College embraces the spirit of Michaelmas Cricket Week

Maritzburg College’s 1st XI wrapped up the 66th Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week with four competitive fixtures against some of South Africa’s leading school cricket teams, providing the young squad with an invaluable week of high-level cricket, learning and camaraderie. 

While the College side did not register a victory across their four matches, the results told only part of the story. The week provided valuable opportunities for players to test themselves against quality opposition, gain experience in pressure situations and continue developing as a team.

For College, Michaelmas is about far more than results. The festival provides a platform for young cricketers to challenge themselves, build relationships with fellow players and experience one of the highlights of the South African school cricket calendar.

The College community also came together throughout the week to support the team, with parents, Old Collegians, staff, students and supporters creating an atmosphere that reflected the pride and tradition associated with Michaelmas Cricket Week. Maritzburg College would like to extend its sincere thanks to all the visiting teams who travelled to Pietermaritzburg and contributed to a memorable week of schoolboy cricket. The College was proud to host teams and players from across the country and share in the spirit of the festival.

A special word of appreciation goes to the Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week sponsors and partners - New Balance, Granny Mac’s, J Leslie Smith Attorneys, Futurelife, Thirsti and Riversmead - whose support played an important role in making the 2026 festival possible.

New Balance also sponsored the special festival awards, recognising AJ de Villiers of Waterkloof as Player of the Festival, Christian Visagie of St Alban’s as Batter of the Festival, and Zizi Mkhize of Jeppe as Bowler of the Festival.

With the 66th Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week now complete, attention turns to the future, with Maritzburg College already looking forward to welcoming teams back to Pietermaritzburg for the 67th edition in 2027.

Under-14 Hilton Water Polo Tournament

The Maritzburg College Under-14 water polo team produced a determined performance at the Hilton College Tournament. College recorded a convincing 13-5 victory over Westville before suffering defeats against KES and Paul Roos in the Cup section. The team responded exceptionally well in the Plate competition, defeating St Andrew’s 9-3 in the quarterfinal and Jeppe 10-1 in the semifinal. College then overcame DPHS 6-3 in the final to win the Brad Anderson Plate and finish ninth overall.

Summary of Results: Played 6 | Won 4 | Lost 2 | Finished 9th overall - Brad Anderson Plate winners.