CRICKET
Kearsney 1st X1: 211/7 (Hollister 72, De Jager 60, Miskey 32*; Rea 58/4)
Clifton 1st X1: 143 all out (Klinck 48, Driesselman 43; Gonya 29/2, Gorrie 22/2)
Kearsney won by 68 runs
Kearsney had a successful Saturday on the cricket fields, with every team coming out victorious against Clifton.
The 1st XI match on Kearsney’s Smith Oval saw Clifton win the toss after the rain the day before, making for bowling-friendly conditions early on. Clifton started well with the ball and had the hosts in trouble early at 22/3. However, a 149-run partnership between Asher Hollister (72) and Kearsney captain Keegan de Jager (60) saw Kearsney post a competitive 211/7, thanks also to a bright cameo from Daniel Miskey who scored 32* off just 25 balls. Daniel Rea was the standout bowler for Clifton, taking four wickets for 58 runs.
Kearsney also started brightly with the ball and in the field, having Clifton 20 for 2. Daniyaal Klinck (48) and Hayden Driesselman (43) took Clifton to 98 after 25 overs, making them on course for the chase. However, when both batters lost their wickets, the Clifton innings never really got going again and they were dismissed for 143. Litha Gonya and Mathew Gorrie were the pick of Kearsney’s bowlers taking 2 for 29 and 2 for 22 respectively.
Kearsney ended up winning the match by 68 runs to end the season on a high.
BASKETBALL
Top 10 Tournament
This weekend was the pilot KZN Schools Top 10 tournament, with KZN’s 10 best basketball-playing schools participating in what was possibly the toughest schoolboy competition in the country.
Schools competed in four age group categories, with each age group playing at its own indoor venue.
Kearsney performed extremely well in all age groups.
Kearsney’s 1st team finished second in the U19 category, recording the following results: 60-56 win against Maritzburg College; 63-64 loss to DHS; 58-27 win against Glenwood; and 54-43 win against Michaelhouse. They beat St Charles 70-43 in the semi-finals, but could not repeat their heroics in the finals, losing to Maritzburg College 37-78, who have proven once again to be KZN’s top schoolboy basketball team.
Kearsney’s U16s finished fifth, with the U15s and U14s both finishing in sixth place; to put Kearsney in fourth overall position.
This tournament can only strengthen schoolboy basketball and it made for an exciting event to complete the season.
WATER POLO
Night Series Final
Kearsney beat Hilton 11-6
Kearsney delivered a commanding performance in the Night Series final, defeating Hilton 11–6 to be crowned 2026 champions. In a high-intensity contest, Kearsney combined defensive discipline with clinical finishing to pull away decisively in the second half.
The opening chukka was tight and physical, ending 1–1. James Whatmore opened the scoring from extra man after sustained pressure, but Hilton responded to keep the scores level. Kearsney’s defensive intent was clear early, with multiple extra-man stops and key saves from Rourke Stacey keeping the contest balanced.
The second chukka proved decisive. Kearsney found their rhythm in attack, adding five goals in the quarter. Thomas Aylward, Reece York (extra man), Levi Thom (two from action) and Max Mills all found the net in a powerful offensive surge. Although Hilton stayed within reach, Kearsney carried a deserved 6–4 lead into half-time.
The third chukka was where the final was won. Kearsney shut Hilton out completely, adding two more goals through James Whatmore and Thomas Francke (penalty), to stretch the lead to 8–4. Defensive structure, pressing on the perimeter, and disciplined shot selection limited Hilton’s opportunities, while Stacey’s composure in goal anchored the team.
In the final chukka, Kearsney managed the game intelligently. Dru Mills extended the lead early, Francke added another from action, and Whatmore sealed the result with his third of the match. Despite two late Hilton goals, the outcome was never in doubt as Kearsney closed out an emphatic 11–6 victory.
Across the final, Kearsney’s team demonstrated maturity, depth and composure under pressure. The defensive unit absorbed Hilton’s extra-man threats effectively, while the attack showed variety and patience in execution.
The hosts’ outstanding performance led to a deserved Night Series title for a team that built momentum each round and delivered when it mattered most.
Kearsney U15A water polo wins Parktown Boys’ Tournament
Kearsney’s U15A water polo team ended an outstanding season in style, beating Hilton 9-7 in the final, to win the Parktown Boys’ Tournament.
They beat Maritzburg College, St David’s, Jeppe, SACS and Michaelhouse, and drew with St Stithians en route to the final.
Adding to Kearsney’s success at the event, Cai Terblanche was named Player of the Tournament.
Kearsney’s U15A water polo coach Chelci Rodda with her victorious team.