The Howick High's 1st Rugby team participated in the 10th annual Felixton College Rugby Festival at the beginning of the school holiday.
Their first match was against a very quick Eshowe High team and, due to a well-executed early try by Meluleki Zuma, Howick won by 5-0. Their 2nd fixture was against John Ross College and from the kick-off they knew this would be a heated clash, with both sides equally hungry to dominate. With two well placed penalties by Trystin Nel, and a wonderful 95m run by the pairing of Manelisi Molefe and May Mazibuko - which resulted in their only try for the day - they managed to pull off the upset of the day and send John Ross home empty handed. Howick's composure and incredible structure resulted in an 11-5 win.
After a relaxed Sunday, where the wounded spent time recovering, the team made an early start on Monday, preparing for the final fixture against hosts Felixton College. Through an early penalty from the boot of Trystin Nel, they began the game with a lead. Unfortunately a few early injuries put them on the back foot and Felixton's hunger to perform in front of their home crowd proved too much for the team. Howick lost 12-3 in the most physical match of the tournament.
Howick High School's overall participation was successful and every single player showed their individual potential making the season ahead very promising. Special mention must be made of Ruari Karlsen, who made the biggest tackle of the day in all three games, for which he was recognised as 'Backline Player of the Tournament', and Meluleki Zuma, who was incredibly consistent at all break downs, earning him recognition as 'Forward Player of the Tournament'.
Howick High School will take on Carter High School at their Founders' Day celebrations which take place on Saturday, 23 April.
News supplied by Howick High School.
