SCHOOLS RUGBY
Kearsney’s early lead overturned by Northwood’s second-half surge
Kearsney’s scrumhalf Fynn Verbaan opened the scoring with his side’s first try of the game (Photographer: Tamlyn Gabin)
On Saturday Kearsney returned to rugby action after the half-term break, with a tough encounter against Northwood.
Northwood were first to get on the scoreboard, slotting an early penalty in the 3rd minute. Kearsney responded almost immediately, when Fynn Verbaan crossed for the hosts’ first try following a series of strong pick-and-go phases by the forwards. Daniel Miskey added the conversion to give Kearsney the lead.
In the 11th minute, some excellent counter-attacking play earned Kearsney a scrum in midfield. A slick move involving captain Nhlanhla Ndlovu and Keanu Williamson saw the latter dive over for Kearsney’s second try.
The next 10 minutes developed into a physical arm wrestle. Northwood capitalised on their opportunities, converting a penalty, before scoring a try that originated from a powerful driving maul.
In the 29th minute, Miskey exited cleverly from a lineout and found space with a well-placed kick. An excellent chase put Northwood under pressure, with the ball eventually finding Williamson, who crossed for his second try of the afternoon. Kearsney added a further penalty shortly afterwards and went into halftime leading 24-13.
Kearsney's Tunga Griffiths in the game against Northwood (Photographer: Tamlyn Gabin)
The second half could not have started worse for Kearsney. A lack of discipline allowed Northwood to seize momentum, scoring 17 unanswered points in the opening eight minutes, to turn a deficit into a 30-24 lead.
To their credit, Kearsney regrouped and responded strongly. In the 50th minute they forced a five-metre scrum, from which Ndlovu powered over the line. The successful conversion restored Kearsney’s lead at 31-30 with 15 minutes remaining.
The next 10 minutes belonged to Northwood. A dominant driving lineout resulted in a penalty try, before they added a further penalty, to extend their advantage to 40-31 with five minutes left to play.
A brilliant turnover by Williamson then earned Kearsney a penalty, which Miskey calmly converted to reduce the deficit to six points and keep the contest alive heading into the final moments.
However, from the ensuing kickoff, Northwood forced a turnover and attacked down the blindside, finishing in the corner to stretch their lead to 45-34.
In the final play of the game, Kearsney launched one last attack deep inside the Northwood 22, but resolute defence from the visitors ensured they held firm until the final whistle.
The match was very much a game of two halves. Credit must go to Northwood for a superb second-half comeback, while Kearsney showed tremendous character and resilience, fighting until the very last minute. The final score was Northwood 45 - Kearsney 34.
