AN EASTER FEAST OF RUGBY – from Kearsey
The Standard Bank Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival will kick off this Thursday (14th) as scheduled, despite the widespread flooding and heavy rainfall experienced in KwaZulu-Natal this week.
The campus is ready and the organisers are looking forward to delivering a magnificent 13th festival after a two-year Covid-enforced absence. The 12 participating teams are among the top rugby-playing schools in the country and spectators should experience some exhilarating rugby at the family-friendly event.
Joining hosts Kearsney from KZN, are Glenwood, Westville and Durban High School (DHS). Four schools from Gauteng include Dr EG Jansen from Boksburg, Hoërskool Waterkloof, Hoërskool Monument and Pretoria Boys High. There is a strong pair from the Eastern Cape in Selborne College from East London and Hoërskool Framesby from Port Elizabeth, with debutant Hoër Landbouskool Marlow from Cradock. Hoërskool Noord-Kaap from Kimberley completes the line-up.
Kearsney College traditionally play the opening game of the festival and on Thursday they will be playing Marlow. This season the visitors have had three games, but against relatively weak opposition. Kearsney may have the advantage, with six games under their belts, although two were narrow losses against Westville and Marais Viljoen, by two and one point respectively.
Glenwood, the power-house of KZN school rugby for a number of years, will play the penultimate match on the opening day against Pretoria Boys High. The latter have not had a very good start to the season, losing all four games. Glenwood, perhaps not as strong as they have been in the past, have had victories against Northwood and Michaelhouse and a loss against Paarl Gimnasium.
Westville begin the festival with a difficult match against Hoërskool Monument, who have also lost against Paarl Gim, but have beaten Oakdale and Welkom Gim. Westville has started the season well with victories against Clifton, Queens and Kingswood. This game will be a good test for them.
The second game of the first day sees Durban High School (DHS) against Waterkloof. The KZN side has lost both matches played so far, against Kearsney and Voortrekker from Bethlehem. Waterkloof lost against Grey College, winning three other matches against weaker opposition.
The only school besides the hosts to have participated in all previous festivals at Kearsney, Selborne College from East London play Hoërskool Noord-Kaap at lunchtime on the first day.
Festival play days are Thursday, Saturday and Monday, with kick-off at 09h30 on the first and last days and at 08h00 on Saturday to accommodate the Sharks afternoon game. Each day starts with a primary schools’ fixture between Umhlali Prep, Hillcrest Primary or Highbury against the KZNRU Ibutho U13 development team.
Gate entrance is R30 per person with ample secure parking. Food and refreshment outlets, a coffee shop, beer tent and KidZone will ensure a full day of entertainment for the whole family.
Fixtures and festival information are available on kearsney.com – and all matches will be live-streamed on the supersportschools.com app and website.
| SLOT | SCHOOL | SCHOOL | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 : Thu 14-Apr-2022 | |||||
| 09h30 | Kearsney | 10 | 14 | Marlow | |
| 10h45 | Durban HS | 23 | 05 | Waterkloof | |
| 12h00 | Westville | 20 | 33 | Monument | |
| 13h15 | Noord-Kaap | 17 | 45 | Selborne | |
| 14h30 | Glenwood | 27 | 12 | Pretoria BH | |
| 15h45 | Framesby | 22 | 19 | EG Jansen | |
| Day 2 : Sat 16-Apr-2022 | |||||
| 08h00 | Noord-Kaap | 00 | 24 | Westville | |
| 09h30 | Monument | 12 | 07 | Marlow | |
| 10h45 | Kearsney | 12 | 10 | Waterkloof | |
| 12h00 | EG Jansen | 15 | 20 | Durban HS | |
| 13h15 | Pretoria BH | 14 | 14 | Framesby | |
| 14h30 | Glenwood | 15 | 14 | Selborne | |
| Day 3 : Mon 18-Apr-2022 | |||||
| 09h30 | Glenwood | 10 | 17 | EG Jansen | |
| 10h45 | Westville | 07 | 20 | Selborne | |
| 12h00 | Monument | 07 | 05 | Durban HS | |
| 13h15 | Marlow | 10 | 21 | Pretoria BH | |
| 14h30 | Waterkloof | 27 | 07 | Noord-Kaap | |
| 15h45 | Kearsney | 06 | 26 | Framesby | |
@Jakes It was an excellent win for EG. They never gave up and they controlled the ball so well in the 2nd half. Very impressive ball carrying by their tight 5. A great win for them to take into the rest of the season.
