performed the job quietly but most effectively.
B. STRANDVIK (lock; Colours 1967):
Another great player whom we shall be delighted to see back next year. A
tall lad of rapidly increasing strength, he covers great areas of ground
with his long, ranging strides. He always takes the ball hard and twists
and drives his way through the opposition most effectively. An honest
worker, he is always up with the game and has a sharp eye for any
weaknesses in the opposition. His line-out work was a little tentative
at the start of the season but improved greatly towards the end. His
push in the set scrum, too, never slackened.
B. FARRELL (lock):
Like Fenton, weighing in the region of 210 lb. A player of tremendous
potential but one who will only see the potential realised if he
concentrates more on fitness. He did some brilliant work in the
line-out, but lack of fitness often made him less rugged than he should
have been. For the same reason his work in the loose and the set scrum,
which could on occasions be excellent, was seriously marred. We are very
much hoping that, having now stopped growing, he will in the next season
be a much stronger, fitter and more robust player.
J. OAKLEY (flank):
A young player who has gone from strength to strength this season after
having produced flashes of brilliance both in attack in the open and in
defence. He is a tireless worker who backs up and handles well. His
tackling also is sound. His deficiencies have largely been a consequence
of his inexperience. It has been encouraging to note how very much more
effective he has become in containing the opposite fly-half. His future
is full of promise. He should have a tremendous season next year.
C. DAVY (flank; Colours 1966):
An immensely strong and devastating player most tragically struck down
repeatedly by head and knee injuries. If we had had Davy as a regular
player all season the outcome of most matches, I am sure, would have
been very different. He tackles ruthlessly, drives relentlessly and runs
magnificently. He must have struck terror into the heart of many an
opponent. His injuries seriously reduced his representation for the
side, and we did not therefore feel that he merited a Colours re-award.
As pack leader he was brilliant by example but seemed unable to unite
and draw the best out of the pack by word and encouragement.
P. CLARKE (lock and eighth man):
Played several times for the first team. He always tried hard but was
often bewildered and unsure of what the game expected of him.
ALSO PLAYED: S. Riley, W. Herbst, S. Bulling, G. Hubbard.
1968
W. GOOSEN (captain; Colours 1968; Craven Week, 1968;
hooker).
A brilliant hooker with an ideal build for the position. He is very
strong and was able to bind the front rank very tightly and make our
scrumming most effective. In every match Milton won a lion's share of
the ball from the set scrums and frequently against the head. Goosen was
the architect of this success. He is also a very hard player in the
loose who linked well with both forwards and backs on the run. As a
captain he was quiet and effective and greatly respected by the rest of
the team. He is to be sincerely thanked for the magnificent job he did,
both as captain and player, this season.
J. OAKLEY (vice-captain; Colours 1968; flank).
A tireless player who was a tremendous asset to the side. He was
outstanding both in attack and in defence, was quick to the loose ball
and had a good eye for weaknesses in the opposition's defence. Time and
again he was the initiator of attacking moves from opposition lapses,
and equally as often it was Oakley who brought off the vital tackle
which relieved the side from the attackers' pressure. Perhaps the
unluckiest of our players not to get a final Craven Week trial.
R. BULL (vice-captain; scrum-half).
A player with a good head for the game and capable of flashes of
brilliance. He served the side well for the major part of the season,
but could not get the ball away to the line quickly enough. He was
eventually stood down in favour of Boyd, and then Wilson. We look
forward to his services next year.
W. HERBST (Colours 1968; eighth man).
Herbst only gained selection for the side in the third match of the
season. He was too tentative; sound in defence but lacking any element
of positive, attacking play. The fact that he was finally awarded
Colours bears witness to his tremendous improvement as a player over the
season. Each game was better than the last until he became the player
most to be relied upon in covering defence and also attack. He was an
honest worker in the tight and outstanding in the loose. Only his hands,
at times, were a little suspect; otherwise he was the complete player.
J. KIRCHNER (tight-head prop).
Another player who improved immensely as the season progressed. He was a
little small this year for a prop but was very effective at helping the
hooker get the ball. Latterly he really began to find his feet at
first-team level and showed, by his intelligent play, his good hands and
his sound defence that he is going to be one of our most valuable
players next year.
R. BARLOW (loose-head prop).
An extremely intelligent player who was responsible for a lot of the
constructive movements which started from broken play. He was also
invaluable in the tight and played his part in making the scrum so
effective this season. We were very sorry to lose him through injury
towards the end of the season.
M. SHANNON (flank).
He showed this season that he is going to be one of our really bright
prospects next year. He is a rugged player, good in both attack and
defence, and very quick to the loose ball. He also has a very deceptive
run and makes a lot of ground running with the ball. He lacked
consistency this season. On occasions he was brilliant, but sometimes we
did not see much of him. With increased maturity we should not be able
to fault him on this next year.
W. BULLOCK (lock).
For consistently honest work in all departments of the game, Bullock had
no peer. He was always up with the ball, leading the forward rushes and
fighting for the ball in the tight. He has boundless energy and was
always to be found in the thick of it. Only his line-out work needs
improvement, otherwise he is an ideal lock forward. He was probably the
player most unlucky not to have been awarded Colours this year.
B. FARRELL (lock).
He joined the side late in the season because of injury, which set him
back badly as far as fitness was concerned. He is to be commended,
however, for the manner in which he got himself into condition and for
the consequent steady improvement in his standard of play. By the end of
the year he was doing sterling work in the tight and even in the loose
forward play. Line-out work is his speciality and he was responsible for
most of the good ball that we obtained from this quarter of play.
N. ARMSTRONG (fly-half).
One of the greatest problems the team faced was to find the correct
player for the crucial fly-half berth. The lot eventually fell to
Armstrong. He is small, rather slow off the mark and lacked the sparkle
that one liked to see in a player in this position. His defence was also
suspect and once he had made a gap he did not take it with enough
determination. On the credit side, however, he had a good pair of hands,
a quick pass and a safe boot. He lacked confidence and fitness, but as
the season progressed he gradually remedied these defects and improved
immensely as a player.
C. BARON (centre).
He first joined the side for the Durban High School match but was
selected for all games thereafter. He is a player who can be really
brilliant. He possesses tremendous acceleration and can run most
deceptively. His small size is against him, however, and he was often
flustered in the face of heavy opposition. With a clear run ahead he was
outstanding, but in the general run of play he was often guilty of
handling, passing and defensive errors. He was a fair place-kicker and
was on target with quite a number of conversions.
S. VERSFELD (wing and centre).
He started the season as a wing and did a very adequate job, running
hard when he got the ball and tackling well. This is his correct
position. He was brought into the centre late in the season to improve
the penetrating power of the line, in which task he succeeded admirably.
His great weakness is his passing, in which he possesses little fluency,
particularly when passing to the left. Thus he should return to the wing
position next season, where he should do very well.
M. HARLOCK (wing).
A player of tremendous potential. He suddenly flowered this year, having
played in "B" sides all the way up the school. He is very strong, runs
with great determination and can break through many tackles and defends
soundly. His main problem has been one of inexperience. He has not had a
feel for the game and has not always known what was required of him. His
hands have been a little suspect at times, too. With one season in the
first XV and another year to go, however, prospects for him are really
bright.
A. MAYTHAM (centre and wing).
Maytham played centre for most of the season and was rather
disappointing. He ran hard but tended to run too far. He passed badly as
well, and his handling was not always as good as it might have been.
When moved to the wing, however, things started to go right, especially
as he could give free rein to his desire to run hard with the ball,
which he did well and deceptively. He put in a few brilliant runs and it
was only a pity he was not tried at wing earlier. In defence he was
always sound.
W. MATTHEWS (full-back).
A great-hearted player with tremendous enthusiasm, determination and
courage. His fielding of the ball was brilliant, but his positional play
and kicking left much to be desired. In consequence he played
irregularly for the team and was eventually replaced by Lapham.
B. STRANDVIK (Colours 1967; lock and eighth man).
Potentially probably the finest player in the side. He can be brilliant
in most departments
of the game and, with his long, ranging stride, can cover a great deal
of ground both in attack and defence. He seemed to lose interest as the
season progressed, however, and also suffered from injury. Thus he never
fulfilled the high hopes that we had had in him.
The following players also played for the first XV: G.
Lambert-Porter, B. Dodds, A. J. Barlow, C. Lenegan, W. Armstrong, G.
Hubbard, T. Mc-Laughlin, S. Shannon, S. Riley, K. Boyd, J. Wilson, J.
Lapham, the last three of whom are to be specially commended
for the contributions they made to the team's changed fortunes at the
end of the season.
1969
M. SHANNON, (Captain; Colours 1969), flank. A good
captain insofar as he had the respect of the whole team, exercised a
firm discipline and set a very good example in training. He set a very
high standard on the tour and made a fine impression. During games,
however, he was often slow to analyse the pattern of play and to adjust
Milton play accordingly. Tremendously strong physically, he was
invaluable in the tight and could tackle fiendishly. His handling was
sometimes suspect and he did have the occasional off day.
K. BOYD, (vice-captain; Colours 1969), scrum half. An
intelligent player who could break cleverly round the scrum and who
initiated many fine moves. He was an inspiration to the side and always
encouraged it to give the extra bit of effort. Probably the most
complete player in the side. If the forwards had given him better ball
he would have had an outstanding season.
J. MILLS, (Colours 1969; Craven Week XV), hooker. A
brilliant hooker and a worthy selection for the national side. We did
not have a front rank big enough to give him the support he needed and
he was not able, in consequence, often to reveal his true worth. His
loose play also was excellent. He was always quick to the loose ball and
scored several tries thereby. In the tight his play was below standard.
J. KIRCHNER, (Colours 1969; Craven Week XV), tight-head
prop. A versatile player who could play equally well as hooker, front
rank, flank or eighth man. He much prefers loose to tight play, but is
to be commended for playing in the front row for the whole season to
help the side out. Always quick to capitalise on the loose ball, he
initiated many fine moves. He was also very clever at extracting the
ball from mauls. His main defect was inconsistency. He could play
brilliantly but often lapsed.
C. BARON, full-back. An extremely talented player, very
nimble on his feet, with quick acceleration and a most deceptive change
of pace. He linked well with the line, gathered the ball well from the
ground and brought off some tremendous tackles. In some games his
fielding of the high ball was below standard and his kicking for touch
and positional play needed improving. A great pity he is so small. With
some weight behind him he could reach great rugby heights.
