137 RUGBY 1ST XV Back row: Max Immelman, Dean Burrell, Tyson Andrews, Massimo Fierro Third row: Josh Muller, Connor De Bruyn, Aaron Smith, Luke Wilson, Matthew Hind, Cameron Ferguson Second row: Ulrich Botha, Connor Griffiths, Aidan Forte, Luke Dudley, Bradley Taylor, Cade Carmichael Front row: Carlo Miller, Reid Stuart, Mr Barend Steyn (Coach), Oliver Carmody (Captain), Mr Nico Breedt (Assistant Coach), Jordan Bamber, Derick Marshall Traditional and annual fixtures The first of our traditional fixtures took place on the Stott against rival Hilton College. What a match this was! Both teams displayed exceptional defence preventing promising conversions to points. The Kearsney supporters will argue that the home team had the better of the 14-all draw after some controversial referee decisions. Regardless, it proved to be an exciting match and an excellent advert for schoolboy rugby. Next on the fixtures list, Kearsney hosted St Charles College and scored seven impressive tries. Derick Marshall’s efforts in his position as full back had him score three memorable tries. The team walked to victory with a score of 36 – 7. In the third match of the season the boys faced DHS on home ground. Some excellent running rugby was a crowd-pleaser. While Kearsney did outscore DHS by four tries to two, the visitors’ goal kicker kept the scores close, and DHS ended the game ahead 24 – 20. The highly anticipated clash with Maritzburg College was played in thick icy mist with little visibility for the spectators. It proved to be an extremely physical encounter with both teams continually striving amidst inclement weather. The Kearsney lineout contested well, keeping the opportunities for the visitors at a minimum. The team extended the 5 – 0 half time lead to 12 – 0, placing them in a strong position. College fought back and was awarded a mauling try, inching them closer to 7 – 12. They then capitalised on an elementary error from an attempted territorial kick, resulting in an excellent lineout opportunity in the last possible passage of play. They mauled the lineout efficiently and with powerful drives, eventually scored close to the left upright. With scores locked at 12-all, the opposition goal kicker kept his composure in the final seconds, converting and winning the match for his team 14 – 12. The next fixture was against Michaelhouse on their home ground where Kearsney had not won n over a decade. Surprising friend and foe the team produced an outstanding performance having dominated 75% of the match. The hosts tried to claw back as they had done so often in the past, but Kearsney clinched the game as the well-deserved winners with a final score of 23 – 20. Feeling energised after this unexpected win, the team eagerly anticipated their next clash against Glenwood. Starting with a try from centre, Connor De Bruyn, Rugby
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTc3MDU5Nw==