Maritzburg Sun (South Africa)

203rd showdown between Hilton and Michaelhou­se

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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.

 ?? ?? Michaelhou­se was tenacious in both defence and attack, but their host, Hilton, had too much to play for on their 150th birthday celebratio­ns.
Michaelhou­se was tenacious in both defence and attack, but their host, Hilton, had too much to play for on their 150th birthday celebratio­ns.

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