M. HARLOCK, wing. A player for whom we had great hopes
this season but in whom we were a little disappointed. A powerful
runner, he could crash his way through the opposition most effectively.
Too often he seemed to lack the extra bit of determination needed to get
through. Admittedly he often had poor service from the line, which did
not help him, but he could have done better than he did. He was a very
sound player nevertheless, solid in defence, and an asset to any side.
G. FORT, wing. A strong runner who made a lot of ground
on numerous occasions from orthodox line movements. His great weakness
was his inability to adjust rapidly enough to unorthodox situations.
When flustered he could do some silly things. His handling was sometimes
a little suspect and his defence, though sound, was not always strictly
legal. He was keen, however, and should do very well next year.
S. VERSFELD, centre. A great-hearted player,
unfortunately set back by a serious ankle injury. As a result he did not
have the speed, the acceleration or the nimbleness that one likes to see
in a centre. He also tends to hold on to the ball fractionally too long.
He has great courage nevertheless, and helped the side in a position we
found most difficult to fill.
B. BARBOUR, centre. Probably the three-quarter with the
greatest potential in the side. He is fast, deceptive, draws his man
well, and handles well. He was responsible for most of the penetration
in the back line. His weakness is a hesitance when under pressure and he
is occasionally guilty of defensive lapses.
E. PAINTING, fly-half. It is rare to find a player who
really enjoys tackling. Painting was one, and as such proved invaluable
in defence. One would have preferred a little more pace in a fly half
than he possessed and his handling was not always up to standard. He
liked the blind-side break round the scrum and often made a lot of
ground by means of it. His kicking was often injudicious. Too often his
kicks merely gave the ball to the opposition.
H. DU PREEZ, loose-head prop. Moved from full-back to
the front row, he had a lot to learn. He nevertheless filled the
position very adequately and was assisted by his great strength. He
played the tight game well and did a lot of honest work in mauls and
rucks. With a little more experience he could develop into a very fine
player, for he is fast and handles well.
W. BULLOCK, lock. For enthusiasm, hard work
determination and honesty in the tight, he could not be faulted. A
player who put all that he had into his rugby and set a tremendous
example to the other players. He enjoyed loose play particularly and
was always up with the ball and quick to pick it up. He could never
master the technique of jumping and catching in the line-out, however,
and sometimes let his enthusiasm run away with him to the extent of
being guilty of undisciplined play.
B. GRAHAM, lock. Weighing over 200 pounds. handling
well and having a good line-out technique, we expected great things of
him this season. He never really got fit, however, and so was a little
disappointing. It meant that he was slow to the ball and did not always
push as he should in the scrums. If he could get really fit and convert
some of his fat to muscle, he could be an outstanding player.
J. WILSON, flank. He joined the side late after
recuperating from serious injury and played with tremendous courage. An
extremely fit player, he was always up with the ball and enjoyed the
hustling type of play. He linked well with forwards and backs and
picked up the ball frequently in mid-field. In attack he could be
brilliant, but his defensive work round the scrum was often inadequate.
G. SMYTHE, eighth man. By no means a polished player,
Smythe was selected for the honesty and enthusiasm of his play. He put
everything that he had into his game and covered tirelessly. His
line-out work improved greatly as the season progressed and he was
responsible for a lot of the good ball we obtained from this source. He
was not really robust enough for this position. One would have preferred
a stronger, harder player, but one could not have asked for one with a
bigger heart.
The following players also played for the first XV during the season:
Lenegan (5 games), A. Barlow (4),
R. Barlow (4), Noble (4),
Parkin (2), Scott (4), McCallum
(2), Armstrong (1), Watson (2),
Ferguson (1).
1970
S. VERSFELD (Captain: Colours 1970; Craven Week XV),
Wing:
A very good captain who had great respect and loyalty from his team. He
led by both word and example and in him the fine spirit of the side was
embodied. Given good ball he was a powerful running wing who was
difficult indeed to stop. His cover defence was superb and on several
occasions saved certain tries by covering across and crashing the
opposite wing into touch. Had a most successful Craven Week scoring six
tries over the competition.
B.BARBOUR (Vice-Captain: Colours 1970; Craven Week XV),
Fly-Half:
A player of tremendous talent. Had excellent hands, a good kick, and
breathtaking speed and acceleration. If not very closely marked, could,
and did, break at will. With further rugby experience and greater
understanding of the game he should go a long way. Did not always reveal
his true potential over the season due to an eagerness to feed his line
and by not always analysing the game astutely. Without him in the line
though, the Milton team would have been reduced to mediocrity.
B. GRAHAM (Colours 1970; Craven Week XV), Lock:
Probably the most honest and hardworking tight forward. Showed
tremendous determination in his pre-season training, and with his huge
frame, 6ft. 4in. 210 lbs., this paid dividends. Was always prominent in
the loose while at the same time not neglecting his tight play. Jumped
well in the line out all season but could not always have good support
due to his insistence at playing from the No. 2 position.
J. WILSON (Colours 1970; Craven Week XV), Eighth Man,
Scrum Half:
Could have played in almost any position and been effective. His assets
were fitness, rugby talent, and a big heart. From the eighth man
position he was all over the field and appeared tireless. His constant
presence wherever the ball travelled must have been annoying as it was
unbelievable at times to the opposition. Stepped into the scrum-half
berth late in the season and, while just a trifle large and slow for
this position, played on a superb pass for Barbour. Was nagged by
shoulder trouble from midterm, but despite this displayed great courage
in insisting on playing.
G. FORT (Colours 1970), Flank:
A strong, hard flank. One of those players who enjoyed tackling, and
this he did ferociously and with great effect. Was one of the key men in
breaking down the opposition play. As a carrier of the ball he was
easily the hardest running and most penetrative of the forwards. Very
fit and always prominent in the loose.
D.A LLEN, Wing:
One of the more exciting spectacles of the 1970 season was the sight of
winger Allen in full cry speeding for the try time. Poor hands and an
inability to cross kick were big weaknesses but these were more than
compensated for by his danger in attack. He had speed and determination
and he used these to full advantage.
A. BOSCH, Tight Head Prop:
Intelligent and very constructive in all his play. He was a solid strong
scrummager who supported his hooker and struck for the ball very well.
Despite his size had a surprising burst of speed. If he sheds some of
his weight and increases in all round mobility next year he will be
outstanding.
H. du PREEZ, Loose Head Prop:
Very strong and agile he runs fast and handles well. With all these
qualities plus the fact that he was playing his second year for Milton
1st XV, one expected great things. However he never reached the heights
he should have because only late in the season was he anywhere near peak
fitness. Heavily built forwards have to work harder and take longer to
get fit and this he appreciated too late. Returning next year, with his
physical ability and determination, he is bound to achieve the standard
and recognition potentially his. Was an invaluable player this season
despite not starring.
P. EDWARDS, Centre:
Certainly the finest defensive three-quarter and crash tackler in the
school. Unfortunately his attacking ability did not match his excellent
defence. He lacked genuine pace and penetration. Was very consistent
with his backing up however and was deservedly rewarded with some good
runs because of this. With further experience next year he should
develop into a more than competent back.
G. FERGUSON, Lock:
Self imposed off-season fitness and strength training saw this tall
player gain in physical stature and also in rugby potential. While never
brilliant, Ferguson was always reliable and got through some sterling
work. In the tight loose he was generally in the thick of things, and
when driving with the ball was a hard man to pull down. Started off
slowly as a number five lineout forward but developed as the season
progressed; he was eventually obtaining very good ball from this
position.
W. GREEN, Hooker:
One of the 'characters' of the school, Green was a ball of fire and
energy on the field. Unimpressive physically, his looks belied the
tigerish spirit within. It was no small compliment to the player that at
Milton a tackle was sometimes described as a real 'Green' tackle -
meaning crashing in about as hard and low as one could go. Converted
from flank to hooker in one season he adapted quickly and on most
occasions served the school very well in this position.
D. HARRISON, Scrum Half:
Had all the qualities of an outstanding scrum half but for the most
vital of all - a good reliable pass. Luckily Barbour's safe hands never
exposed this defect to any great degree. If Harrison could have
developed his pass he may well have achieved further honours. He was
quick around the scrum, had a good rugby brain, and was courageous. Most
of the breakdown of opposition play near the scrum was due to him and
Fort. Adapted surprisingly well to flank when placed there at the end of
the season - a compliment to his playing ability.
A. McCALLUM, Centre and Full Back:
Probably the best rugby brain in the side. He has an undoubted flair for
the game but is heavily handicapped by slowness off the mark. A very
good place kicker he was easily the highest individual scorer in the
side and as such was invaluable. Played most of the season in the centre
and then moved to the full back position. If it were possible for him to
quicken up in the line he would be dangerous indeed.
A. MINTER-BROWN, Wing and Full Back:
A long limbed player who was both a fast and deceptive runner. In
attack he was always very dangerous and brought off many fine runs. He
was suspect in defence at both wing and full back when he had to
retrieve a bouncing ball. He was also inclined to neglect cover work
from the wing position. However any good ball thrown or kicked in his
direction generally spelt one thing to the opposition - danger.
T. SLETCHER, Flank:
Unfortunate to miss several games through injury. As a flank he looked
far better in attack than defence. He was a very fast and elusive runner
with the ball, as well as being very quick to any break-down in play.
Did not harass the opposition sufficiently from his position though and
this he must learn to do in order to establish himself as a really good
flank. Should do well next year.
1971
B. BARBOUR (Captain; Colours1970; Craven Week XV), Fly
Half. An extremely talented player who would certainly have excelled
once again this season but for the tragic misfortune of sustaining a bad
knee injury on tour which was to put him out of rugby for the season.
His brilliance in attack was sadly missed by the team and it would be no
exaggeration to say that his absence alone changed the face of the side.
A loyal and much-respected captain.
A. BOSCH (Playing Captain; Colours 1971), Tight Head
Prop. Probably the most powerful schoolboy scrummager in the country.
The tremendous number of tight head balls won by the scrum this season
was undoubtedly due to him. Had speed and agility despite his size and
was always an intelligent and constructive player. Much admired by his
team-mates, he led the side with an ebullience of spirit that matched
his immense physique.
H. DU PREEZ (Colours 1971), Loose Head Prop. The "other
half' of Milton's formidable front row. Strong and quick he was a very
honest forward who was one of the key men in ensuring the side of its
excellent possession. His position dictated that he play a very tight
game, but given a chance in the loose he was a hard running carrier of
the ball. A good all round forward.