2022 KEARSNEY EASTER RUGBY FESTIVAL
FINAL DAY, MONDAY 18 APRIL
After three days of play in at times heavy rain and thick mud, two teams remained unbeaten at the close of a successful 2022 Standard Bank Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival. Despite the weather, the festival was well attended by enthusiasts delighted to be back watching schoolboy rugby after the two-year Covid enforced absence.
Hoërskool Monument from Krugersdorp and Hoërskool Framesby from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) return home unbeaten. Monument beat Westville Boys’ High, Hoer Landbouskool Marlow from Cradock and Durban High School. Framesby beat Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen, drew with Pretoria Boys High and beat hosts Kearsney College in the final match of the festival.
The trophy for the Most Attractive Team Play at the festival was awarded to Durban High School (DHS) and Tiaan Jacobs, the Selborne College flank, was named player of the tournament.
At the final presentation, Kearsney headmaster Elwyn van den Aardweg handed over the Boots and Balls collection of kit which will be refurbished and then distributed to disadvantaged players by the Siripat Lions Rugby Club and the KZN Rugby Union’s Development Programme.
MATCH 6
KEARSNEY COLLEGE 6 – 26 HOëRSKOOL FRAMESBY
Kearsney, traditionally play the final game of their festival and met Houdini-like Framesby, who in their previous festival matches had come from behind to win against Dr EG Jansen in the final move of the game and had drawn against Pretoria Boys High.
Kearsney went into a 6-0 lead after two penalties, the first by fly half Rhys Calenborne and the second by scrum half Matthew Bergset.
The heavier Framesby forwards dominated when they got close to the Kearsney try-line. Two tries were scored with rolling mauls from lineouts. Both were scored by flank Corne Scheepers who was at the back of the maul; and both were converted by flyhalf Logan Muller, for the visitors to lead 14-6 at half time.
Eight minutes into the second half it was déjà vu as another rolling maul from a lineout saw Scheepers core his third try. This time the conversion was just wide, but Framesby now led 19-6.
Despite Kearsney pressing and setting up lineouts close to the Framesby try-line, they could not set up the rolling maul to score and in the last minute the Framesby fullback Jayden Davisson ran 50m to score under the uprights for an easy conversion by Muller for a 26-6 win.
Point scorers:
Kearsney: Penalties Calenborne, Bergset
Framesby: Tries Scheepers (3), Davisson; Conversions Muller (3)
MATCH 5
HOëRSKOOL WATERKLOOF 27 – 7 HOëRSKOOL NOORD-KAAP
Conditions would not suit the Noord-Kaapers as they would normally be able to jinx their way through, but with the treacherous underfoot conditions, the heavier Waterkloof forwards were able to dominate.
Flank and captain Tyler Veldman scored from a forward rush, converted by Reuven Ferreira for Waterkloof to lead 7-0.
This was increased to 12—0 when Kennith Strydom forced his way over, the conversion going wide.
In the last five minutes of the half, Noord-Kaap managed to get into the Waterkloof 22m area.
From a good forward move, Noord-Kaap eighthman Gareth Kriel scored in the corner and an excellent touchline conversion by Eldridge Jack narrowed the gap to just five points.
Waterkloof, after absorbing a lot of pressure from Noord-Kaap, gradually worked their way up the field to work their way over in the corner. This put Waterkloof into a 17-7 lead with 10 minutes remaining.
Almost immediately they were back on the attack when Guillaume Marais went over to increase their lead 22-7.
Waterkloof were not finished and from a lineout they mauled over the line for Juanco Maritz to score a try. The conversion was on target but fell short of the crossbar, leaving Waterkloof 27-7 leaders. Despite a last-minute kick ahead where Noord-Kaap kicked ahead but just failed to score, leaving Waterkloof 27-7 winners.
Point scorers:
Waterkloof: Tries Veldman, Strydom, Makate, G Marais, Maritz; Conversion Ferreira
Noord-Kaap: Try Kriel; Conversion Jack
MATCH 4
HOëR LANDBOUSKOOL MARLOW 10 – 21 PRETORIA BOYS HIGH
With the mist swirling in, only as it does at Botha’s Hill, play disappeared only to reappear as the wind moved it.
