The official start of rugby season saw Kearsney College travel to Pietermaritzburg to take on St Charles.
It didn’t take long for the visitors’ Tom Aylward to put the first points on the board, after a solid drive from the forwards saw him score under the poles in the second minute of the game.
Four minutes later was the turn of vice-captain Keanu Williamson to dive over in the right-hand corner, after a slick strike play from the backs. The scoreboard showed 12-0 after seven minutes.
Some highly entertaining and skillful rugby saw Kearsney go over for a further four tries in the first half, with Lwazi Mbebe scoring twice, Sibusiso Khuzwayo (1) and captain Nhlanhla Ndlovu (1), to see them leading 34-5 at the break.
Kearsney scored a further four tries in the second half through Ndlovu, James Whatmore, Oliver Ludwig and Lwandle Mkize to end the game with a final score of 60-19.
A total of 10 tries were scored by the 1-Stripe, and hosts St Charles showed character to score two tries at the death.
HOCKEY
Kearsney’s 1st XI faced St Charles on a very hot midday slot in Pietermaritzburg on Saturday. After a high-tempo match the night before against Clifton, the visitors showed great character to push through the fatigue and deliver a strong team performance.
Kearsney started slowly, conceding an early goal in the opening stages of the match. However, the team showed resilience and composure to stay patient and stick to their structures.
From the second quarter onwards, they began to control the game better through intentional build-up play and solid defence. Their defensive unit held firm and limited St Charles’ opportunities, while Kearsney’s midfield and forwards gradually found better rhythm and flow. This control allowed them to build pressure and create scoring opportunities.
Over the remaining three quarters, Kearsney had three unanswered goals to take control of the match and secure a well-deserved 3–1 victory.
It was an all-round team performance from the visitors, with encouraging signs in both defensive discipline and the ability to build play with purpose. The game was played in positive spirit by both teams in extremely challenging conditions.
Photo Credit:Kearsney schoolboy photographer Ndaramo Sithole.