A. PRINSLOO (Colours 1971), Left Wing. Undoubtedly the
most improved player in the side. He was an extremely hard running and
elusive wing with a deceptive body swerve. Made the most of any
opportunity and was top try scorer for the team. Worked very hard at his
game to emerge as one of the outstanding players over the season.
A. McCALLUM (Vice-Capt.), Fullback. An intelligent
rugby tactician he was invaluable in building up and maintaining team
spirit. Unfortunately despite the obvious physical talent that he has,
he was one of the players who never rose to the heights expected of him.
Once he has had a complete season to settle down to his true position as
fullback, he should play to his full potential. On his day an
outstanding kicker.
K. AULD, Lock. Not always a determined and driving
player because of his lack of weight, he was nonetheless a very good
lineout forward and a highly mobile player. Emerged from last year's
fourth XV and developed his play and confidence steadily over the
season. A very reliable forward.
A. BLAYLOCK, Centre. From the fullback position where
he started the season he was an incisive and penetrative runner in
attack. In the centre he was not nearly as impressive, though giving
glimpses of his talent on occasion. A courageous defender despite his
slight frame. With experience and greater confidence he should develop
into a very good player next year.
P. BULL, Scrum-Half. Started off the season by playing
excellent rugby on tour, and from his early form looked set to be one of
the side's top players. However, while always consistent as a reliable
and competent scrum-half with a good pass, his game never really
developed over the season. He is a good enough ball player to excel and
with resolution and hard work could lift his game to well above average.
K. COURT, Centre. The most talented natural ball player
in the three line. Very inconsistent in his form however. On a good day
a remarkably penetrative runner with an eye for the gap; however off
form he could be very ordinary. With dedication and development of his
game he could do well in senior rugby.
P. EDWARDS, Centre. Not a "natural" he had to work hard
at his game and had no real flair for the centre position. As an
excellent defender and hard running player he used the most of his
ability and always played with great determination. A change in position
could possibly reward his attributes of forceful play and rugged
tackling.
D. FORT, Flank. Made a slow start to the season while
adjusting to this new position but once he developed feeling for flank
play the change was dramatic. He proved to be a very good flank who was
fast to the ball and both harassed effectively and constructed good
movement from broken play. If he can get fitter next season and a little
more fiery in his game he will be outstanding.
A. HATTON, Flank. Lacked pace but overcame this
considerable handicap by producing his own brand of persistent and
determined chasing of the loose ball. Always reliable in a tight spot,
he was one of the important players in encouraging, prodding and goading
team spirit from his fellow members. Looked too slow to hold his place
in the early season, but by intelligent anticipation and sheer fitness
more than held his own.
S. LEWINS, Fly-Half. Came into the side very late but
with such effectiveness that it was obvious he should have found a place
much earlier in the season. Had poise and finesse as a fly-half and
played a finely balanced game of astute tactical kicking varied with a
good service to his line. Young and talented it is a great pity he is
not returning to see his potential flower.
S. McLEAN, Lock. A rugged forceful lock who used his
size and weight to good effect in tight play. Never quite mobile enough
to be a good first team lock, his solidity and intelligent control of
loose scrum possession held him his place until his biggest
weakness-inability to jump in the lineout - necessitated dropping him.
Nonetheless played some very useful games for the 1st XV.
G. PATON, Lock. A very good lineout specialist who was
rarely out jumped by his opposition. Capable and strong in the tight he
was an honest forward who, while never brilliant, could always be relied
upon for a steady performance. Developed over the season in all aspects
of play.
1972
D. Fort (Captain, Colours, Flank):
It needed an individual of Fort's moral courage and strength of
character to hold together a losing team. That the side not only held
together, but were united in spirit right through the season, speaks
volumes for his leadership. He was the only consistently good loose
forward in the team and deservedly played for and vice captained the
Matabeleland 'A' XV.
A. Blaylock (Craven Week, Colours, Centre):
Certainly the most improved senior player. A dangerous and penetrative
centre whose injury seemed to take all the punch out of the backline.
Very good in defence.
K. Riley-Hawkins (Colours, Matabeleland A, Centre):
When he gained confidence, a very good player indeed. Deadly in defence,
his only handicap was a lack of genuine pace in attack. In combination
with Blaylock exciting to watch.
R. McCallum (Vice-Captain, Scrum Half:
An extremely reliable player who was very effective in general play.
Only slowness around the base of the scrum precluded higher honours. A
loyal and able vice-captain.
S. Adie (Prop):
An honest worker in the scrum and easily the most intelligent and
constructive forward in the tight loose. Could have been seen more in
the loose play.
C. Conolly (Wing):
Made a very disappointing start to the season with a marked lack of
determination in his running. Improved tremendously, however, and was
eventually making use of his considerable speed.
M. Einhorn (Fly Half):
A talented, but erratic fly half. Had safe hands and was a dangerous and
elusive carrier of the ball. His weakness as a tactical kicker and an
inclination to break too often detracted from his play. On top form
exciting to watch.
P. Einhorn (Full Back):
Had good hands and was very dangerous in attack. His defence was always
good. Has much to learn about positional play and did not always look
for work. Should excel next year.
P. Ellis (Hooker):
A latecomer into the team, he proved lively in the loose and hooked well
when given support from his scrum. With more weight and experience next
year, should do very well.
R. Hatton (Lock):
One of the team's most improved players. Very well co-ordinated and
intelligent, he did some sterling work as a tight forward. Only
insufficient size for his position proved a handicap.
J. Honywill (Flank):
Very young and inexperienced, he showed promise which was never really
fulfilled. Big framed physically and determined, he will probably end up
in the front row, as he was seldom quick enough to the loose ball.
However, with two years ahead of him he has time to find his position
and has a promising future.
D. Kirchner (Prop):
A strong forward whose solid scrummaging was missed when he was
unavailable. Hard working in all aspects of forward play.
K. O'Connell (8th Man):
Played both as a tight and loose forward. Not big enough for the tight
and not fast enough for the loose, he was, however, an extremely honest
player who gave everything he had. Utterly dependable.
M. Richardson (Lock):
Potentially the best tight forward in the side. His drives in the loose
were both dangerous and exciting and he was always constructive in
broken play. However, never as fit as he might have been, he never
realised his full potential.
L. Shee (Wing):
Not a natural ball player by any stretch of the imagination, he was
nonetheless an extremely determined wing who ran well and tackled with
ferocity.
1973
K. Riley-Hawkins, (Captain; Colours 1972, 1973) scrum
half. Certainly one of Milton's outstanding captains. Talented both in
ability and with the qualities of leadership, he was a vital factor in
the success of the team. As a player he had all the attributes of an
excellent scrum-half, save for one defect, slowness in clearing the
ball away. His defence was brilliant. Few schoolboys in recent years
have tackled with the ferocity of this player.
P. Ellis, (Vice-Captain; Colours 1973) Hooker
Instrumental in providing an abundance of ball from the set scrums. He
worked hard at his game and was successful in exhorting his very capable
pack to some prodigious performances. A fiery and determined player in
the loose.
P. Einhorn, (Colours 1973) Fly-half: Probably the
three-quarter with the greatest potential in the side. Strong,
deceptive, and with good hands, he was responsible for most of the
penetration in the back line. His weakness was a tendency to break at
the wrong time and he needs to improve his tactical kicking.
K. Friedrichs, (Colours 1973) Tight-head prop: A very
powerful scrummager, who did a great deal of honest work in the mauls
and rucks. His rugged and yet intelligent play made him invaluable, and
if it could be said of anyone, he was the pillar of Milton's pack.
J. Honywill, (Colours 1973) Flank: Big and well
co-ordinated, one of the features of the season was the sight of
Honywill plucking the ball out of the air from the back of the line-out,
and setting off on one of his storming runs. In attack he was always
outstanding, but his defensive work round the scrum was often
inadequate.
D. Bosch, Lock: A hard and determined tight forward. He
lacked size for the position, which precluded him from getting good ball
in the line-out. He scrummed very honestly, however, and tore into the
rucks with obvious enthusiasm and determination.
K. Brackley, Wing: A relatively inexperienced wing who
undoubtedly has talent. One of the few backs with any real pace, it was
a pity he was not given more ball during the season. His lack of size
did not detract from his effectiveness and, given the opportunities
next year, he should develop into a very good player.
C. Conolly, Full Back: A gifted footballer in that he
had good hands, could kick equally well with both feet, and genuine
pace; he was not, however, a player with tremendous ball sense. He could
have been devastatingly effective if had joined the line more in attack.
Nonetheless, his solid competence at full back lent confidence to the
side.
D. Cooke, 8th Man: A nimble player with good hands who
always looked good in open play. However, as he was inclined to be a
little tentative, he did not seriously harass the opposing halves. If he
can overcome this weakness, he could blossom out into an outstanding
player. He has the physique and coordination to excel.
D. Fitzgerald, Loose-head Prop: A good, solid frame and
excellent technique in scrumming made him a more than competent forward.
He was also very useful in the rucks and mauls. His only weakness was
inconsistency of play, as he would vary from very good to mediocre in
his performance.
R. Gunning, Lock: A very good forward who only played
half the season, due to injury. His was a very considerable loss to the
team in the latter part of the season. Had he been fully fit, he may
well have been in line for higher honours.
S. Krige, Centre: Very good indeed in defence.
Unfortunately, his attacking qualities did not match his ability to
defend. His biggest problem appeared to be a lack of concentration and
self-discipline which all too often resulted in dropped passes and being
caught out of position. With hard work he could mature into a valuable
player next year.
E. Kok, Wing: Unfortunately, injured for most of the
season. This was a big loss to the team as his elusive running style
made him a very dangerous player in attack. His defence and ball ability
were less impressive. However, had he played all season, he would
undoubtedly have excelled.
E. Kok, Flank: Started off the season in tremendous
form and looked set for great things. However, a bad ankle sprain had a
deleterious influence on his play for most of the season and, only in
the last few games, did he regain something of his early form. Very good
in attack, but often inadequate in defence around the scrum.
J. Malevris, Wing: A talented player, very nimble on
his feet, with quick acceleration and a most deceptive change of pace.
He always looked dangerous in attack and, like Brackley, was unfortunate
in not seeing more ball. In defence he was not always sound and did not
work hard at cover defence.
