What a way to kick off the Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival with an epic opening showdown as Kearsney College and Dale College kicked off their first game with a bang! The rugby festival kicked off with an exhilarating match between Kearsney College and Dale College, and what a game it was! The visitors showed they’re a team to watch out for, mounting an incredible comeback to snatch a thrilling 23-20 win!
Junior Dlamini got Kearsney off to a flyer with a try on the left touchline, but Dale College hit back hard, dominating territory and possession for most of the first half. Despite Kearsney’s admirable defensive efforts, a yellow card for Jarred van Staaden for a high tackle gave Dale the edge, and Cole van Staden took advantage of the one-man advantage to score a try and close the gap.
But Kearsney wouldn’t let the visitors take the game away from them. They continued to score five-pointers through Siso France and Salusiwe Mqobongo, setting up a commanding 15-5 lead at halftime. Chad Croshaw extended their lead with a fantastic individual try, and it looked like Kearsney was on their way to a comfortable win.
However, Dale College had other plans. In just a few minutes, they managed to level the score with a penalty by Lindokuhle Ndlela and tries from Lindokuhle Xozwa and Athi Msileni. The game was anyone’s for the taking with just over a quarter left to play.
The sides traded blows, with both teams showing remarkable skill and passion. But it was Dale’s typical counter-attack that sealed the deal. Lindokuhle Ndlela slotted a winning penalty from Kearsney’s 22, securing a cracking victory for his team with time up on the clock!
What a match! The energy and enthusiasm displayed by both sides, including Junior Dlamini, Royden Kennedy, and Chad Croshaw for Kearsney College, and Lindokuhle Ndlela, Cole van Staden, Lindokuhle Xozwa, and Athi Msileni for Dale College, was truly inspiring. This rugby festival promises to be full of thrilling matches, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for us next!
