143 142 The Chronicle 2021 Centenary Edition 2nd XV Rugby Players: Rhys Calenborne, Ethan Ceronio, Matthew Crookes, Dagan De Witt, Dimitri Diakogiannis, Nqobile Dweba, Luke Du Toit, Sithe Fumanisa, Noah Futter, Avuzwa Gazi, Adam Gibson, Robbie Jorgensen, Simon Kemp, Max Hastings-Brown, Joshua Howse, Talumba Masamba, MJ Mcengwa, Kade Muller, Cameron Roache, Joshua Soanes, Thayne Tiley, Seth Vallance (Captain), Nic van Heerden and Ryan Wimbush The 2021 rugby season started late due to COVID regulations and began with a stringent return-toplay programme, a SARU requirement for rugby nationally. During these sessions the squad of players worked hard to improve their skills and conditioning. It was tough as many players had not played rugby for almost a year, but they were an enthusiastic group who were passionate and dedicated in their approach to the season. A tour to the Battlefields Rugby Festival in Dundee officially started the season. The first game on tour pitted us against Sarel Cilliers, who are renowned for their running rugby. Kearsney had the better of the exchanges and ran away to an impressive 81-0 victory, with Talumba Masamba scoring four tries. The next game was against a big Ferrum High School side, which turned out to be a very physical encounter. The backline took their opportunities, with Rhys Calenborne marshalling affairs from the flyhalf position. The final score line of 28-19 suggested a close game, but Kearsney was always in control. Ligbron on Day 3 of the tour was always going to be our toughest match and the boys responded in another very physical encounter. The forwards managed to gain supremacy up front and laid the platform for the backs to attack. Ryan Wimbush was particularly dominant in breaking the line many times, using his superior physical frame to power through collisions. In the end a 20-7 victory was set-up by a solid all-round team effort. On the back of a very successful tour, there was much anticipation for the first regular season game, against Michaelhouse. The game started off well for us and we led 14-0 after 10 minutes. The players executed well in the opposition’s final third and completed some sweeping movements in the goal areas. Unfortunately, a red card for Kearsney halted this fine start, and although we led 19-14 at halftime, with 14 players the numerical disadvantage eventually took its toll and we lost 24-55. Credit must go to the 14 players who fought bravely and showed courage in the face of adversity. After the disappointment of the Michaelhouse loss, the team quickly tried to get back on track and worked hard at practice in preparation for Northwood. Playing Northwood away is always a tough fixture, but the players were determined to right the wrongs of the previous week. The wind played a big part in the game on an extremely hot day. By kicking with the wind and running against it, Kearsney adopted a logical approach to proceedings. This enabled us to get good field position and launch attacks into the Northwood half of the field. Strong performances by captain Seth Vallance and Nic van Heerden led to a well-deserved 18-8 victory. It was an honour and privilege to coach this team as they stood up and fought hard for their school when their backs were up against the wall. When their character was tested, they came through with flying colours, something that is important in a team environment. There were no particular stars, just boys who were willing to put their bodies on the line and to play the game with everything they had. On a personal note, it was an honour to coach with Mr Keith Thompson, who retired after the rugby season. His passion and love for the game is unparalleled. He inspired the boys to be better and his technical knowledge was an asset to have for the past few seasons. I wish him well in his future endeavours. Results: Played 5, Won 4, Lost 1 Mr Dean Moodley and Mr Keith Thompson Coaches Back row (L-R): Sithe Fumanisa, Robbie Jorgensen, Max Hastings-Brown, Joshua Howse, Cameron Roache 3rd row: Talumba Masamba, Luke Sacco, Rhys Calenborne, Joshua Soanes,Adam Gibson, Noah Futter 2nd row: MJ Mcengwa, Thayne Tiley, Matthew Crookes, Kade Muller, Luke du Toit, Nqobile Dweba, Avuzwa Gazi Seated: Ryan Wimbush, Mr Keith Thompson, Seth Vallance (Captain), Nic van Heerden, Mr Dean Moodley, Ethan Ceronio RUGBY 2ND TEAM MJ Mcengwa Ryan Wimbush Josh Soanes Two Stripe vs Michaelhouse
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