E. Layard, Centre: A player of undoubted ability which
he never fully revealed, due to his tentative approach. Intelligent,
well co-ordinated and large for a centre, his lack of real aggression
obviated any possibility of him ever being a forceful player. A loyal
and reliable member of the team, nonetheless.
G. Pennells, Lock: With an increase in weight and a
little more speed he will be a very good player. Extremely constructive
in broken play, and an honest forward in the tight. He was ineffective
in the line-out and may do well to change to the flank next year.
A. Thomson, Fly-half: Always played to the best of his
ability. His strength lay in safe hands and excellent tactical kicking.
He was handicapped, however, by a lack of pace off the mark and a rather
slow pass to his centre. He was, therefore, limited in attack.
1978
Slater (Captain. Matabeleland Schools vice captain)
Colours Award.
Played eighthman this season though probably a better flank. A forceful
player who set a very high standard as captain. His ability to get the
loose ball back was one of his assets, as well as his hard tackling. A
very good loose forward, who always gave of his best.
Harrison (Vice Captain)
Played lock this year and did very well especially in the lineouts where
his jumping improved with every game. His only weakness being that he
deflected the ball too often rather than catching it. His loose play was
sound.
Strathearn (Full Back) Colours Award.
Switched to full back after a few games at fly-half and did a
magnificent job. His flair for attack often left the opposition at sixes
and sevens, His defence was quite outstanding at all times. He must rate
as one of the best fullbacks in the country.
Husband (Wing)
A young and exciting player, who, though very light, always ran hard.
His defence is a little suspect as he must go in hard for his tackles.
He should do well next season.
McKenna (Wing)
Another young and exciting player, who, when he is in the mood, can be
very effective with his elusive running. He must look for the ball more
often and do a lot more covering. He should do well next season -
defence is sound.
Blaauw (Wing/Centre)
A disappointing player who has tremendous ability but never used it to
the full His tackling was outstanding but in attack he never really
moved at speed and was therefore easy to bring down. He proved on
occasions that he could be very effective when he wants to.
MacDonald (Centre)
A young player with an exciting future. On attack he is always dangerous
and will cut through any halfhearted defence. His tackling is sound and
next year he should do very well, especially with more speed and
strength.
Waite (Centre)
He played scrum half for a while, but never really got to grips with the
position, at centre he shows promise especially on attack. He is
inclined to hang back at times and give his opposite man a little too
much room to move in. He should do well next year.
Krige (Flyhalf
He played centre at times, but never really excelled. At fly-half he
played well especially against Guinea Fowl when he ran in three tries,
His only faults were that his concentration lapsed at times especially
on defence and he never recovered quickly after making a mistake.
Adams (Scrumhalf) Colour's Award
He matured into a good player with some really good performances. He
also had an outstanding game against Guinea Fowl scoring two tries and
setting up a third. His passing was good, his break was good and his
kicking was great. He has a bright future as a scrumhalf.
Van Vuuren (Loose head prop. Matabeleland Schools)
A good honest forward who scrummed well at all times. His lineout work
was good and his loose play effective. At training he was always seen to
give of his best.
Labuschagne (Hooker)
A very effective player who, together with his regular props, was only
really beaten once in a hooking duel In the loose he was tigerish and
probably even over-robust at times, but a sound honest forward.
Slement (Tight head prop) Colours Award
A very strong scrummager who was a tower of strength both in the
lineouts and loose play. He was responsible for possession in many a
loose maul and his determination was well rewarded with a number of
tries from short penalties.
Viljoen (Lock)
An honest forward who was always seen to give of his best, His lineout
work at No 2 improved towards the end of the season where he gained some
good possession, His loose play was good and he was always in the thick
of things.
Engelbrecht (Flank)
Rather light, but he made up for it with his fitness and anticipation.
He was often first man to the ball, but was left high and dry as support
came up too slowly. A good player.
Raciborski (Flank)
As a loose forward he played well but lacked speed to be really
effective. In the tight loose he did well using his strength and ball
sense effectively. His only weakness being his lack of speed.
Loxton (Flank)
His lineout work at the back of the lineout was good and he has the
speed to get around with, but too often he never used it to best
advantage. His anticipation was good but still not really rugged enough.
He should do very well next season.
Others to play a number of games for the 1st XV include Einhorn (Flyhalf
and Scrumhalf), a player with a bright future at scrumhalf. Probably a
bit slow at the moment but this is improving. Herbst played fullback but
never really settled down in the position. He could do well next season
as a flyhalf.
1979
D. Waite (Matabeleland 1979 team award).
Fullback/Centre, As a fullback he has proved to be very reliable with
his excellent tackling, handling the ball under pressure and his elusive
running.
D. Husband (Team award 1979) A good hard running wing -
very elusive; a player who should have got a lot more ball. Tackling and
covering a little weak.
W. MacDonald (Matabeleland & Team Award 1978 & 1979)
Centre; a strong hard running player who tackles well and has a good
knowledge of the game. His big weakness is that he tries to break inside
too often - a good player all the same.
M. Grobler A young centre whose attack is sound, but
his tackling is very weak. Still under 15 and therefore with this
season's experience he should do well next year.
J. Herbst (Team Award 1979) Centre/Wing. As a wing he
proved to be very reliable where his speed and sound tackling were
useful. At centre he never really got the opportunity to show his true
worth. A pity he was injured half-way through the season.
P. Cutler (Team award 1979) Flyhalf. A small but good
player. His tactical kicking and place kicking were good. In attack .his
play was sound, while in defence he was often too slow up on his man. He
should do very well next year.
M. Einhorn (Team award 1979) Scrumhalf. A good player
with a very good pass - a little erratic at times. He had a good break
which he used to cut the defence on many occasions. His tackling and
covering was good at all times.
D. Maughan (Team award 1979) Loose Head Prop. The
heaviest player in the side who scrummed well at all times. A little
tall for the loose head but he did well for the side using his size and
strength to full advantage.
R. Labuschagne (Colours 1979; Matabeleland 1979) Hooker
and Vice-Captain. A most enthusiastic player - tigerish and tireless in
the loose and a good hooker. He led the side well during Slement's
absence.
B. Slement (Team award 1978 & 1979; Matabeleland 1979)
A very good tight head prop who scrummed magnificently. His captaincy
deserves special mention as he did an outstanding job. It was indeed a
pity he was injured on tour and therefore missed most of the season. We
all thank Barry for his influence and leadership.
J. Grobler (Team award 1979) Lock. Tall second row
player who has gained in stature with each game. His loose play was
always fiery and constructive.
G. McKenna (Team award 1979) Lock. New to this
position, but nevertheless worked well, especially in the tight.
Slightly slow and lacked the necessary aggression in the loose - should
do well next year.
D. Appelhans (Colours 1979) Flank/Lock. Started as a
lock then moved to flank where he played very well. His size and speed
proved invaluable especially in attack. He must put more pressure on the
opposition in defence.
D. Wright (Team award 1979) Flank. As a flank a little
slow but was outstanding in the tight loose. He was used as prop hooker
and even-wing and always gave of his best. Good ball player.
S. Loxton (Team award 1979; Matabeleland 1979)
Eightman. A player who never really realised his full potential. A very
good jumper in the lineouts, but lost the ball often. In the loose he
played well though lacked the necessary aggression. Probably a better
lock than eightman, but served his side well.
1980
P. Cutler. Captain. Colours l 980, Fly-half. A very
talented player with an educated boot. His game has improved with every
outing as he used his speed, flair and boot to full advantage. A very
reliable place-kicker, and good captain who led his side well.
D. Maughan * Vice Captain. Front row forward. An
incredibly strong front ranker who gave of his best at all times.
Unfortunately the unbalanced front row was a real handicap to him as the
other two forwards were much smaller. As vice captain he led the pack
well.
W. MacDonald Colours 1980, Craven Week 1980 full back.
He really had a great season and full back is obviously his position.
His defence was outstanding and he used his power and flair for attack
to the dismay of many a side, Congratulations on being top points scorer
for the Zimbabwe team at Craven Week.
S. Robertson * Right wing, Relatively new to the game,
A fast and elusive runner who could have scored more tries had he got
more ball, Tackled and covered well.
A. Viljoen * Left wing. Like Robertson, fairly new to
the game, A deceptive runner who scored a number of good tries, His
defence was sound, but he could have looked for more ball at times.
L. Kettle * Centre, A vastly improved player with a
good side step and tackled well. He could have exerted more pressure on
the opposition by coming up much faster. A reliable
place kicker.
D. de Villiers Centre. It was wonderful to see him back
on the rugby field again after an absence of two years. His defence was
sound and his ability to cut the opposition’s line came back to him as
the season progressed.
M. Grobler * Centre, He started so well this season
then his game went off badly. A good attacking player, but his defence
must be tightened up a great deal.
R. Pearson Scrum-half. An exciting young player whose
game matured towards the end of the season, when he started using his
break. He has a good long service and should do well next season.
R. Hunter * Prop. Very young, but a good strong loose
head, who gained a great deal of experience this season. His loose play
improved as the season progressed.
D. Peratt * Hooker. Another very young player. Rather
short and battled with an uneven front-row. A sound striker of the ball
and exceptional player in the loose.
R. du Toit * Lock. A good second row forward who had to
bear the brunt of all lineout jumping. Light but made up with tremendous
fire and anticipation in the loose.
J. Grobler * Lock. A strong and aggressive tight
forward who got through some good work. Lineout work not as good as it
could be.
G. McKenna * Flank. A strong forward who played lock
and even wing on occasions. He could have used his size and speed to
greater advantage, especially in attack.
T. Bezuidenhout * Flank. A good back row forward with a great deal of
drive. A little hesitant in defence at times but a good ball carrier.
D. Appelhans Colours 1979/1980. Flank. A very strong
and aggressive loose forward who possessed a good turn of speed. Unlucky
not to make the national side, but he must look for more work. Very
difficult to bring down on attack.
C. Maughan * Number 8. Another very young player who
inevitably had to mark a bigger and more experienced player. His defence
was excellent.
* Team Awards
1981
W. MacDonald - Captain: Full-back and Centre. -
re-award Colours 1981 and top scorer. Captained Matabeleland Schools
1981 and was unfortunate to be excluded from the National side this
year, as his defence was exceptional and his ability to counter-attack
and join an attack created devastating results. Perhaps he did not
involve himself as much as he could have, but the responsibilities of
captaincy and the grinding of an inexperienced back division took their
toll on his own game. He is a versatile player and has a great future in
the game.
