Match Report: Kearsney vs Northwood
Kearsney 1st XV beat Northwood 1st XV 36-14
Northwood hosted Kearsney on their Founders’ weekend which was also a televised FNB Classic Clash. Kearsney scored the first try by Cameron Ritchie, after a powerful line-out maul with Josh van Vuuren breaking away on a charge, with good support from Jared Meyer. Greg van Noordwyk drove to the line but was stopped just short and Cameron Ritchie received to spin out of a tackle and dot down. James Tedder converted for an early 7-0 lead.
Despite the early setback the hosts fought back hard but conceded a penalty which Tedder converted for a 10-0 lead after 10 minutes of play. Kearsney scored their second try from a rehearsed back row move, with Tristan Dixon receiving a back hand pass from number eight Brady Erlich, which Tedder converted for a 17-0 lead after 20 minutes.
Flanker Luke Croshaw scored the next try resulting from very good defence by the visitors. The pressure forced a loose pass which the alert flanker intercepted and ran a good 40m to score under the posts. Tedder again converted for a handy 24-0 lead after 28 minutes.
Kearsney’s fourth and final try of the half came from a good counter attack from fullback Cullen Waberski who offloaded to winger Cian Waugh. Waugh drew and passed to Erlich on the left side, who in turn sprinted 20m before being tackled. Forwards Meyer and Croshaw drove the ball closer to the line and Erlich finished off with a pick and go, for an unconverted try and half time score of 29-0.
The hosts came out in the second half with determination and greater motivation, to play their best rugby of the match. Kearsney squandered some opportunities and conceded many unforced penalties. Northwood scored their first try late in the half when Kearsney was penalized for holding on after collecting an up-field punt. The hosts took a quick tap and eventually hooker Mthembu dived over for a deserved converted try.
Northwood played with more confidence and was soon on attack again. Solid defence forced a loose pass which Tedder collected and out-sprinted the Northwood defence for a good 60m. He then converted his own try for a 36-7 lead with five minutes of play remaining.
Northwood scored the last try of the match with some good support play which was converted with three minutes remaining. Kearsney had one more opportunity, but failed to convert, to leave the final score at 36-14.
In summary, Kearsney were clinical in the first half and, in doing so, built a handy lead. The second half will be remembered for missed opportunities and the many penalties conceded. Northwood deserve mention for their second half efforts.
Outstanding players for Kearsney were Dixon, Tedder, Ritchie and Waberski.
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