SCHOOLS RUGBY
Clinical DHS overcome resilient Kearsney in entertaining clash
Kearsney's James Whatmore in the game against DHS
Kearsney and DHS met in ideal rugby conditions on Saturday, with both sides producing an entertaining and hard-fought encounter.
DHS opened the scoring after capitalising on a loose Kearsney pass. The ball was intercepted and the DHS player raced the length of the field to score the first try of the afternoon.
Kearsney responded well and got on to the scoreboard in the 10th minute. A strong counter-attack by Lwazi Mbebe put DHS under pressure and earned Kearsney a penalty from around 40 metres out. Daniel Miskey calmly slotted the kick to reduce the deficit.
The hosts then produced an excellent try in the 20th minute. Miskey launched a smart kick from inside his own 22, which was gathered by Thomas Aylward. He linked with vice-captain Keanu Williamson, whose well-timed pass found Lwandle Mkhize. The winger showed great footwork to beat the defence and score under the posts, giving Kearsney a deserved lead.
DHS levelled matters in the 29th minute when they were awarded a scrum penalty and kicked the goal to make it 10-10.
The final five minutes of the first half proved crucial. Kearsney were reduced to 14 men when Oliver Ludwig was shown a yellow card, and DHS took full advantage. The visitors scored two quick tries in the closing moments to open up a 24-10 lead at half-time.
DHS carried that momentum into the second half, scoring first from a well-executed scrum move, with the conversion extending their lead.
A penalty in the 53rd minute allowed DHS to kick to the corner and setup an attacking lineout. Kearsney defended bravely on their try line, but after several phases DHS shifted the ball wide to score in the corner.
To their credit, Kearsney finished strongly. Sustained pressure in the final 10 minutes forced DHS to concede a penalty, and a well-worked set move saw Clement Makelele cross for a deserved try.
With the final play of the match, Kearsney were awarded another penalty and again ran a cleverly worked move. DHS infringed close to their line, and the referee awarded a penalty try.
Although DHS secured a victory, Kearsney can take plenty of positives from the performance, particularly their resilience and the attacking rugby they produced in the closing stages.
Kearsney College 1st XV lost to DHS 1st XV 24-36
First row, from left: Nhlanhla Ndlovu, Marlvon Flemmer, Isenam Dayiman, Blessing Mndaba, Daniel Miskey, Zulu Mcebisi, Alpha Madikizela; back row Lwazi Mbebe, Clement Makelele, Robert Gelderman, Tunga Griffiths, Matthew Wilson, James Whatmore, Kwazi Mona. Photographer: Anthony Wallis (Grade 9)
Kearsney is delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievements of its sportsmen, with 14 rugby players selected for provincial teams across various age groups this season. These selections are testament to the depth of talent at the school, as well as the commitment and hard work shown by the boys, their coaches and support staff throughout the year.
RUGBY
U18 Craven Week: Daniel Miskey, Clement Makelele, Lwazi Mbebe, Nhlanhla Ndlovu;
U17 Academy Week: Tunga Griffiths, Matthew Wilson;
U17 Afgri Week: Mcebisi Zulu, Robert Gelderman, James Whatmore;
U16 Grant Khomo Week: Aliphe Madikizela,
U15 Afgri Week: Isenam Dayiman, Marlvon Flemmer;
U15B Week: Kwazi Mbona, Blessing Mndaba