A penalty was awarded and after a number of minutes, waiting for an injury to a Pretoria player, Tattersall was seen to take a penalty. With the breeze behind him, his kick was successful to give Pretoria Boys a 3-0 lead.
Two further penalties were awarded within kicking distance and Tattersall was successful with both, leaving Pretoria Boys 9-0 in the ascendancy.
Just on half-time, with play obscured by the mist, Pretoria’s Litha Mkunqwana went over and Tattersall was again accurate with his kick, leaving Pretoria Boys 16-0 up at the break.
In the second half, Marlow had the wind at their backs and they spent the first 10 minutes in the Pretoria quarter. MC Strydom got over for a try, converted by Aiden de Villiers, to take the score to 7-16.
Midway through the half, again playing in thick mist which obliterated vision, Marlow were awarded a penalty which De Villiers converted, narrowing the gap to 10-16.
A rare move towards the field against the wind, saw Jason van der Merwe go over for a Pretoria try, to take them into a 21-10 lead.
There was no further scoring, leaving the final score a 21-10 victory for the boys from Pretoria.
Point scorers:
Marlow: Try Strydom; Conversion De Villiers; Penalty De Villiers
Pretoria Boys: Tries Litha, Van der Merwe; Conversion Tattersall; Penalties Tattersall (3)
MATCH 3
HOëRSKOOL MONUMENT 7 – 5 DURBAN HIGH SCHOOL (DHS)
The much-awaited game between Monnas, arguably the top side at the festival, and KZN’s Durban High School who have impressed so far, started with DHS getting on the board in the first minute of the game. Wing Maurice Willemse sped down the right touchline to score in the corner for a 5-0 lead.
Thereafter play moved up and down the field with defences holding to prevent either side from scoring. With just minutes before half time, left wing Kelvin van Wyk scored after good support play to even the score, but Monument went ahead 7-5 with the conversion by Tylor Sefoor.
Conditions changed early in the second half when the rain began falling, after a pleasant morning when the sun peeped through. But the drama was yet to come. The conditions made it very difficult for running rugby and play moved from maul to ruck to maul with no advantage to either side.
Monument was reduced to 14 men in the last few minutes and DHS were pressing. Flyhalf Deano Boesak had two opportunities to put DHS in the lead with two penalties awarded.
The first was about 10 minutes from the end and was a little optimistic, with a heavy ball and 40m out. It failed to reach the posts.
In the dying minutes he had a slightly easier kick, but was kicking into a breeze. It went wide to leave Monnas narrow 7-5 winners.
Point scorers
Monument: Try Van Wyk; Conversion Sefoor
DHS: Try Willemse
MATCH 2
WESTVILLE BOYS’ HIGH 7 – 20 SELBORNE COLLEGE
The second match on the final day saw locals Westville Boys’ High against Selborne College from East London. Much of the first half was played in the centre of the field with both teams able to prevent break-aways.
Selborne opened the scoring with a penalty by Kyle van Wyk. This livened up proceedings and both teams nearly scored with runs down the length of the field.
Westville lock Joel Donia managed to get over for the first try, converted by Tshegofatso Ramaloko for a 7-3 lead.
It was the Selbornians turn and they came close. In the last minute of the half, a break-away ended with lock John de Villiers going over under the uprights. This was converted by Van Wyk for Selborne to lead 10-7 at the break.
It took another 20 minutes before further points were scored. The cut and thrust of both sides came close, but they could not get over the line. Selborne were awarded a penalty 15m out from close to the centre of the field, which Van Wyk converted for Selborne to lead 13-7.
Selborne used a kick down field to get close to the goal line and from a ruck close to the line, hooker Jordan Luck forced his way over. Van Wyk was again successful adding the extra two points to Selborne to lead 20-7.
Although Westville came close to scoring in the closing minutes, they were prevented and Selborne won the match 20-7.
Point scorers:
Westville: Try Donia; Conversion Ramaloko
Selborne: Tries De Villiers, Luck; Conversions Van Wyk (2); Penalties Van Wyk (2)
MATCH 1
GLENWOOD HIGH SCHOOL 10 – 17 HOëRSKOOL DR EG JANSEN
The Stott field at Kearsney College had large muddy patches from Saturday’s heavy rain and play, but it looked reasonable in the match between Glenwood and Dr EG Jansen from Boksburg.
