28 August 2023
If the goal was to showcase Michaelhouse, and if the goal was to make friends, then well done to the midlands’ school: Sunday’s 2023 Michaelhouse under-12 Sevens Festival was an unequivocal success.
Certainly, the Michaelhouse Sevens caps handed out to the teams were very popular mementoes of the occasion.
A beautiful day
There was frost on the ground, and it was cold at the start of play, but the wind, thankfully, stayed away and a beautiful, clear day, with nary a cloud in sight, set a picturesque backdrop for a busy day of action for 22 schools and 26 teams.
Teams from throughout KwaZulu-Natal had made the trip, with a number of those who had travelled from greater distances overnighting at Michaelhouse, which was an adventure for many of the boys. Joining them alongside the field on Sunday were a large number of supporters, who were treated to some intense action.
Not that he was there in any official capacity, but it was pleasing to see Sharks Director of Rugby, Neil Powell, enjoying the day out next to the field.
And while the teams went at it hard, the fact that the event was a festival meant that there would be no overall winner. Instead, the side that produced the most attractive rugby would receive a trophy, while a number of players would be recognised for their individual excellence, and a trophy would be presented to the Player of the Festival.
Michaelhouse rugby players took charge of the whistles, doing their bit to promote the game, and to share the ‘House experience with the young players.
With the boys serving as referees, it served to underline the fact that it was not a tournament, but rather an opportunity for the schools to test their skills against some teams that they might not usually meet, with the result not the be all and end all of matters.
Prize-giving
After a day of fast-paced and energy-sapping action, it was time for the prize-giving ceremony at the Heritage Centre.
Rector of Michaelhouse Anthony Clark thanked the parents and supporters for making the trip to the school. He also thanked the organiser Keith Fairweather for putting on a seamless event, and Director of Rugby and Sports Medicine James Fleming and Director of Sport Ryan Strudwick for their roles in producing a feel-good festival.
“It was a lovely day,” Fleming told the crowd at the awards’ presentations, “but it was a very difficult job for us to choose the teams and players of the tournament when the rugby has been of such a high standard.”
To help determine the leading players, the Michaelhouse referees had handed in cards after each fixture, on which they designated their player of the match.
Six players received rugby balls in recognition of their performances, while Scottsville speedster Nkazi Kabuza was named the Player of the Festival.
“With a heap of outstanding performances, we decided that the Team of the Tournament was Nuwe Republiek,” Fleming said, acknowledging the exciting and entertaining brand of rugby played by the school from Vryheid. It must have been a tight call as there was fantastic rugby played by many sides throughout the day.
He then acknowledged the role played by the referees: “I think you have probably gathered over the last few years that people have become a little bit too serious about life and about sport, and perhaps a bit over-competitive.
“We are also very competitive here, but it is very important to ref games, and to realise what it is like to referee games, because it is quite a difficult job…
“The refs tried to give us their opinion of who performed best on the field, while also keeping an eye on the play. A big thank you to them for giving up their day.”
Event organiser Keith Fairweather praised the efforts of the players, saying: “I challenged you to play with joy in your hearts and, from watching all the fields, you did play with joy in your hearts, so congratulations to you all.
“Thank you, again, for coming to Michaelhouse today.”
Leave a Reply