Kearney vs Westville post match report
Kearsney 1st XV beat Westville 1st XV 9-6
Kearsney hosted Westville in the first full fixture of the 2016 season. It was a typical season opener with many mistakes and missed opportunities. The goal kickers from both teams struggled and many kickable chances were unsuccessful.
Kearsney started the match with a well-directed kick off and good pressure from flanker Luke Croshaw which led to a breakdown infringement. Fly half Mitch Garvie converted the penalty for the first points of the match.
During the next 20 minutes Westville dominated possession and only resolute defence by the hosts kept the visitors from scoring any points other than a penalty. The Kearsney loose trio did good work in defence and at the breakdowns and it was another Croshaw contest that Garvie converted with another penalty for a 6 – 3 half time lead.
Kearsney started the second half well but poor ball control and set phase play contributed to a start – stop affair. Westville were the better team in these departments but Kearsney’s defence seemed well organized. Westville slotted a penalty early in the second half to level scores at six all.
This score remained until the last minute when Kearsney found some momentum through their strong ball carrying flank Dylan Richardson. He was stopped very close to the goal line where the other forwards attempted pick-and-drive tactics. Westville conceded a penalty from the sustained pressure, which Garvie slotted for a hard fought victory of 9 – 6.
The match will not be remembered as a spectacle but rather for its intense defence from the home team. For the visitors Tony Mahlangu caught the eye with his short bursts and sniping runs. The outstanding players for the hosts were Dylan Richardson, Luke Croshaw, Brady Erlich and scrummie Warren Driver.
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