Glenwood, as expected, dominated both territory and possession for much of the first half. They did have an opportunity to score the first points, but the ball was dropped just five metres from the goal line.
However, the pressure was maintained and Glenwood fly-half Frederick Marx converted a penalty for a 3-0 lead which was soon increased to 10-0 after centre Johandre van Rooyen scored, converted by Marx.
EG Jansen eventually got into the Glenwood half and applied some pressure which culminated in a penalty try for them to narrow the gap to 7-10 going into half-time.
The second half saw a change in fortunes as for 20 minutes of the second half they camped in the Glenwood half. The local team were their own worst enemies, as they gave away numerous penalties, a number due to ill-discipline.
A penalty for EG Jansen, from in front of the posts but 40m out, went just wide. It would have put them in the lead. It mattered not as they kicked for a lineout from another penalty and the ensuing maul saw prop Marnus Swart come up with the ball, for EG Jansen to lead 12-10.
With five minutes remaining prop Tshepo Ledwaba scored in the corner to increase Jansen’s lead to seven points. Glenwood came close to scoring but EG Jansen held out to win the match 17-10.
Point scorers:
Glenwood: Tries Van Rooyen; Conversion Marx; Penalty Marx
EG Jansen: Tries M Swart, Ledwaba; Penalty try
Festival information is available on kearsney.com – and all matches will be live-streamed on the supersportschools.com app and website.
RESULTS
Day 1 – Thursday 14 April
Kearsney – Marlow 10-14; DHS – Waterkloof 23-5; Westville – Monument 20-33; Noord-Kaap – Selborne 17-43; Glenwood – Pretoria Boys 29-12; Framesby – Dr EG Jansen 22-19
Day 2 – Saturday 16 April
Noord-Kaap – Westville 0-24; Monument – Marlow 12-7; Kearsney – Waterkloof 12-10; Dr EG Jansen – DHS 15-20; Pretoria Boys – Framesby 14-14; Glenwood – Selborne 15-14
FIXTURES
Day 3 – Monday 18 April
08h00 Highbury Preparatory School vs KZN Ibutho/Mark Godefroy U13; 09h30 Glenwood High School vs Dr EG Jansen; 10h45 Westville Boys’ High School vs Selborne College; 12h00 Hoërskool Monument vs Durban High School; 13h15 Hoër Landbouskool Marlow vs Pretoria Boys High School
14h30 Hoërskool Waterkloof vs Hoërskool Noord-Kaap; 15h45 Kearsney College vs Hoërskool Framesby
@jakes: Great to read about Die Anker.In my time Stofberg was more than a decent rugby school.I think Smallies will know the history better.
@Ricardo12Volkies2012: it is starting to look better for EGJ. I mean to beat Glenwood does not take a weak team. This win will do great for motivation as per the slow start to their season. Another team to watch this year is Die Anker from Brakpan. I do not think they have lost a game so far this year. Wins against Middelburg,Marais Viljoen,Montana and more.
@Henkies: yes you are tight but EG Jansen team will never go lying down. Most of their losses this year with very close margins actually (except Stellenberg/Oakdale). It can just get better.
What a win for EG Jansen against Glenwood. Just what the doctor ordered for motivation going forward in the season.
Someone needs to vertel Jansies the match starts at 0 minute, nie 30 minute nie. They must be having some good biltong at halftime.
Very lucky Monnas
Absolutely clueless at lineouts
Woeful
I have never seen worse lineout play than Monnas
Monnas should win here
@Ricardo12Volkies2012: I also think coaching very poor right through SBR
@Mate:
I agree with you. A lot of Northern schools look average this year.
Don’t think I’ve seen such a poor EG Jansen team in my generation.
@Smallies: Marlow lyk of hulle probeer om hulle rugby te verbeter.
@Smallies: As hulle die /13 spelers uit die Kouga area kan behou sal hulle altyd mededingend wees.
I change my prediction
DHS by 20
@Playa: My sincere condolences to you and Umtata for the recent tragedies at Dale.
@Umtata: Bygones. I suppose they hugged it out.
