139 came from a rehearsed lineout move. The team played soundly until some key players sustained season-ending injuries. This blow had a crippling effect on the remainder of their performance and, although the team kept the score respectable for most of the match, it was with six replacements that their opponents scored 21 points in the last five minutes. A disappointing 15 – 52 defeat. With many players off injured, the next fixture against Westville Boys’ High School posed a considerable challenge resulting in a 34 – 12 loss. The televised Classic Clash against Northwood was the team’s last game of our season. Kearsney opted to play against a powerful headwind, defending well and keeping the score down to 0 – 12 at half time. Despite further injuries, determined for the win, the boys strategically used the wind to their advantage in the second half and levelled the score at 12-all. The opposition added points on the board ending their season with a 20 – 12 win. Well done to the replacements for their efforts during the match. The final fixture against St Stithians College saw the team well-prepared but general fatigue and uncertainty crept in, resulting in the final score of 24 – 78 against us. The season’s results will not be remembered as being successful, but rather character building as the boys held their heads high during the challenges. I commend them on their never-say-die attitude and fighting spirit, setting an excellent example for the junior sides. Derick Marshall emerged as the top try scorer of the season, with fifteen tries in seventeen appearances. Connor De Bruyn followed with seven tries in sixteen matches. Remarkably, prop Bradley Taylor scored an impressive five tries in thirteen outings, all strong pick-and-go attempts. Jordan Bamber topped the point-scoring log with 92 points from a mixture of tries, conversions and penalties in thirteen starting caps. Well done boys, you do the College proud. Independent Schools Rugby Festival (ISRF) Kearney participated in the ISRF hosted by Clifton College at Riverside Sports Club during the mid-year holidays. The objective to take a “stayers’ team” without any provincial players was to blood a young and inexperienced group of players for the 2020 season. Our opponents, however, played with their strongest available U18 squads which provided invaluable experience to our boys who initially struggled with pace and physicality, but soon stepped up to the required standard. Despite some unexpected results the lessons learnt at the festival assisted in preparations for the next season. Results: vs Clifton College - lost 12 – 15 vs Kingswood College - lost 7 – 14 vs St Andrew’s - won 41 – 0 Close of the season The 1st XV dinner Guest of Honour, Mr Doug Carmody (KCOB, parent and former 1st XV player) shared his experiences and anecdotes and passionately referred to the values gained by participating in sport. We congratulated the following two boys with customary awards: Players’ Player of the Year: Massimo Fierro Most Improved Player: Joshua Muller My sincerest thanks to captains Oliver Carmody and Jordan Bamber who led the team confidently. All team members made valuable contributions and can be proud of their season. To the assistant coach, Mr Nico Breedt, thank you for all your support and your outstanding efforts. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work with you. Mr Ba rend St eyn Coach Rugby
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