203rd showdown between Hilton and Michaelhouse
The 203rd showdown between generations-old rivals Hilton College and Michaelhouse was worth the three-year wait. There couldn’t have been a greater sense of occasion on the back of the host’s 150th birthday celebrations, and the bonhomie and friendly banter on the banks was as much a feature of the day as the rivalry on the field.
But as any wise punter knows, his money is safest in his pocket at a Hilton-Michaelhouse match. The hosts, Hilton, scored early, and might have turned the contest into a rout, but for House’s neversay-die defense, and indeed their temerity in scoring twice ahead of the interval.
With both teams in the hut for oranges, and House just a score away from an upset, a Hollywood scriptwriter couldn’t have penned a more tense half-time scene. Poor place kicking was a thorn in the side of both teams, which suited the thousands-strong crowd just fine because the ball found more airtime through the hands. Two tries, very much against the grain of play in the second half nevertheless sealed the deal on Hilton’s 94th win over Michaelhouse, 32-17. Will Michaelhouse find their elusive 100th win in the return game? We’ll know as the sun sets on June 18.