@Rainier: Hele paar seuns van Aliwal wat ook daardie kant toe trek na laerskool
@Rainier: ek voel altyd Nico Malan moet beter doen…
@Jong Matie: Ek dink as mens net na getalle kyk dan boks Marlow gewoonlik ver bo hulle gewigsklas. Soos toe hulle die Burger Trofee in 2012 gewen het.
@Smallies: Daar is ‘n paar seuns wat by ons was. En die 9 kom van Stulting. Ek hoor ook dat 2 slotte ook nou die pad aangedurf het Cradock toe. Dit gaan burgeroorlog wees die jaar as Marlow teen NM speel.
Monnas very average this year, think DHS will beat them by 15
As Marlow kon regkry om die telling so naby te hou teen Monnas moet hulle n bulspan hê, gegee hul getalle.
@Rainier: Hele paar name in daai Marlow span wat in jou Jeffreys baai O 13 dream team was van n jaar of wat terug…
@Rainier: that was a great game, and well done to Marlow for a spirited effort. They deserved to come away with a win, and came so close.
The Marlow loss was tough. But the boys showed heart. At least four /17 players in the back line bodes well for next year.
Steady rainfall throughout most of the second day of the Standard Bank Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival made play difficult with the slippery ball. Despite the weather, the excellent turnout of spectators were entertained to some exciting play from the six evenly contested fixtures.
Three teams go into the final day having won both their matches – Durban High School (DHS), Hoerskool Monument and Glenwood.
DHS and Monument will face each other in the midday game on Monday, with Glenwood playing Dr EG Jansen, who have lost both their games this festival.
GAME 6
GLENWOOD 15 – 14 SELBORNE COLLEGE
The final game of the second day had Glenwood against Selborne, with plenty of emotion in the game as they had not met one another for a number of years.
Glenwood was first on the scoresheet when they were awarded a penalty in front of the posts, about 40m out. With the difficult conditions prevailing a kick for the post was sensible and Marx obliged, scoring the three points.
Thereafter there were a number of flare-ups with emotions running high. Pressure by both teams resulted in Selborne centre Blake Schwulst scoring far out. An excellent conversion by Kyle van Wyk saw Selborne take a 7-3 lead with the break.
The second half saw Glenwood starting to dominate in the close encounters. With 20 minutes remaining a mis-kick by Selborne found Renaldo le Fleur out wide and his pace carried him over for Glenwood’s first try. With the conversion missed, Glenwood led 8-7.
Selborne was on attack but knocked on and Glenwood pounced. The ball was passed out to left wing Mnelisi Gamede who changed his direction running across the field to score in the right-hand corner. It was well converted by Frederick Marx, which put the local side ahead 15-7 with 10 minutes remaining.
The with only five minutes left on the clock, Selborne made a concerted effort with drive after drive being thwarted by Glenwood’s defence, until eventually flank Gabriel Kriel got over. This was converted from wide out by Van Wyk for a 1-point difference.
Once again it was left to the last quarter of the game to determine the final result. This time it was Glenwood that triumphed 15-14 to win the tough game.
Point scorers:
Glenwood: Tries Le Fleur, Gamede; Conversion Marx; Penalty Marx
Selborne College: Tries Schwulst, Kriel; Conversion Van Wyk
GAME 5
PRETORIA BOYS HIGH 14 – 14 FRAMESBY
The penultimate match on the second day saw Pretoria Boys High against Framesby, the team that came from behind to win on the first day.
The first half was cut and thrust with the boys from Pretoria holding the sway, but unable to score. Framesby did more of the defending.
In the last minute, the Pretoria boys had a chance to get over in the corner, but the ball evaded all. They were, however, awarded a penalty on the opposite side of the field and from this the lock and captain Lilitha Matsiliza got over for his second try of the festival. The conversion by Justin Tattersall was successful for the Gautengers to lead 7-0.
The second half was again tight with conditions underfoot very difficult. Framesby spent most of the time defending, but a kick ahead got them into the red zone where lock Gideon Barnard got over the line. It was converted by Logan Muller to tie the scores 7-apiece.
The game livened up with both teams intent on winning the game. Pretoria Boys scored when fullback Keethan Fitz managed to evade the defence following a long pass out to him, dangerous in the conditions. Tattersall converted from close to the touchline for Pretoria to lead 14-7.