H. du Toit:- Vice-Captain: lock - Colours 1981. Played
for Zimbabwe Schools at lock and flank 1981. An outstanding player who
is particularly good in lineouts and loose-play. His leadership of the
forwards was exemplary. He deserves to be congratulated on a very
successful season; and he will be valuable asset to any team in the
future.
P. Stockman: Flank- Colours 1981 - Matabeleland Schools
1981. An outstanding loose forward who harassed the opposition
relentlessly. His tackling was superb and he combined well in attack. A
fine performance throughout the season.
C. Maughan: No. 8-Colours 1981 - Matabeleland Schools
1981. A talented ball player with a flair for attacking rugby. His
tackling and defence were of a high standard and although he played
exciting rugby during the season, he has not yet fully exploited his
potential.
C. Faasen: Fly-half-and Full-back. He played at
fly-half for the first half of the season and then moved to full-back.
At fly-half he lacked experience but by no means disgraced himself. At
full-back he was more at home and fielded some difficult and awkward
kicks. His anticipation, cover defence and tackling were of a high
standard whilst he made very few mistakes with his kicking.
F. de Chalain: Wing three-quarter. A new player to
rugby in 1981, whose size, weight and speed were a tremendous advantage
and made him a difficult man to mark. His tackling was flawless but
kicking ability was limited.
D. Feigenbaum: Wing three-quarter. An intelligent
player who tackled very well. He has a tendency to slow down in the face
of oncoming cover-defence but he used his initiative in attack, and his
defence was of a high standard.
I. van Niekerk: Centre. A vastly improved player who
made some fine runs especially in the latter half of the season. His
ability to anticipate and read the game were his most noticeable
improvements, as well as making the best use of space to create strong
attacking situations.
G. Faulds: Centre and Wing three-quarter. An extremely
hardworking player who improved throughout the season. At wing he played
with added confidence and was a party to several attractive running
movements which led to tries being scored. Selected as a substitute for
the Matabeleland Schools side.
G. Butler: Wing three-quarter. A strong runner but he
tended to be hesitant at first. later in the season he gained enormously
in fitness and confidence and made some attractive runs. He is
congratulated on his determined effort to gain fitness in order to
improve his game.
I. Ferguson: Fly-half. A young player who joined the
side for the hardest game of all against Prince Edward. He remained
cool-headed and must be given credit for the high standard of his
tactical kicking, which created havoc for the opposition. He will be an
asset to the side next season.
J. Brownlee: Scrum-half. Most improved player of the
year award. An aggressive attacking scrum half who used his initiative
and constantly harassed his opposite number, rarely allowing the
opposition good ball from the scrum. During the early stages of the
season he made nasty basic mistakes and lacked a strong service. His
greatest failing was a lack of imagination but through sheer
determination and hard work he improved tremendously. Selected to play
for the Matabeleland Junior side.
S. Jones: Loose-head prop. A young player who held his
own in the most difficult position on the field.
G. Whyte: Loose-head prop. Originally an U/15 team
player, whose size and ability, coupled with the lack of depth of front
row players in the open group, led him to a place in the 1st XV as a
replacement for an injured player. This is a proud achievement by any
standards and he should be congratulated on his performance in the games
that he played. He has very good ball sense in this game, but has to
learn to straighten his back in the scrum.
D. Perratt: Hooker. A plucky and aggressive player who
not only hooked well in the scrum but also played like a terrier in the
loose. Injury, early in the season, unfortunately denied him the
opportunity to play in the Provincial trials.
R. Young: Hooker. A young player who replaced the
regular hooker owing to injury. Although he lacked in size and age, he
certainly made up with his ability to hook and his mobility on the
field.
G. Tasmer: Tight-head prop. He had an unsteady start to
the season owing to a shoulder injury and subsequent lack of fitness. He
played best in the latter half of the season where his strength and
speed were deceptive, relative to his size and shape.
R. Flashman: Prop and Lock. A fairly versatile and
intelligent ball player. He was too tall as a prop but used good
technique. His natural position is lock where he excelled in the tight
phases but tended to hang off in mauls and rucks where the strength of a
lock is needed most.
P. Stephenson: Lock. He lacked co-ordination and speed
off the mark but made up for this by doing well in lineouts; he was a
difficult man to stop in the forward drive.
S. Molloy: Flank. A strong capable player who did not
realise his maximum potential until the latter part of the season when
he made up his mind to play his best.
T. Hubbard: Flank. A very fit and hard working loose
forward. After a short period of experience in the 1st XV he learned
quickly. His pick-up on the loose ball and support play was superb.
J. van der Walt: Played at wing in the first game of
the season.
R. Herbst: Substituted on two occasions at midfield
M. Dunfting: Played on the wing during the pre-season
festival but decided to change to soccer after the opening game of the
season.
W. Dakers and O. Ruetsche: Made their
debuts with one game each and are players to be watched next season.
1982
David Perratt - Captain: Hooker - National Selector's
XV, Matabeleland Schools XV, Zimbabwe Schools. David was the only full
time First XV player to· return from last year's squad. He had the
extremely difficult task of captaining a very young, raw side and of
hooking ball for a pack travelling in reverse! He is undoubtedly the
best hooker Milton has had in recent years and his record speaks for
himself. His sneaky burrowing and irrepressible nature will be greatly
missed next year.
Ian Ferguson - Vice-Captain - Fly-Half, Centre Reserve,
Matabeleland Schools' XV. Ian was moved to Centre to provide some punch
in the line which he did successfully. He is certainly a player to watch
next year since he has improved with every game.
Stephen Venn - Scrum-Half - Matabeleland U/20, Zimbabwe
U/19, Reserve Matabeleland and Zimbabwe Schools XVs. A talented player
who, unfortunately, broke his collar bone against Churchill and took
most of the season to get back into form again. He is an extremely
competent and constructive scrum-half who will be an asset to the side
next year.
Paolo Brustolon - 8th Man/Flank- Matabeleland Schools
XV. A brilliant ball-player with tremendous potential.
Aaron Chitereka - Wing - Matabeleland Schools XV: An
U/16 player who is an excellent cover defender, and who is elusive on
the attack. An asset to the school's XV next year.
Jorge Correia - Prop - A hard man to contend with on
the field of play. Unfortunately suffered a severe spinal injury against
Prince Edward.
Stephen Jones - Prop - A burly player who never fully
gave of his best. Emigrated to South Africa halfway through the season.
Wayne Dakers - Prop - An U/16 player who more than held
his own in the front row. His talent and determination will certainly
show up next year.
David Sutherland-Mcleod - Lock - Undoubtedly the
smallest lock Milton has ever had! However, he certainly gave his best
and more than made up for his lack of size.
Adrian Probert - Flank/8th Man - A robust U/16 player
who is a player to watch in the future. However, he tends to play the
man and not the ball on occasion.
John Dunn - flank/Wing - A speedy boy who was always a
danger, particularly on the flank. Unfortunately he was dogged by a knee
injury for most of the season, and finally broke his collar bone against
Chaplin after a magnificent try.
Roderick Young - Flank - A talented boy who lacked
consistency. He has good potential.
Stephen Haddon - Fly-Half- A minute U/16 player who has
tremendous potential. Unfortunately he had a collar bone injury against
Prince Edward.
Ian Catherall - Centre - Very elusive on attack but has
defensive weaknesses which he must overcome. Certainly an exciting
player for next year.
Grant Salomon - Wing/Fly-Half - A player new to the
game who gave of his best. He still has a lot to learn.
Mark Jenkinson - Full-Back - Another U/16 player who
has made his mark, this year. A safe dependable player who,
unfortunately, cracked his skull against Prince Edward and this kept him
off the field for much of the season.
Daniel Reutsche - Full-Back - An exciting player on
attack.
1983
I.A. Ferguson - Captain, Colours, Matabeleland
Schools'. Many members of the team depended on Fergie for generalship.
He never let them down. A superb leader, he was also a more than capable
centre on both attack and defence who always applied much thought to the
game.
D. Sutherland-Macleod - Vice-captain. Dackie is not the
largest lock around in stature but is one of the biggest in the amount
of work he got through. He gave of his best at all times.
A. Chitereka - Colours, Matabeleland Schools'. Aaron
has developed into an extremely competent wing. He is now a polished
player who knows when to turn defence into attack and when to clear
under pressure. The first African to be awarded Milton Rugby Colours -
well done!
B. Deysel - Colours, Matabeleland Schools'. Once
Brendan's true position at fullback was established he developed from
strength to strength. His coming into the line was at times devastating
and his defence solid and reliable.
J. Dunn - Colours, Matabeleland Schools'. A very fast
breaking flank who put a lot of pressure on the best fly halves in the
country. This constant pressure was rewarded with many tries.
A. Probert - Colours. One of the boys who has developed
extremely well into a truly hard playing rugby gentleman. A pleasure to
coach. Adrian's drive in the loose, jumping in the lineouts and
scrummaging was always done with great determination.
S. Venn - Colours, Matabeleland Schools'. Steven has
the potential to go far in his rugby career. He developed slowly in the
first part of the season but by the end had become a mature scrumhalf.
He must have one of the best services in the country at schoolboy level
when he is not under pressure. When he does take the blind side it is at
the correct time and penetrative. His play under pressure has also
developed well. He must continue to play his rugby with the attitude
developed.
P. Akeroyd - Prop. The player with the biggest heart.
Blob has given of his best through thick and thin. Through his sheer
determination he has developed into a very worthy team member.
R. Catterall - Centre. Roy has always been dangerous on
attack with his elusive running. His ball handling has improved
tremendously and his defence is solid and determined. His calm
determination has been a settling factor in the team.
J. Correia - Lock. A relatively small lock who has
worked extremely hard at his game. At no time was Jorge giving less than
a hundred percent of his best. He has developed from an excitable boy to
a mature, hard-driving forward.
W. Dakers - Prop. Due to an injury early on it was not
until late in the season that Jock showed his true capability. He is a
very good scrummager and can be extremely mobile.
S. Haddon - Flyhalf. A broken leg kept Steve from
playing the whole season. He is a small, wiry, hard player who tackled
extremely well. On attack he seemed to be able to squeeze through gaps
where no gaps existed.
G. Johnson - Hooker. A stocky, robust hooker who
improved throughout the season, his loose play being the strong point of
his game. His hooking improved steadily, with the best performance at
Plumtree. Should do well next year.
