Match Report: Kearsney vs Maritzburg College
Kearsney 1st XV beat Maritzburg College 1st XV 14-31
College hosted Kearsney on a typical Midlands winter’s afternoon with conditions conducive to good school boy rugby. The crowds were not disappointed as the two teams produced seven tries and some good open rugby play. Kearsney came out strongly and dominated the first half as the half-time score of 21-0 suggests.
Kearsney’s first try came from eighthman Dylan Richardson from a 5m attacking scrum which winger James Sutherland converted. College responded well and spent some time in the visitors’ half but the Kearsney defence held firm. Kearsney then enjoyed excellent attacking phases and fly-half Cameron Ritchie scored. James Sutherland converted for a 14-0 lead and seven minutes of the half remaining.
Kearsney stuck again soon after the kick-off when lock Ryan Lewarne charged a chip kick from College, with hooker Daniel Cherry collecting and sprinting 40m before passing to lock David Weaver for his try; converted by Sutherland. The remainder of the half saw Kearsney squandering another opportunity but went into the break with a well-deserved 24-0 lead.
In the second minute of the second half Kearsney launched a counter attack with Warren Driver, Ritchie and Luke Croshaw very prominent. Winger Matthew Blair collected the last pass to score a spectacular try in the right hand corner. College fought back bravely and eventually scored after sustained pressure play with substitute centre Mjara diving over for Van Blerk to convert.
Kearsney battled losing fly half Ritchie to injury, but did have opportunities again. Lineout throwing seemed to hamper their momentum. Kearsney also conceded several penalties and the hosts scored a converted try by Reintjes and Van Blerk from a lineout maul ensuing from a series of penalties.
Kearsney had the last say as they turned over possession from the kick-off with Croshaw, Cameron Craze and Brady Erlich prominent for Sutherland to score in the left hand corner. The final score was 31-14 to Kearsney.
Outstanding players for Kearsney were Croshaw, Ritchie, Richardson and Driver while the midfield pairing of Duma and substitute Mjara looked dangerous for College.
Photo by Tracey van den Aardweg
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