Framesby’s never-give-up again for the second time this festival came from behind when Barnard scored his second try from a maul. Muller converted to tie the match 14-14.
Points scorers:
Pretoria Boys: Ties Mutsiizo, Fitz; Conversions Tattersall (2)
Framesby: Tries Barnard (2); Conversions Muller (2)
GAME 4
DR EG JANSEN 15 – 20 DURBAN HIGH SCHOOL
With both territory and possession belonging to DHS against Dr EG Jansen, it was inevitable that DHS would get points on the board first. This they did when flyhalf Deano Boesak scored a good try, evading the cover defence. He did not convert his try, but DHS went into an important 5-0 lead.
A rolling maul of about 15m ended when DHS hooker Christian Everitt came up with the ball after crossing the line. Again, the conversion went wide, and the Durban boys held a 10-point lead.
Continued pressure ended when a kick ahead by Tholithemba Sibisi resulted in an EG Jansen player diving over him, giving away a penalty try for a 17-0 lead.
With time up on the clock for the first half, EG Jansen were awarded a penalty which vice-captain Jaydon Bantom converted. The KZN side lead 17-3 at the break.
The second half saw EG Jansen up their game as they applied more pressure. After 10 minutes they were rewarded when Swart went over in a flurry of bodies, to narrow the gap to 10-17 when the try was converted by Bantom.
Dr EG Jansen continued with their pressure and again the scored with flank Nathan Mathee diving over after a lineout. The conversion was wide but the score line had narrowed to 15-17 in DHS’s favour. DHS then increased their lead with eight minutes remaining when Boesak added a penalty to make the score 20-15.
The score remained the same until the finial whistle although again both sides came close to scoring in a tight and exciting finish.
Point scorers:
DHS: Tries Boesak, Everitt; Penalty Boesak; Penalty try
Dr EG Jansen: Tries: Swart, Mathee; Conversion Bantom; Penalty Bantom
GAME 3
KEARSNEY COLLEGE 12 – 10 HOëRSKOOL WATERKLOOF
This was another game where the conditions were very difficult, with heavy rain early in the first half. The rain did stop, but muddy and soft conditions underfoot made handling difficult.
Early pressure by Waterkloof led to a try, with fullback Reuven Ferreira diving over. The conversion went wide, but Waterkloof took an early 5-0 lead.
The score did not change before half-time due to most of the game thereafter being contested between the two 22m lines. Kearsney had one attempt at a penalty from near the 10m line and kicker Ayabonga Mngaza had the distance but the ball just went wide.
Thirteen minutes into the second half Kearsney pressed and from a scrum the ball went wide to wing Lihle Maqhugula who dived over in the corner to level the scores 5-5.
A mis-kick by Kearsney resulted in a kick forward by Waterkloof, Herman Viljoen gave chase and dotted down to take the score to a 10-5 lead.
The game livened up as Kearsney immediately went back on the attack. A number of attempts to cross the line went amiss.
In the final minute a scrum near the try-line resulted in Kearsney winning the ball as Waterkloof had one less in the scrum due to a yellow card. From the scrum the ball went to Mbulelo-Junior Mcengwa who went over near the upright. It was converted by Matthew Bergset for a last gasp 12-10 win for the hosts.
Point scorers:
Kearsney: Tries Maqhugula, Mcengwa; Conversion Bergset
Waterkloof: Tries Ferreira, Viljoen
GAME 2
HOëRSKOOL MONUMENT 12 – 7 HOëR LANDBOUSKOOL MARLOW
The second match took place as the rain continued to fall. Field conditions were still reasonable but the wet conditions made handling difficult.
Marlow arguably adapted to the conditions better than the Monument players. Both teams had opportunities but a vital mistake meant neither got near the try-line.
After 17 minutes, Marlow eighthman Burrie van Heerden broke from a melee of players and sprinted 50m down the centre of the field to dot down under the crossbar. Monument, who had been on attack had no cover defence, leaving Van Heerden to use his pace to outstrip the chasers. Aiden de Villiers kicked the easy conversion for Marlow to lead 7-0.
Monument kicked for the corner following a penalty where a Marlow player received a yellow card. From the lineout Monnas drove and with their pack weight superior, drove over the line with lock HJ de Beer scoring. The conversion was missed, leaving Marlow 7-5 in the lead.
