A 22-point haul from flyhalf Bader Pretorius set up an emphatic 39-12 win for Michaelhouse against Hilton on Saturday.

Hilton’s defence was in disarray from the get-go after a charged down clearance kick resulted in an opportunistic try for Pretorius, which the flyhalf also converted.

Hilton looked to hit back immediately as they romped forward, but conceded a penalty after ill-discipline at the breakdown. This allowed House to set up an attacking lineout on Hilton’s 22m line. After the securing the ball, Pretorius sent it wide to centre Brandon Tatum, who bust through two defenders for House’s second converted touchdown.

Pretorius added a penalty, before hitting a gap and stepping past three defenders for his second and House’s third try on the stroke of half-time.

Hilton dominated territory and possession at the start of the second half, but failed to turn it into points. The one time they did cross the tryline, they were held up. In contrast to their hosts, House accumulated points every time they were inside Hilton’s 22.

Three more points from Pretorius followed. But with two tries from fullback Thomas Webber and wing Darren Mcghee, it looked like Hilton would stage a comeback. House, however, stood resolute in defence. Turnover ball sparked the counter and House scored under the poles. They added one last five-pointer with two minutes left on the clock, as they easily dispatched their KwaZulu-Natal rivals.

In other results, St Stithians edged St John's College 20-19, Fairmont thrashed DF Malherbe 57-7, Grens shocked Nico Malan 27-19 and Muir beat Cambridge 17-8. 

Results: 

Hilton 12 Michaelhouse 39
St Stithians 20 St John's 19
Fairmont 57 DF Malherbe 7
Grens 27 Nico Malan 19
Muir 17 Cambridge 8