Sports News from Kearsney College of their weekend games.
RUGBY
DHS 1st XV beat Kearsney 1st XV 42-20
On Friday the One-Stripe travelled to Hilton to play against DHS at the KZN schools’ rugby day and final selections. DHS is currently a formidable force in the province, so Kearsney were under no illusion what lay ahead.
The first 13 minutes of the game was a real physical onslaught, with DHS managing to put first points on the board after a well-executed driving lineout saw them cross for a five-pointer.
This triggered Kearsney into action with a deadly counter-attack from the resultant kick off, where Doan Nel tackled just short of the line, and Lwandle Mkhize received an offload off the deck to score. The try was converted by Lwazi Mbebe, which saw Kearsney leading 7-5, 20 minutes into the first half.
The last 15 minutes of the first half saw Kearsney give as much as they took, but DHS managed to score two more tries and a penalty, to a Kearsney penalty by Mbebe. This gave DHS a 22-10 lead at the break.
Kearsney started well in the second half, putting DHS under massive pressure with ball in hand. Another well-taken long range penalty by Mbebe took the score to 22-13 after 40 minutes. The next passage of play saw some great defense by the One-Stripe, as DHS raised the intensity of their play.
DHS was awarded a penalty in the 55th minute, taking the scoreline to 25-13; with a further penalty increasing their lead to 28-13 with six minutes remaining. A well-executed kick from a midfield scrum saw them gather the ball and run in to score a converted try.
With only three minutes remaining, Keanu Williamson scored a try from a counter attack, ensuring Kearsney was on the board again, with a 35-20 scoreline. DHS, however, had the final say, with a further try from a driving lineout, for a final 42-20 tally.
Whilst the final score may not be a true reflection of a highly entertaining game, Kearsney are to be commended for their commitment and never-say-die attitude, and DHS applauded for a strong showing in the last 10 minutes.
HOCKEY
DHS 1st X1 beat Kearsney 1st X1 2-1
Kearsney’s 1st team hockey came up against an experienced and strong DHS outfit at the weekend. In was a match in which Kearsney would have been seen as the underdogs; but despite putting in one of their best performances of the season, they just fell short.
The game was end to end in the first quarter, with both teams looking extremely threatening. DHS took advantage of a ball crossed into the circle with a positive touch which crept past the Kearsney keeper.
Going into the second half, there were again multiple opportunities, and Kearsney capitalised by winning a short corner, which Keegan de Jager slotted with a well-worked drag flick, taking the score to 1-1.
The game changer came late in the third quarter when an error in build-up led to a quick counter-attack from DHS. Their well-worked goal took the score to 2-1 in their favour, which remained the score at the final whistle.
GOLF
Kearsney golfers Matthew Gouws and Harry Clayton had a productive weekend, finishing as top and second placed KZN Schools players respectively, in the Men’s KZN Open Strokeplay event at Princes Grant.
It was a big field of 100 players, with many of the country’s top amateurs travelling to play in the province’s tournament.
Matthew, who is in grade 12, had a good opening two rounds, seeing him in a tie for 4th with the final 36 holes to play on Sunday. He finished the tournament in 8th position and was the top KZN player in the field, as well as top KZN Schools player.
Harry, in grade 10, was consistent but unfortunately not able to capitalise on his birdies. He finished tie 19th overall, and in 2nd position in KZN.
INTERNATIONAL CRICKET SELECTION
Former Kearsney 1st team cricket captain Cade Carmichael has been called up to the Ireland squad for the ODI series against West Indies, starting this Wednesday (21 May).
Cade played for Kearsney’s 1st X1 from grade 10, received the College’s batsman of the year award in grade 11 and captained the team in 2020.