17 June 2023
With plenty of support alongside the Mansergh AstroTurf for both teams, including very vocal support throughout from the boys of both schools, there was an exciting atmosphere for the second clash of the Hilton and Michaelhouse 1st XIs in 2023.
At the end of April, Hilton won 4-2 at Michaelhouse and the fortunes for the red and white since had not been good. Thus, Vian Liebenberg and his team were expected to win at home. Michaelhouse, though, put up a good fight.
Michaelhouse strike first
They were first on the board, which, given their underdog status, was good for the game. There was a touch of déjà vu about it as ‘House took the lead on a sweetly struck reverse stick shot, in a similar manner to which Kearsney’s Asanda Nyawose had scored against Hilton the previous weekend.
Hilton came close to finding a reply from a rebound off of a penalty corner, but the reflexive shot went just wide of the goalkeeper Pikolomzi Nkompela’s right-hand post.
The break after the first chukka did Hilton some good, though and, when the match resumed, they began to dominate territory.
Hilton’s equaliser
Akha Mda, playing his 50th 1st side match for the home team, was the instigator of Hilton’s equaliser, challenging Michaelhouse down the baseline. When he slipped the ball back inside, Joel Kitshoff was on hand to sweep it home and level the scores at 1-1.
The second Hilton goal came after Michaelhouse were unable to properly clear their D after a penalty corner to the hosts, who pressured the defenders heavily and forced a turnover of possession. After a bit of a scramble inside the circle, Murray Loughor-Clarke was able to get off a reverse stick shot, low and to the ‘keepers’ right, to put his team ahead.
Then, in the fourth chukka, with Hilton exerting pressure, they forced a penalty corner which was run down by the ‘House first wave, Christopher Angel. However, the shot hit him on the foot, resulting in a re-award.
Cool finish
This time, after the push out had gone to the second castle, the ball was slipped behind the back to Nic Chantler and he coolly took his chance to give Hilton some breathing room.
Hilton won 3-1, thus ensuring they did justice to the Mansergh Astro’s nickname of “The Casino”. You see, the House (no, not that ‘House) never loses. And the white and black are yet to taste defeat on their home ground.
After the game, the teams embraced warmly. It was pleasing to see an important match played in such good spirits.
“Very emotional”
Reflecting on his 50th and last match for the 1st XI, Hilton captain Vian Liebenberg told Pinnacle Schools: “It was very emotional. I’ve played with most of those Michaelhouse boys since I was in grade 8.
“Mr Kimfley, our 1st team hockey coach, has coached me my whole life in the Hilton College system. I’ve gone to IPT with him. It was very emotional. It was a nice one to win, obviously, being the last one. It gives the boys next year momentum to carry on.”
Liebenberg began his hockey journey at Hilton in the under-14 A team, when he was in grade 8. He was selected for the under-16 A side in grade 9, but Covid-19 put paid to that season and parts of the next one, when he was promoted to the 1st XI.
“Special”
Referencing his and Akha Mda’s milestone, he said: “That’s why it was so special to get 50 caps, with the games we missed. In the 150th year, I played in the 1st team, which most people know finished first in the country.
“[This year], there was a lot of anticipation around this team. Everyone was wondering whether we would fall off or stand up.
“It’s been a successful season. We’ve beaten some powerhouse teams in KZN and Johannesburg.
“I think the culture in this team has created an opportunity for the next few years, for Hilton College to stay up there.
Quizzed on which was the most memorable victory in a very good season, Liebenberg opted for Hilton’s 4-3 win over the very talented Durban High School.
Results
It has been a difficult hockey season for Michaelhouse, but they stood up well against Hilton, who have enjoyed another excellent year. Hilton, as they did in the rugby matches, won the big games – 1st XI, u16A, u14A – but the overall record was four wins apiece and two draws. In a way, a good day for both schools.
1st: Hilton 3-1 Michaelhouse
2nd: Hilton 1-1 Michaelhouse
3rd: Hilton 2-3 Michaelhouse
4th: Hilton 3-1 Michaelhouse
16A: Hilton 3-1 Michaelhouse
16B: Hilton 1-3 Michaelhouse
16C: Hilton 1-2 Michaelhouse
16D: Hilton 2-2 Michaelhouse
14A: Hilton 2-1 Michaelhouse
14B: Hilton 0-2 Michaelhouse
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