CRICKET
On Saturday Kearsney travelled to play an in-form Michaelhouse team who went unbeaten at the recent Michaelmas Cricket Week. Kearsney won the toss and elected to bowl first, immediately striking early through the bowling of Litha Gonya who was magnificent on the day, bowling his allotted overs for just 23 runs. He was unlucky not to have taken more than one wicket.
Michaelhouse captain Ethan Muir played positively, making 25, but Kearsney’s bowling and fielding discipline was excellent and had the hosts reeling at 71 for 9.
Rivan Moodley was exceptional again with the ball, taking 4 for 20. However, a last wicket partnership of 58 runs between Radhesh Jhilmeet (37*) and Liam O’Dwyer (19) saw Michaelhouse reach 129 before they were bowled out. Kearsney were left to rue their missed opportunities later in the afternoon.
The early dismissal of the hosts meant Kearsney had a tricky 40-minute spell to navigate, and were under immediate pressure losing Rivan Moodley for 0 in the 5th over. After lunch the visitors, having absorbed a great deal of pressure, managed to change momentum through Keegan de Jager 58 not out and Jason de Gryse 30 not out, and were 84/1 after 24 overs before the lightning alarm went off.
Sadly, with Kearsney firmly in control, play was never able to resume, and in schoolboy format it ended in a draw.
WATER POLO
Kearsney College’s 1st team water polo squad delivered a powerful and impressive performance at the annual St Stithians Stayers Tournament, one of the country’s flagship schoolboy water polo events. The team battled through a tough draw to secure a well-deserved fifth place finish, out of 20 competing schools.
The campaign began in a challenging pool. Kearsney started strongly with solid victories over Grey High School (12-8) and St Andrews (8-5). A narrow loss to a tough Affies side (8-10) and a hard-fought draw against hosts St Stithians (5-5), saw them finish third in their group, setting up a crossover clash with local rivals, Hilton College.
In a fiercely contested match, Kearsney emerged victorious with a 9-5 scoreline, advancing to the quarter-finals.
This placed them in a new bracket facing Rondebosch, who had won their group. Kearsney started strongly, racing to a 3-0 lead. Rondebosch clawed their way back, and the game was deadlocked at 6-6 going into a thrilling final quarter. It was Rondebosch who found an extra gear in the final minutes, winning the match 9-6.
Showing incredible resilience, the boys from Botha’s Hill refocused for their next crossover game against Reddam House Constantia. Kearsney produced a spectacular and powerful display of water polo, dominating the match to secure a resounding 19-9 victory. This win earned them a place in the 5th/6th classification match against water polo powerhouse, St John’s College.
In a fitting end to a fantastic tournament, the team saved one of its best performances for last, emerging victorious against St John’s to clinch 5th place overall, having displayed skill, determination and strong character.
The tournament was marked by an outstanding individual achievement from Thomas Aylward, who was selected for the All-Star Tournament Team – testament to his skill, dedication and impact throughout the weekend.
