145 144 The Chronicle 2021 Centenary Edition Under 16A Rugby Our team came together at the beginning of Term 4 last year to begin pre-season skills and conditioning. The coaches stressed the importance of sacrifice to achieve goals. The boys answered the call and worked diligently to prepare for the season ahead. Unfortunately, COVID regulations limited the contact boys could make leading up to our first match, against Michaelhouse. We entered the game under-prepared and found ourselves a try down within the first minute. In the second half, once players had re-acquainted themselves with the physical demands of A-team rugby, we got into our stride and fought back. Unfortunately, we conceded a late try. Facing Northwood away in the upcoming match was a daunting prospect – especially as the Kearsney team had lost at the U14 and U15 age groups. However, the coaches and players agreed on a battle plan. They practised diligently in the week leading up to the fixture. The boys responded well in the game. Players put their bodies on the line and gave their all in the sweltering heat. We dominated the game from the onset. Despite Northwood scoring a late consolation try in extra time, we won comfortably, 29-19. Unfortunately, a spike in COVID cases around the country meant a premature end to our rugby season. Coaches and boys alike were gutted that our season was over. However, we learnt another valuable lesson – to take nothing for granted and play every match as if it could be your last. The highlight of our season was undoubtedly the fighting spirit and resilience displayed in our victory against Northwood. The boys proved to themselves and others that history and previous results have no bearing on our potential victories in the current season. 5th XV Rugby Players: Heath Adams, Thoba Buthelezi, Junior Cindi, Craig Dahl, Ntsika Gwebu, Darren Holing, Kevin Jordaan, Hloni Penane, Matthew Pender-Smith, Tanna Pullock, Tristan Roos, Heath Rocher, Bryce Tayler, Joshua van der Merwe, Connor Walters, David Willington, David Wood and Nhlangano Zulu In the short time we had together, it was evident that the energy and spirits in the camp were high. The team’s defensive efforts in the two games they played were tremendous and the players fought hard up until the last minute of each game. Although results paint a different picture, I am proud of the boys’ efforts. Unfortunately, our season was cut short as I am confident that our season would have ended on a high. The team’s work ethic was good and the enthusiasm and willingness to learn were admirable. I enjoyed the season with the boys, although it was short. Results: Played 2, Lost 2 Mr Jordan Gregory Coach Back row (L-R): Sani Sawuti, Seth Scorer, David Pohl, Ben Livesey, Salusiwe Mqobongo, Callam Currin Middle row: Lihle Maqhugula, Esihle Mfeka, James Francke, Zibusiso Ngobese, Sange Mdunyelwa, Siso France Seated: Likhona Nunwana, Mr Neil van Heerden (Coach), Devahn van der Walt (Captain), Junior Dlamini (Vice-captain), Mr Ryan Horne (Assistant Coach), Chad Croshaw RUGBY UNDER 16A TEAM 4th XV Rugby Players: Xavier Andrews, Kamo Bikwane, Dagan De Witt, Joshua Gillespie, Ntsika Gwebu, Chris Henwood, Ethan Hughes, Chad Jones, Nicholas Kidd (Captain), Jamol Langeni, Joshua Maskell, Callum McKeown, Rahul Paul, Lex Rencken, Adam Stonier, Michael Tainton, Bryce Taylor, Chris Thompson, Gary Wood, Grant Wood and Nhlangano Zulu (Vice-captain) The 4th XV started the season with a much-anticipated fixture against Michaelhouse. For a number of players, it marked their first foray onto the hallowed turf of the Stott and the expectations were understandably high. The first half proved to be a coach’s dream. The boys stuck to the game plan, their execution was sublime, and we led 24-12 at the break. The Michaelhouse team responded in kind and enjoyed an excellent second half, running out victors 36-24. A disappointing result but more than enough positive elements to build a successful season. The second fixture of the season sadly proved to be our last. Once more, regulations meant that inter-school sport was curtailed. The boys fronted up again and took the fight to the Northwood team. A comprehensive performance saw Kearsney College run out 46-5 victors. The boys relished the opportunity to showcase their skills. It can only be hoped that 2022 will see the return of competitive school sport. Results: Played 2, Won 1, Lost 1 Mr Jonathan Beaumont and Mr Myles Delport Coaches 3rd XV Rugby Players: Connor McKenzie, Thayne Tiley, Kade Muller, Joshua Groom, James Jordan, Chris Thompson, Tyga Pollock, Luke Robertson, Matthew Crookes, Joshua Soanes, Nqobile Dweba, Luc Painting, Oscar Burgess Barker, Kayden Robinson, Luke van Eerden, Noah Futter, Joshua Gillespie, Robbie Jorgensen, Gary Wood, Noah Dammann and Joshua Maskell There was much excitement when it was announced that we would be able to start playing rugby again this year. With only two weeks to prepare, we put together a strong team. We would have to work on fitness during the season. Our first opponents were the men from the Midlands, Michaelhouse, who had been able to practise in their bubble during the long period of no school sport. They were a team who made very few mistakes, and although our boys defended like trojans, our fitness let us down. We were confident for our second game, against Northwood. We had learned a lot from our previous game and managed to get more structure to our game plan. Although Northwood were too strong for us, we had a strong base to work from and were determined to showcase our talent the following week against Westville. Unfortunately, on the morning that we were set to play the government put a stop to all sports due to the increase in Covid cases in the country. A big thank you to Luke Robertson and the rest of the Matrics for leading the team. We are sorry you did not get to play and enjoy the full season. Results: Played 2, Lost 2 Mr Mouton Badenhorst and Mr Stafford Green Coaches 2nd/3rd Team, Nqobile Dweba PROVINCIAL SELECTIONS Sharks U1A Craven - Devahn van der Walt Sharks U16 - Likhona Nunwana, Siso France, Salusiwe Mqobongo and Ben Livesey
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