Monument became more desperate as the minutes went on and had numerous attempts to score with their driving mauls. Marlow managed to stop them until the final minutes when Monument were awarded a penalty on the 5m line. This time a tap penalty went to wing Christi Botes who dived over. It was converted by Arie van der Walt for Monument to win 12-7 in a very exciting end to the game.
Point scorers:
Monument: Tries De Beer, Botes; Conversion Van der Walt
Marlow: Try Van Heerden; Conversion De Villiers
GAME 1
HOëRSKOOL NOORD-KAAP 0 – 24 WESTVILLE BOYS’ HIGH
A miserable cold morning with light rain met the players for their first game on the second day of the Standard Bank Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival between Westville and Noord-Kaap. The latter would likely have never played in such weather.
Westville opened the scoring when flank Kungawo Mbanga went over for the first try of the day. The conversion hit the upright for the local side to go 5-0 up.
Much of the play thereafter was up and down with numerous handling mistakes with the slippery ball. Westville scored their second try about eight minutes before half time when Mbanga again used his weight to force himself over, this time converted by centre Brett Kliegl for a 12-0 lead.
On the stroke of half-time, Noord-Kaap kicked across the field only to find fullback Tshegofatso Ramaloko. He had a relatively easy run to dot down under the poles, and then converted the try to put his side in a commanding 19-0 lead at the break.
It took Westville another 20 minutes before they got out of their half as Noord-Kaap put them under pressure but could not get over the line. When Westville did break out their forwards gained the upper hand and eighthman Tebogo M’Khomazi scored.
In doing so a Noord-Kaap player was left prone on the field and this was the first injury where a stretcher was needed. The conversion was missed leaving Westville 24-0 up.
Certainly Noord-Kaap deserved points after a spirited display in this half, but the game went to Westville 24-0.
Point scorers:
Westville: Tries Ramaloko, M’Khomazi, Mbanga (2); Conversions: Ramaloko, Kliegl
–000–
Interestingly a number of coaching staff at this year’s festival have intimate knowledge of the event, having participated at previous Kearsney festivals as players.
Selborne head coach Chase Morison played prop for Selborne in 2009 and 2010. His current assistant coach James Allderman played in the same Selborne team at Kearsney. Selborne have played at every KERF since the first one in 2008.
The talented Lubabalo ‘Tera’ Mtembu donned the colours of Dale College at the inaugural KERF and returned to lead his school a year later. He is currently a rugby coach at Kearsney.
Gate entrance is R30 per person with ample secure parking. Food and refreshment outlets, a coffee shop, beer tent and KidZone ensure a full day of entertainment for the whole family.
Fixtures and festival information are available on kearsney.com – and all matches will be live-streamed on the supersportschools.com app and website.
Facebook: Kearsney College
Photographs uploaded daily throughout the day.
#SBSchoolsFest #KERF22
Twitter: @KearsneyNews
#SBSchoolsFest #KERF22
FESTIVAL FIXTURES:
Monday 18 April
08h00 Highbury Preparatory School vs KZN Ibutho/Mark Godefroy U13; 09h30 Glenwood High School vs Dr EG Jansen; 10h45 Westville Boys’ High School vs Selborne College; 12h00 Hoërskool Monument vs Durban High School; 13h15 Hoër Landbouskool Marlow vs Pretoria Boys High School
14h30 Hoërskool Waterkloof vs Hoërskool Noord-Kaap; 15h45 Kearsney College vs Hoërskool Framesby
Pretoria BH 14 Framesby 14
Glenwood 15 Selborne 14
Results from Kearsney Day 2:
Westvile 24 Noord Kaap 0
Monnas 12 Marlow 7
Kearsney 12 Waterkloof 10
DHS 20 EG Jansen 15
Any scores from today?
Lots of heart shown by Selborne today. Glenwoods defending was absolutely immense.
Thanks @Jakkals. Yes it was a gritty performance and I’m sure the result surprised a few people. Doesn’t look like the next 2 games will be any easier ;)
KEARSNEY EASTER RUGBY FESTIVAL
DAY ONE: THURSDAY 14 APRIL 2021
The 13th Standard Bank Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival kicked off in beautiful, warm sunshine following a week of KwaZulu-Natal being battered by heavy rains. The Stott looked magnificent and in good condition, ready to welcome back players and spectators after seeing little action for two years during the Covid pandemic.