S. McTiernan - Prop. An ideal build for a prop. Sean is
a very good. His loose play tended to be rather slow and there is room
for improvement here. With the correct attitude this boy has the ability
to go far.
N. Rix - Flank. A flank who was always on the lookout
for work and work he did. Not always the first to the break down but a
lot of constructive work was done when he got there.
R. Watson - Flyhalf. The "baby" of the side who came in
when Haddon was injured. At certain times when receiving poor ball he
was a bit overawed. He need not have been as he has a very safe pair of
hands and a more than adequate kick with both feet. With more confidence
he should do well.
1984
W. Dakers - Captain, also Captain of the Matabeleland
XV, member of the Zimbabwe Schools XV, awarded School Colours. An
excellent tight head prop whose rugby skills are such that he could well
play fly half as well. His loose and open play is very constructive.
R. Watson - Vice-Captain; Matabeleland XV, Zimbabwe,
Schools XV, awarded School Colours. Fly half possesses an excellent pair
of hands, kicks well with both feet and is prepared to put in a lot of
hard work when not in possession of the ball.
A. Abel - Flank Matabeleland XV, Zimbabwe Schools XV
awarded School Colours. Switched from 8th man to flank and went from
strength to strength. A very strong runner, particularly unstoppable
near the opposition try line. It is not surprising that he was the top
try scorer in the side.
B. Box - Lock Forward, one of the youngsters in the
side, shows considerable promise for the future.
A. Chitereka - Wing, Matabeleland XV, re-awarded School
Colours. A good all-round rugby player whose cover defence is excellent.
Top points scorer.
B. Dawson - Flank, awarded School Colours and received
the Andersen Trophy for the most improved player in the 1st XV. He does
everything a flank should do - a very good prospect for the future.
B. Deysel - Fullback, Matabeleland XV, re-awarded
School Colours. He never quite rose to his brilliance of the previous
season but still a formidable player.
S. Haddon - Centre, has the ability to cut the opposing
three-quarter line but tends to go too far.
A Mackintosh - Lock, Matabeleland XV, Zimbabwe Schools,
awarded School Colours. A fine line out jumper and one of the fastest
men on the field.
K. Mafungise – Wing, hard runner, deadly tackler and
beginning to look for work.
S. McTiernan - Loose head prop, a good scrum manager.
R. Pattison - Centre, Matabeleland XV, awarded School
Colours. A sound centre without being spectacular, outstanding defender.
N. Peel - Utility three-quarter, has played wing,
centre and fullback. A strong runner and fearless tackler.
D. Victorious - Scrum half. The baby of the side
(actually still U15) who was fortunately well shielded by the strong
pack. He shows plenty of rugby ability and is a good prospect for the
future.
N. Rix - Flank, awarded School Colours. An injury
prevented him from playing for part of the season. A 'hungry' flank who
always showed a fearless determination to win or maintain possession.
R. Williams - 8th man. hard working and a fierce
tackler.
R. Young - Locker, Matabeleland XV, Zimbabwe Schools,
awarded School Colours.
R. Young - Locker, Matabeleland XV, Zimbabwe Schools.
awarded School Colours. A much improved player whose relentless
determination made him a valued member of the team.
1986
W Mills (Prop) - Will is an excellent scrum mugger and
acquitted himself very well, but tends to be lazy on occasions. He is a
solid player who provided the much needed weight for the tight five.
A Simon (Hooker) - Promoted from the seconds Anton
always played a hard game and never gave up. Noted for taking tightheads
from the National Hooker. An aggressive player.
K Zondo (Prop) - Although Keith made the Matabeleland
side he was unable to play due to a neck injury. He is a hard solid
player who moves remarkably quickly for a prop.
P Sinclair (Prop, Flank) - Paul played prop at the
beginning of the season then moved to flank. He is a good worker and
player.
S Boncey (Lock) - Received the cup for the most
improved player. Whenever there was trouble one would find Stuart and
throughout the season he held his position and at times made brilliant
breaks with the ball.
G Skinner (Lock) - In one year Gary moved from the
Third Team to the First Team and was always determined to score tries
and win games. He teams up well with Boncey as lock.
B Ray (Pack Leader) - Dog, the man with all the heart
and a never ending supply of guts was an inspiration to the team. There
was not a game where he did not give of his best. Due to his height he
was moved from hooker to flank.
B. Beattie (Flank) - An aggressive forward who is
always ball hungry and was subsequently the teams' top scorer.
A Dube (Flank) - The baby of the side who tended to be
hesitant at times due to the lack of experience. Alex will be a player
to watch in the future.
H Nguruve (No 8) - Honeywell's giant like appearance
enabled him to shine both in scrums and lineouts. He is a mad worker on
the field but during practice tends to be lazy.
D Morgan (Scrum Half) - Although unusually big for a
Scrum Half he is very agile, to add to this Dave is a quick thinker and
possesses a good service.
S Williams (Fly Half) - Steven in his first season as
fly half tended to be a bit slow off the mark but is a good thinker and
kicker.
D Pistorius (Scrum Half, Centre) - Dion, the vice
Captain of the team, moved from scrum half to centre to provide much
needed penetration. Any opposition player with the ball was brutally
felled by him. Dion's left foot was also put to good use in touch kicks.
B Choto (Centre) - Bethel is an exciting player on
attack and is a good tackler. His main fault is that he tends to panic
when under pressure.
D Rusheshe (Wing) - A good tackler but lacks aggression
when on attack.
Z Hawa (Wing) - Zak is undoubtedly the fastest player
in the team. He was fairly new to the game and progressed a lot as the
season progressed.
A Chitereka (Fullback) - Captain Chit is the oldest and
most experienced player in the team. He is very elusive on attack and
brilliant in defence. He is the team’s highest points scorer.
1987
W Mills (Prop) Willy, despite his lack of height used
his sturdy farmers build to provide the essential platform necessary for
good scrumming. Willy also managed to get around the field a bit more,
probably due to his father’s extra 'Fitness Sessions'. He was chosen to
represent the Matabeleland B schools team.
A Simon (Hooker Scrum Half) Anton acquitted himself
well when he was moved from hooker to scrum half and then back again to
hooker. He is to be complimented on his keen attitude towards the game
especially in training.
K Zondo (Prop) As this was his third season in the 1st
XV Keith could always be relied upon when the going got tough. His
experience was a great asset to the side. He is a powerful scrummager
and also has the speed to get to the loose play where he can use his
strength to set up good second phase.
S Boncey (Lock) Stuart excelled in his second phase
where he won a great deal of good ball for the team, although his
fitness was never up to scratch for one reason or another. Stuart's
major downfall was his lack of height which was a problem in line outs.
He was selected for the Matabeleland B schools team.
S Nkomo (Lock) "Josh" started playing rugby this season
but despite his lack of experience and knowledge of the rules he still
pulled his weight. His 6'3" frame was a great asset in the lineouts
often winning us the ball. "Josh" went from strength to strength
throughout the season which earned him the cup for the most improved
player.
B Ray (Flank, hooker, scrum half, 8th man.) Bryan
captained the side and led the team by example and dedication both in
training and the game situation. He was an inspiration to his team
mates. These qualities were not lost on the Matabeleland selectors who
chose him to captain the B side. Although a little light Bryan,
nicknamed "Dog", used his terrier-like work rate to the teams advantage.
Always one of the first to the breakdown and working tirelessly when he
got the ball he was a real asset to Milton.
B Beattie (Flank 8th Man) Brian was vice-captain of the
side, he is an outstanding flank with a lot of experience which coupled
with his powerful build and determination resulted in him being one of t
he teams highest scorers for the second season in succession. Brian is
also a very good tackler who often put a great deal of pressure on the
opposition's line. Brian was selected for the Matabeleland A schools
team.
H Nguruve (Flank) Honeywell is a very good player who
used his huge build to excel I in lineouts. He is also a very powerful
runner with the ball and is difficult to stop when he gets going.
Although his attitude at times was questionable he still scored numerous
tries, thus battling with Brian for top scorer. He was selected for the
Matabeleland A schools side and later the National side.
W Querl (Hooker, scrum half) Wayne started off the
season as hooker but later moved to scrumhalf where he excelled. Using
his build and forward instincts to keep the ball tight around the base
of the scrum he also combined well with the loose forwards, passing the
ball where necessary. He is a talented player who shows great promise
for the future.
D Weber (Fly half) Darren joined the team late in the
second half of the season from the U 15A side. This was due to his
kicking abilities since the first team had lacked a good kicker for some
time. He adapted well to the pressures and this experience will have
stood him in good stead for the future.
A Jani (Wing) Aaron is a very fast wing, who when he
got the ball used his speed to score some exceptional tries. He is
another promising player who should be watched for the future having
already played for the Matabeleland A and B sides. For his achievements
this year he was awarded the trophy for the most improved player.
M Sinclair (Centre) Malcolm was a regular member of the
team who a always attended practices and gave of his best. He combined
well with the other centre and was a hard tackler.
N Moyo (Centre, Wing) Despite his lack of size he
always tried hard never missing a single practice.
R Katso (Centre, Wing) Roy is a determined little
player who is not scared to tackle. He improved greatly throughout the
season and should be an asset ot the side next year.
D Ruscheche (Fullback) Although De Villiers was our
only experienced line player his game unfortunately seemed to have
deteriorated from last season. He seems to lack confidence and his hands
seem to let him down especially when he was under pressure. One hopes
this is only temporary and that he will soon be back to his previous
standard.
1988
W. Mills: - Captain: William had an enjoyable season as
captain and was always urging his team on, often in stormy moods after
games and always causing tempers to flair. William is an accomplished
loose head prop and was chosen for Matabeleland A and Zimbabwe Schools.
William was a pivot point in the scrum and always led by example. He
went on to play for OMs 2nd XV at the end of the season and faired well.
Many thanks to him for his time and commitment.
A. Jani: - Vice Captain: Jani was a superb vice captain
and led the three quarters well. He is a very good winger and centre and
was a key player in the team. Jani played for Matabeleland A Schools and
was a standby player for Zimbabwe schools. Jani is a quiet figure on the
field, but otherwise noisy and full of commitment. Many thanks to him.
Jani also played for OMs 2nd XV and proved valuable.
