Pietermaritzburg, 2 May 2026: Saints fullback, PJ Dlamini, on his way to score for the 1st XV on Goldstones. (Photographer: Saysha Baker)

1st XV Rugby Report by Head Coach, Craig Dwyer:

St Charles College faced Maritzburg College in the highly anticipated annual derby, with significant hype and expectation surrounding the fixture. The two sides had produced a thrilling encounter in 2025, and anticipation was high for another exciting contest.

Preparation for St Charles came under slightly challenging circumstances following a tour to PE the previous week. With a shortened turnaround, the focus was on managing player load, addressing niggles, and ensuring the squad struck the right balance between freshness and readiness. Despite these challenges, the week’s preparation was detailed and purposeful, with clear objectives set heading into the clash.

The match began on a difficult note for the visitors, with an early error from the kick off gifting Maritzburg College entry into our half. The opening six minutes were played at a high intensity, with St Charles forced to defend their line for extended periods. The boys showed commendable grit and determination during this passage, repeatedly repelling a relentless attacking effort. However, the sustained pressure eventually told, with Maritzburg College scoring two early tries within the first 12 minutes. St Charles responded positively, with a well-executed cross-field kick finished superbly by PJ Dlamini, narrowing the score to 14-5. What followed was an open and entertaining passage of play, with both sides willing to move the ball and attack space.

Despite the competitive nature of the contest, Maritzburg College extended their lead before halftime, taking a 28-5 advantage into the break.
At halftime, the focus for us was on tightening our defensive structures, particularly around the middle of the field and in wider channels where the hosts had found success, especially from turnover situations. Emphasis was also placed on improving our second effort post-tackle and our physical presence at the breakdown.

The response in the second half was encouraging - the boys in Blue and Gold came out with renewed energy, showing greater intent in contact and a willingness to compete physically. The boys threw themselves into the contest and matched the intensity early in the half. Nevertheless, Maritzburg College’s quality and firepower proved decisive. The hosts dominated collisions on both sides of the ball and were clinical inside the 22, converting opportunities into points with impressive efficiency. While both teams continued to play positively and the match featured big collisions and wonderful attacking moments, Maritzburg College ultimately maintained control.

The final score read 45-5 in favour of Maritzburg College.

We would like to extend our thanks to College for hosting an excellent day of rugby. There were competitive fixtures across all age groups, with a number of positive performances and close contests. Appreciation is also extended to the match officials for their role in ensuring a well-run and enjoyable day.

Finally, credit must go to the St Charles players and coaching staff for their efforts throughout a demanding week. There are valuable lessons and positives to take forward as the teams prepare for the upcoming Sharks Day fixtures.

Pietermaritzburg, 2 May 2026: 1st team attacking outside half, Connor Green, who has been in top form for the Saints, launches an attack on Papes. (Photographer: Saysha Baker)

1st Team Hockey Report by Head Coach, Matthew Coombes:

The St Charles College 1st XI travelled away for a highly anticipated encounter against Maritzburg College, with expectations set for a tightly contested fixture. From the opening whistle, the match delivered on that promise, played at a relentless tempo, with both sides showing intent to press aggressively and impose themselves physically and tactically.

The first quarter was evenly balanced, with neither team willing to concede an inch. However, the game sparked into life when Maritzburg College earned a baseline entry that resulted in a penalty stroke. The opportunity was calmly converted, giving the hosts an early 1-0 advantage. 

St Charles responded with real determination, building momentum through multiple circle penetrations and earning a series of short corners. Despite promising execution, they were unable to capitalise and draw level.

The second quarter continued in a similar vein, with both teams enjoying phases of possession and moments of attacking threat. While the structure of the game began to open slightly, neither side was able to find the finishing touch, and the half concluded with Maritzburg College holding a slender lead, setting the stage for an intriguing second half.

After the break, the contest stretched further, with the hosts increasingly utilising direct, long-ball tactics to test the St Charles defensive unit. Although clear-cut chances remained limited, sustained pressure eventually told. A well-weighted ball over the top allowed a Maritzburg College attacker to get behind the defence, and a sharp spinning finish caught the defenders off guard, doubling their lead to 2-0.

Facing a two-goal deficit, St Charles entered the final quarter with urgency and intent, lifting the tempo and committing numbers forward. Their efforts were commendable, but as intensity increased, discipline began to slip, resulting in a mid-quarter card that made the task even more challenging. Despite this setback, the boys continued to fight, showing resilience and pride in their performance. However, the risk of pushing forward left space at the back, and Maritzburg College continued to look dangerous on the counterattack. 

In the closing moments, another swift transition exposed the defence, leading to a second penalty stroke. Once again, the home team made no mistake from the spot, sealing a 3-0 victory.

While the scoreboard favoured Maritzburg College, the match was far more competitive than the result suggests. St Charles showed patches of excellent attacking play and created several scoring opportunities but were ultimately undone by clinical finishing and effective counterattacking from the opposition.

Credit must go to the St Charles side for their effort, intent, and willingness to compete throughout. On another day, with sharper execution in key moments, the outcome could well have been different.