RUGBY The emergence of rugby academies at many of our traditional rivals stretched our rugby players in every aspect. The competitive nature of the sport and well-conditioned opponents unfortunately led to many injuries and the lower teams struggled for numbers during the last three weeks of the season. A very positive observation is that we managed to beat all theWestville A teams as well as the 1st XV in the early part of the season. This goes to show that we are still competitive provided we are at full strength. All the age group A teams, the 2nd XV and 1st XV enjoyed successful tours during the April holidays. They all performed satisfactorily and were excellent ambassadors for the College.We are participating in the more competitive festivals to prepare our junior players for the highly competitive Kearsney Easter rugby festival which they will experience in their senior years. A very young 1st XV also participated in the biannual independent schools festival hosted by Michaelhouse during the July holidays. Congratulations to captain Tristan Tedder who earned his fiftieth cap for the one stripe in the last match of the season. He distinguished himself further by becoming the highest point scorer ever for the 1st XV with a total of 491 points. Tristan also captained the KZN Craven week side at the interprovincial tournament where he received an invitation to try out for the SA schools team. He was joined in provincial selection by James Hall and Tristan Dixon while TijdeVisser was selected for the academy team. Former England, British and Irish Lions player and old boy Matt Stevens delivered an inspiring message at the 1st XV dinner. Matt’s message focused on the human relationships that are so important to team sports. A special word of thanks is extended to the Kearsney coaching staff for their time and effort. We are hard at work in establishing a Kearsney pattern and I am very pleased with the support from the coaches. I would also like to thank the school management, the estates personnel, the medical personnel and volunteers as well as our supporters, parents and players for making rugby at Kearsney so successful and enjoyable. Barend Steyn AWARDS Most improved player:Tristan Dixon Players’ player of the year:Tristan Tedder PROVINCIAL CAPS KZN U 18 academy team:Tijde Visser. KZN U 18 Craven week:Tristan Dixon, James Hall and Tristan Tedder, who captained the side. SA Schools 55 man squad:Tristan Tedder 148
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTc3MDU5Nw==