Top KwaZulu-Natal rugby schools Hilton and Michaelhouse are primed to make an impact at the Standard Bank Grey High Festival in Gqeberha, which will take place from March 29-31.
Both teams face significant challenges over the two days of this exciting schools tournament, but they are eager to test themselves against top-quality opposition.
One of their biggest challenges will be facing the host school, with whom they have had some thrilling encounters in the past. Michaelhouse will play them on the first day, while Hilton will round off the festival on Monday afternoon.
Hilton’s current director of rugby Greg Miller, an Old Grey and former first team coach at the school, remembers a particularly tight match during Grey High’s 150th anniversary celebrations in 2016.
“This was the last time Hilton played against Grey in Gqeberha, which I remember well because I was the Grey coach at the time. Grey won with a last-minute kick,” he recalled.
More recently, the two teams met at Bishops’ 175th anniversary in Cape Town last year, with Hilton emerging victorious, winning 34-17.
Miller now says the team are preparing for another tough battle after their opening match against Makhanda’s Graeme College.
“The Eastern Cape sides are always competitive, and we are looking forward to two exciting games,” Miller said. “Both are great schools with a proud rugby history and I have no doubt the boys will come out firing against us.”
Hilton are sure to be well-prepared for the festival, having already played a warm-up match against Secunda, to be followed by full fixtures against Westville and Kearsney.
Meanwhile, Michaelhouse, under the guidance of coach James Fleming, are excited to return to the festival, which they last attended in 2022.
On that occasion, the KZN school beat Kingswood but lost to St Andrew’s College. Fleming knows this year’s competition will be more challenging.
“We are very excited to be returning to the Bay, and playing both Grey and Bishops on the Kolisi Field. We know we will be up against two strong schools, but we will certainly focus on bringing our A game,” he said.
“Knowing Robbi Kempson and Darron Nell (part of the Grey coaching team), we can expect a very strong set piece, while Bishops will likely aim to run us ragged when we meet them, after playing each other at their 175th anniversary last year.”
On that occasion, Michaelhouse registered an impressive 37-17 win, but they understand that no victory is guaranteed against the exciting Cape Town outfit.
Fleming is pleased with the continuity in the team this year as 11 matric players from last year’s squad are returning.
“The team is captained by William Ridl at inside centre, with Dom Sesink-Clee as the vice-captain at No 8 after playing lock last year,” he said.
“Hooker Oliver Davis, Alex Arde, Dan Aissing, Stefan Moolman, and Rourke O’Sullivan all represented Sharks U17 in 2024, while prop Nicola Salamousas and flank Oliver Guy played for Sharks U16. We have a good sprinkling of provincial players, combining experience with some exciting talent.
“The Grey Festival is a great opportunity to give all the squad members a run and to experience the camaraderie of touring, playing different opposition and making new friends.”