H. Nguruve: Honeywell played 8th man where he excelled
and was a valuable asset in scrums and line outs and he always gave of
his best even if sometimes late for practice. Honeywell was chosen for
Matabeleland A Schools and for Zimbabwe schools. Honeywell and William
have played together since Under l 5's and will continue on at OMs.
Honeywell played for OMs 1st XV and proved to be well accomplished in
the position he played. In the Russell cup for Matabeleland Men he won a
cup.
D. Chowles: His first season as hooker, Chowles played
exceedingly well and was an inspiration to all. He was chosen for
Matabeleland Schools, but unfortunately broke his neck and was unable to
continue playing. His dedication was an example for all and he was badly
missed in the remaining games and no suitable replacement was found for
him. Hopefully all will go well for him in the future.
F. Mukoma: Fortune is an agile player and did very well
and continued to improve. Fortune played lock and equipped himself well
and worked in with the team. To continue playing lock, Fortune needs
more weight which he makes up for in strength and technique. Fortune was
chosen for Matabeleland Schools.
M. Ndiweni: Tighthead prop. Mike improved dramatically
and played a key role in the strength of the scrum. Being a farmer
equipped him well for the game and proved an asset for him. He was
chosen for Matabeleland Schools where he played very well. All the best
to Mike in the future.
S. Sibanda: Stanford is a newcomer to the game and
played lock where he kept on improving as the season went by. Stanford
always worked hard and gave of his best. With a bit more experience,
Stanford can go a long way.
N. Bhebhe: Flank. Nigel played a good game, lacking in
speed, but always willing to work and continually giving of his best.
G. Mazithuea: Gatsha played well at flank and his
commitment never failed. He lacked in speed, but always worked hard and
was always in the thick of the game.
D. Dube: Dumi played scrum-half and played a very good
game and was a very valuable player. He always gave clean ball from the
scrums and was always ready to take on whatever came his way, even if it
was bigger. Dumi was chosen for Matabeleland Schools and will
undoubtedly do well in the future.
D. Weber: Darren (Dugs) played as fly-half where his
kicking was invaluable even if he missed a few. He even did our coach
out of a dollar when betting on a kick. Dugs was a quiet but committed
player, and always gave of his best in every situation. He was also
chosen for Matabeleland Schools.
M. Brand: Centre. Brand played very well having just
come up from U/l 5 s and was fearless in attack and defence. He held the
ball a bit long at times but was always geared for improvement and
proved committed to the game.
S. Moya: Centre. Nkanyiso played centre throughout the
season and worked well in the game, especially in defence. Nkanyiso was
always committed and gave of his best. He is improving and passes the
ball more often, that is when Brand decides to pass it. He worked well
with Brand and will continue no doubt to do well.
S. Jones: Wing. Shepard played well, lacked a bit of
commitment, but always played a steady game. His handling improved
throughout the season and his speed was a tremendous asset. Hopefully
Shepard will continue to play as he has hidden potential.
N. Khakhata: Full Back. Khakhata played full-back
throughout the season and did well in defence and on attack. Khakhata
has room for improvement especially in his attacking game. He has superb
handling and has a few more years ahead of him to gain experience for
club level.
Reserves: C. Green - Hooker, S Mubobo - Flank, Hooker, J. Evans Scrum
Half. Mutare - Flanker. R Katso - Wing. Centre, S. Sibindi - Full back,
Flyhalf.
1989
1) MPOFU P - Josh turned out to be the find of the season, but also
turned out to be a moody player who was not consistent throughout the
season. Josh turned out to be very aggressive when he chose to be once
he realised his own hidden strength which he had 'tactfully' concealed
at the beginning of the season. Josh must learn to settle down quickly
but otherwise he has a bright future in the front row.
2) MOYO D - Hamosi was voted as the most improved player of the team and
he deserved this honour, which I hope he does not regard as a 'mere
scutcheon' but something to be proud of. Mahosi always gave the game all
he had and despite facing bigger opposition in the front row, he never
gave up, and I hope that he will not give up rugby as he could be an
asset to club rugby.
3) NDIWENI M - Ndiwi, Zayiregondo always gave his best and worked very
hard in the front row. His presence was inevitably felt on the field
throughout the season and this payed dividends as he was chosen to
represent the province. Iron Mike has a bright future if he carries on
playing rugby next year at club level before he goes into the tedious
profession of farming.
4) NKOMO Z - Siphofu Z turned out to be a very energetic player, he was
outstanding in lineouts and was always there when needed to collect
clean ball and distribute it to the three quarters. Z showed dedication
towards this great game and although he has room to improve, hopefully
next year he will be one of the key players in the team.
5) MUTARE EM R - Bobby played a solid game and never seemed to tire as
he went from one maul to another, searching like a 'wounded lion' for
that inflated piece of leather. Bobby also played eighth man and proved
to be an aggressive player in this position. He always gave his best
performance when he played and unfortunately like most of the squad will
be missed next year.
6) MOYO S - Disregarding 'visits' or Moyo's size he played a very
powerful flank and always proved to be a menace to the fly halfs. S Moyo
always worked hard and will undoubtedly do well in the future.
7) MAZITHULELA G - lacked aggression at times when it was most needed
but nevertheless gave his best performance when he could. At times he
found it hard to settle down but hopefully next season he will come back
with a 'bang' and prove himself to be a determined player.
8) DUBE D - Double, Mambodlela was very brave and aggressive for his
size throughout the season. This is his second season in the team and
his experience is second to none. His dedication, determination and
aggression combined well to ensure that he hardly, if ever, missed a
tackle throughout the season. Double D will inevitably do well next
season and hopefully in the years to come.
9) WEBER D - Dug's dedication to the game this season was wonderful to
watch, he made breaks which proved useful and his 'PATRICKS' never let
us down as his powerful boot payed dividends. Dugs proved to be a
thoughtful player and always found 'touch' when the pressure was piling
up on us. Dug's experience and concentration will be badly missed in the
team if he choses not to return next season.
10) MUKOMA F - 'Francois' as Mr. Perigoe repeatedly called him, always
gave his best. His greatest moment must have been scoring the winning
Try against Plumtree. Fortune led by example covering lots of ground and
always looking for an attacking opportunity. He led the team well and
off the field was a fine spokesman for the team.
11) JONES S - 'Whiz-Kid' played very well in most of the games, but in
order to improve he must give more dedication to the game. He was called
up to the Matabeleland squad late in the season. Jones needs to settle
down quickly. Otherwise he was a keen, useful player.
12) DANISA S - Njivengo proved to be a very aggressive centre and if you
got through him you were lucky which was not something to be repeated.
Njivengo has a pleasant character but once on the field his
concentration was amazing. He combined very well with Brand and never
let the team down.
13) BRAND M - "Speedy Gonzalo' always played his level best but was
hampered by injuries which were worrying at times when we most needed
him on the turf. Speedy showed dedication to this wonderful game and
always thought positive and was never happy until he felt at home on the
oppositions try line. Speedy has a great future and hopefully he will be
wearing the grey jersey once again next season.
14) MOYO N - Finch proved himself to be a hard solid, tackler and seemed
to be always on his 'toes' as he made tackle after tackle. Finch had a
weakness with his ball handling but otherwise he had a very good season
when he had the ball in his hands.
15) KHAKHATA N - Khays continued to impress like last season with his
safe steady hands. Khays also proved to be a very strong dedicated
player and it was sheer delight to watch him punch through the
opposition. Khays should do well in the future if he comes back next
season.
1990
1) P MPOFU - Vice Captain. 'Josh' was the outstanding player of the
season. He led his forwards by example and was a pivot in the scrums.
His play was excellent and he accomplished himself as a head prop. He
was chosen to play for Matabeleland and Zimbabwe schools.
2) J EVANS - Hooker. 'Jay' played exceedingly well and was an
inspiration to the rest of the team. He excelled himself in scrums and
was very quick in breakdowns. He had a 'golden boot' which got us out of
many serious situations.
3) K MTUNGWAZI - 'Mqombothi' was the strongest forward in the pack and
thus played a key role in the strength of the scrum. He was chosen for
Matabeleland schools.
4) M NCUBE - Lock. A newcomer to the team, Melusi improved dramatically
and kept on improving throughout the season. He worked well with the
team and was valuable in lineouts and scrums. With a little pushing
Melusi can go a long way in this game.
5) D NGWENYA - Lock. 'Donkey Lock' was an invaluable member of the team.
He made up for his lack of height and weight with strength and work
rate.
6) S MOYO - Flank. The saying 'dynamite comes in small packages· is an
apt description for 'Vivid'. He was the smallest and fastest forward. He
tackled anyone who came his way. He was chosen to play for Matabeleland
Schools.
7) G MAZITHULELA - Flank. Gatsha had one of the best seasons. He
excelled in lineouts, where he was very quick. His play improved
dramatically. His best game was against C.B.C. when he scored one of the
best tries of the season. Gatsha continues to improve and has a bright
future at club level.
8) M SENGWAYO - 8th Man. Missiondown was the find of the season. A
former U15 player, he blended well with the rest of the team. His play
was immaculate and his tackling was second to none. With more height
Missh could go far with Rugby. He also played for OM's 2nd XV.
9) D DUBE - Captain. 'Mambodlela' was undoubtedly the most experienced
player in the squad, having played for the 1st XV for the last three
years. He led the team well. His constant Psyching up was dreaded, but
payed off when the team got onto the pitch. His weight and height were
not a disadvantage to him. He was the top try scorer in the team. As
Scrum half, 'Dummy Half' had an outstanding season. He was chosen to
play for the Matabeleland Schools Squad.
10) F CHINIMITIRA. Although he had a weak boot China more than made up
for this with his ball skills and tackling.
11) M NKALA - MD. 'Mighty Dark' was the most improved player of the
season. M D made up for his lack of speed by his aggressive play.
12) S DANISA - 'Oh yes' had his second season with the side. A good
tackler and the pivot of our attack. His unorthodox play was devastating
at times.
13) S JANTJIE - One of the best tacklers we have had in years. His
defense was second to none. He will be a force to reckon with next
season.
14) S MOTSETTA - This was Sello's first season with the team.
Undoubtedly our fastest runner he lacked in ball handling skills and
often found himself in a lot of trouble.
15) Z NKOMO - A strong and powerful runner. During the season he
developed the coolness needed for his position as Fullback.
16) P MHONDERA - Prop/Flank. Paul played a good game. He was the most
aggressive forward but sometimes too aggressive, with his temper getting
him into trouble and spoiling his game.
