Rugby Kearsney fielded 21 teams this year involving nearly threequarters of the school. The 1st XV, plagued by minor in juries and the disappointing form of some players, were inconsistent, but did on occasion lift their game to great heights, as they did in beating Michaelhouse and DHS.They also took part, albeit perhaps inauspiciously, in the first Private Schools' Invitation Rugby Festival in Grahamstown. The most successful Open Team was the 5th, whichlost one game only. The other age groups met with varied success. The under 15 age group, very small numerically, did far better than one would have expected. The under 14 division is a big one, with much potential, which played attractive and entertaining rugby. The under 14a team lost two games and the under 14d one only. The under 13 players, as so often happens, were physically smaller and lighter than most of their opponents, but they made considerable progress in mastering the basics of the game. Every effort is being made to improve the standard of coaching and refereeing at Kearsney,and regular discussion takes place and ideas are exchanged. Furthermore,coaches attend courses to keep abreast of new developments and to refresh and reinforce the basic principles. Thanks are due to them for their dedication and the time they devote to the game and to their charges. We record our thanks to the members of the Durban Referees' Society; Mr P.C. Taylor who handles the fixtures; Mr R. Blackbeard, Mr F. Agate and the catering staff; Sisters Beaton and Savory, the Matrons, and the Staff wives; the workshop and grounds staff, the administrative staff, the scorers and the orange-boys, ball-boys and sand boys, all of whom contribute to the smooth running of rugby. R.D.BLAMEY 1983 1ST XV RUGBY REPORT Team members; D.JONES Captain. Loose-Head Prop Natal Schools Trialist Awarded Colours Vice-Captain. Centre Hooker Centre Flank Full-Back Flank Tight-Head Prop Scrum-Half Fly-Half No.8 Lock Lock Right-Wing Left-Wing/Full-Back B.OLIVER W.ALCOCK S. CRAIG I. DUNLOP C. DU TOIT B.ELLIOTT G.ENGELBRECHT A. ERASER R, MacFARLANE A. MAYBERY C.PUTZ G. REARDON D.TAYLOR A.SUTTON Report: Statistically, it was a disappointing season because the side never fulfilled its potential. The ability to play committed, winning rugby was indeed there; one merely has to reflect on the matches played against Michaelhouse, Maritzburg College, Graeme College and DHS. All too frequently unforced errors during unexplained lapses of concentration allowed opponents, who hitherto had been under considerable pressure, back into the game. Perhaps another factor which limited the effectiveness of the side, was the absence of any genuine pace. The inability to arrive first at the point of breakdown and ineffective running in defence and attack,was clearly evident. To the team's credit, they took their losses and setbacks very manfully. With grit, determination and perseverance, they produced their best rugby at the end of the season.To have succeeded then, valuable lessons must have been learnt. This, after all, is the most important objective in playing the game. Statistics of Season: Played 17, Won 6, Lost 11. Points for: 207 Points against: 301 Statistics of Note: Ivan Dunlop scored 24 penalties 12 conversions 3 tries Total: 108 points Alistair Sutton scored 7 tries. Total :28 points. Jll M m m W m m 1st team rugby i^s Old Boys. SUMMARY OF MATCHES PLAYED vsPINETOWN : Lost 11-13 The first game of the season was Kearsney up against a tigerish, motivated PInetown side. A tense Kearsney team gave away too many penalties which were capitalised on. Good tries by Sutton and Dunnett were not enough to ensure a victory for the home side. vs ST STITHIANS: Lost 12-16 Our visitors, thoroughly outweighed at forward, displayed superb running and handling skills amongst loose-forwards and backs. Only good tackling by centres Oliver and Craig and a competent kicking display by Dunlop (4 pen.) pre vented the touring side winning by a greater margin. vs MICHAELHOUSE:Won 14-3 A motivated Kearsney XV played perhaps their best rugby of the season. They scrummed strongly, covered and tackled effectively and pressured their opponents into numerous errors. A superb try by Sutton,late in the match, saw victory ensured for the home side. vs PORT NATAL: Won 15-4 Although the margin of victory appears convincing, it was a match with little to enthuse about.With a surfeit of possess ion, too many errors were made and ineffective running prevented penetration of a resolute Port Natal defence. 59
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