17) N NYATHI - Flank. A hard runner and tackler Nceku was unable to show
his potential as he only played a few games. On the occasions he played
he excelled himself with his loose play.
18) D BALOYI - 'Donald Duck' came in to replace China. He was one of our
younger players. He has a 'golden boot' but lacked aggression, which I
hope he develops next season.
1991
1) Nyathi M. (Prop) Mzee one of the youngest players in
the squad, but he gave of his best. A good asset for next season's team.
2) Bunu S. (Hooker) Simbarashe acquitted himself well
and was hard working and a reliable hooker. Simba known as "Saba Simba"
at Milton was selected for the Provincial side, and was awarded half
colours.
3) Mtungwazi K. S. (Prop) He was the captain of the
side. He was a powerful prop whose presence was a vital asset to the
scrums. "Warlord" as he was known managed the opposition prop that every
scrum was a nightmare to him (opposition prop). With more height Kevin
can be a devastating prop.
4) Ncube M. (Lock) Melusi in his second season wearing
the grey jersey tried his best, but should concentrate on his position
in the scrums. He held onto the ball for too long. Better luck next
year.
5) Sherekete P. (Lock) "Big Phil" a new comer to the
school was selected for Mat schools and was awarded half colours. He
received the Anderson Trophy for the most improved player in the 1st XV
- he's got a good prospect for the future.
6) Old C. (Flank) started the season very well with a
lot of guts but as the season progressed he seemed to wave off. Cliff
should be a force to reckon with next year.
7) Nkomo Z. (Flank / Wing) one of the most experienced
players in the team who was an inspiration to his team mates. "Zet" as
he was known was outstanding in lineouts winning most crucial throws
against the oppositions. Has a bright future if he continues playing
rugby.
8) Nyathi N. (Eighthman) Nceku although too light for
eigthman gave of his best. He scored tries in the forwards. With more
weight and aggression "UK" has a bright future in club rugby.
9) Dube J. (Scrumhalf) was moved into the team in one
of the shuffles. Jay panic's if put under a lot of pressure but with
increased guts he can be a better scrumhalf.
10) Baloyi D. (Flyhalf) "Donald Duck" kicked like a
duck this season. Besides kicking "D.D" lacked that killer instinct.
Good luck next year, and hopefully good kicking.
11) Munyanda R. (Wing) Ronald, very fast but too light
and short. With good side steps he should make a good winger. His
tackling left a lot to be desired. He was chosen for the Matabeleland
squad.
12) Munyanyiwa P. (Fullback/Scrumhalf/Centre) Percy was
moved from fullback to centre where he equipped himself very well. Cream
was a crunch tackler thus feared by many at practice sessions.
13) Jantjie S. (Centre) Sizwe and experienced player
who was chosen for matland school squad. He was known as "Jack the
Snake" because of his devastating DDT's. He had a good season and wish
him even a better season next year.
14) Lungile (Wing) was one of the players who was
affected by changes within the squad. Thus gained the name "Rusty". He
was a reliable player but lacked the speed for attack.
15) Danisa S. (Fullback/Centre) Sidney the most
experienced player in the side. He was feared by many he had no peers in
tackling and attack. His presence was an inspiration to the team and has
got a very bright future in club rugby.
1993
1. MANDOW A (POWERHOUSE) was a new find this year and he proved to be
quite an asset to the team and few props could match his power.
2. NDLOVU - small for his position but most probably had the biggest
heart in the team. His cover defences were of great value to the team.
3. NYATHI (MZEE) - captained the side fairly well and his power play got
him into Matabeleland.
4. KACHERE - lacked aggression and was rather tame for his size. His
lineout work was, however, quite impressive.
5. MUCHAKA (BROILER) - did not live up to expectations. His scrummaging
was his strong point but he needs to work on his lineout work.
6. NDEBELE - as a flanker, his tackling was rather mediocre however, his
support play was fairly good. He does need to control his temper at
times.
7. KHUPE - Hardworking throughout, his tackling impeccable but his lack
of weight was his let down.
8. DZIMATI - was at times too aggressive, needs to control his temper.
9. MBAMBO (RIBZ) -had one of the best passes at this level. His attack
was good but at times lacked vision.
10. BALOYI (NSIZWA) - the longest serving member and his experience was
a great help in tight spots. Played better under-pressure than when
there was no pressure. Positional kicking was excellent.
11. MANDIKATE (S.S.) - had a lot of confidence and was the pivot of
attack. He improved from last season and his speed gained us a lot of
ground.
12. MUNYANDA-at this new position it took him some time to settle down.
He is a small, wiry player who could square through tight sports.
13. KAYIYO - a young player and could have played better with more
confidence. He has a lot of potential and should be valuable next
season.
14. BAZAYA (NASH) - the fastest player on the field and easily outpaced
his opponents on any day. He still needs to work more on his tackling.
15. MBANGWA - new to the position but his attack was his strong point.
He lacked confidence under the high ball. He also needs to work on
positioning himself.
2000
1. Sibanda A (Pro). Big player with lots of potential. Needs to work
thoroughly on his ball handling skills.
2. Ncube S. (Hooker/prop) "Crunchie". An aggressive player but tended to
be too aggressive at times, which affected his game. Very unfit and lazy
at times but will be missed next season.
3. Dube B. (Pro) Another big player who needs to work on his fitness to
improve his game. He played a pivotal role in the front row.
4. Mpumpumi T. "Biggaz" (Lock, Flank) Rock solid in defence and by far
the most powerful forward. A real work horse for the 1st XV
5. Samson N. "Sumsung" (Lock, Eight man) A consistent worker who always
gave his all. Very mobile and hard working. His height and strength were
an asset to the team.
6. Cadribo T. (Prop, Flank, Eight man) A very powerful and skillful
player who fitted well into the team. A tireless and committed player,
highly disciplined and was a pleasure to play with.
7. Ngarara A. "skele" (Lock, Flank) An energetic player who seemed to be
lacking in confidence at first, but improved as the season progressed.
8. Mukondiwa N. (Captain) (Flank/ Eight man) His third year with the 1
st XV proved to be of utmost importance. His experience was very
inspirational to the rest of the team. He led the team well and his
style of play earned him a place Mat under 19 A Squad.
9. Moyo D. "Smart" (Scrumhalf/hooker) A very skillful and aggressive
player whose service will be missed by the 1st XV next year. It was a
pleasure to play with you "Smart" hope you take rugby further.
10. Mukondiwa B. "Benni" (Fly half/wing) Youngest team player who
graduated from the U16 side. Hard working and committed and always gave
his all. Played his season consistently but would learn to play under
pressure. A bright prospect in the years to come.
11. Lynx O. "Ozzy/Yellow" (Wing, fly half, fullback) Very lethal and
slippery player who was joy to watch Ozzy is skillful and with a bit
more weight could go further with the sport. He, however, should guard
against playing to the gallery which puts him under unnecessary
pressure. He leaves a void that is going to be hard to fill the 1st XV.
12. Kandawasvika O. "Solo" (Centre/Wing/Fullback)This was his first year
with the 1st XV in the three quarters and he did not disappoint.
Considering his size, I feel he has the most gut in the team. Very
spirited and committed. Osborne together with Lynx made the Mat. U19 "B"
Squad. A player certainly to watch next season.
13. Mbanje W. "Mwamba" (Centre/Wing) (V/Capt) Very powerful player who
was a real asset to the 1st XV. Mbanje scored most of the tries during
the season. He teamed well with Osborn. An aggressive but very clean
player, whose discipline was second to none.
14. Landa M. "Border" (Wing/Centre) The season saw him in and out of the
1st XV. A very talented player (Who perhaps does not realise this), with
tremendous pace. He needs to have guts and determination if he is to
play at this level.
15. Xaba D. (Fullback) Most experienced player of the team who also was
very motivatived. Duma covered the back well and was a superb tackler.
His discipline on the field was appalling but humorous, such that he
will be dearly missed next season.
Also played for the 1st XV; T. Ndlovu, J. Chisvo, P. Volo, L. Dube
-Bongo, A. Dube.
2001
1. Ian 'Monyai' Jamela. A powerhouse in the team whose strength was a
great asset to the team. A Matabeleland 'A' player who also played for
O.M's first team.
2. Aubrey 'Fuqumz' Dube. A fair player who has improved as the season
progressed. Needs to improve his hooking to be a competitive player.
He played for Matland 'B' .
3. Tapera 'Gandi' Mushoriwa. An aggressive scrummager who always won
valuable ball possession. Shall be hard to replace.
4. Kanyangu 'Samsung' Sansole. A disciplined player whose height and
strength were great assets to the team. 'Samsimos' type of play got him
into the Matland 'A' team.
5. Mpume 'Durawall' Hlabangana. A determined player who beside this
being his first year with 1st XV showed a lot of guts and courage but
tended to be too aggressive at times.
6. Anthony 'Skele' Ngarava. An athletic player with tremendous pace who
lacked in aggression. Another player in the Matland 'B' side.
7. Teboho 'Shad' Cadribo. A hard worker who gave his all throughout the
season. Shad made the Matland 'B' team.
8. Norman 'The Gonyet' Mukondiwa. An experienced player who played
consistently throughout the season. This being his fourth year shall
solely be missed. Captained the Matabeleland 'A' team and also played
for O.M.'s first team.
9. Osmond 'Khakhi' Lynx. A skillful and entertaining player also on his
fourth year, a great loss, and the void shall be difficult to fill. Also
for Matabeleland A and O.M.'s first team.
10. Bernard 'Benni-Tee' Mukondiwa. A cool and collected player who stood
his ground all the time. This year's most improved player.
11. Osborne 'Weekend' Kandawasvika. An energetic player with a big
heart. His speed earned him a place in Matabeleland 'B' Team.
12. Gerald 'Monty' Sibanda. Youngest player in the team whose discipline
was second to none. This year’s promising player.
13. Nigel 'Gonzo' Moyo. A young and aggressive player with great
enthusiasm. Should however show more positive attitude.
14. Wesley 'Weed' Mbanje. A player par excellence. Incredible flair and
pulsating pace. Words can't express this wonderful player. Matabeleland
'A' and O.M's first team honours.
15. Charles 'Sisters' Wadawu. A player with good vision and helped
stabilize the team. He also earned Matabeleland colours.
Also played for the first XV
16. L. Dube - an incredible player with vast talent.
17. M. Ndiweni - determined and promising player