Play opened with a minute’s silence for the two Dale College 1st XV players, Liyabona Teyise and Lisakhanya Lwana, who tragically died recently. Dale has participated in several Kearsney festivals, including the inaugural one in 2008.
MATCH 6
FRAMESBY 22 – 19 DR EG JANSEN
The final game of the first day at Kearsney saw Framesby from the Eastern Cape and Dr EG Jansen from Gauteng pitted against each other.
Framesby applied early pressure but it was EG Jansen that opened the scoring. From loose play, they won the ball, passing it out to prop Tshepo Ledwaba who was unmarked outside the wing. He showed good pace to get over the line. Vice-captain Jaydon Bantom converted for a 7-0 lead.
Much of the play thereafter led to little scoring, although Framesby gave everything to try and cross the line. Eventually they added three points with a penalty by flyhalf Logan Muller.
EG Jansen then applied pressure and from a maul following a lineout, prop Marnus Swart drove over for a 14-3 half-time lead. It’s certainly unusual for two props to be the try scorers.
Framesby was the first to score after half-time, when wing Hugo Nothnagel beat the defence to score in the corner, with Muller converting from the touchline to take the score to 10-14.
EG Jansen moved the ball rapidly from touchline to touchline, and they were rewarded when flank Layton Smith forced his way over, following a tap penalty. The conversion was just wide, leaving the team from Gauteng 19-10 leaders.
Framesby scored their final points when a pile of bodies went over. Then, in the final minutes, they pulled out all the stops with a kick ahead by Nothnagel who just beat the opposition to score the winning try, which was again converted with an excellent kick by Muller.
Handling by backs and forwards was excellent, leading to a good game to end the first day of the festival on a perfect afternoon.
Point scorers:
Framesby: Tries Nothnagel; Conversions Muller; Penalty Muller
Dr EG Jansen: Tries Swart, Ledwaba, Smith; Conversions Bantom
MATCH 5
GLENWOOD 29 – 12 PRETORIA BOYS
In the penultimate game on the first day, Glenwood played Pretoria Boys. Both sides were keen to run with the ball, resulting in many handling mistakes; but it was an entertaining game.
Glenwood wing Mnelisi Gamede opened the scoring with a 60m run down the left touchline, outstripping the defence. This was followed with the Glenwood eighthman Lwazi Ngcobo breaking through the defence to dive over. Frederick Marx converted for the KZN side to lead 12-0.
Pretoria Boys got on to the scoreboard when right wing Liam Brown had a determined run to score in the right corner.
Marx then added to Glenwood’s tally with a penalty, putting them into a 15-5 lead.
A kick ahead from their 22m area was chased by Glenwood wing Renaldo Le Fleur, and a kind bounce enabled a dive over after outstripping the defence in the corner to increase the lead to 22-5 after a conversion by Marx.
Pretoria Boys ended the half with a determined run by captain Lilitha Matsiliza, converted by Justin Tattersall, for the half-time score 12-22 in favour of Glenwood.
The Green Machine were first to score in the second half when fullback Andrew Maartins had a good run to dot down in the corner, and a good kick to add the extra points for a 29-12 lead.
Despite the Pretoria boys pressing hard for the last 20 minutes of the game, they could not get through the Glenwood defence.
Scorers:
Glenwood: Tries Gamede, Le Fleur, Maartins, Ngcobo; Conversions Marx (3); Penalty Marx
Pretoria Boys High: Tries Brown, Matshiliza; Conversion Tattersall
MATCH 4
HOëRSKOOL NOORD-KAAP 17 – 43 SELBORNE COLLEGE
The fourth game saw East Londoners Selborne College pit themselves against Hoërskool Noord-Kaap from Kimberley. Selborne had greater weight in the scrums but the backs of Noord-Kaap were more agile.
In the first four minutes Selborne were ahead with a try by wing Okwam Qavane. Noord-Kaap had a good run ending with the player being tackled just short, but Selborne were penalised for not rolling away.
The Noord-Kaap scrumhalf Bryan Kenny took a quick tap and dived over in the corner to score. Noord-Kaap kept hustling and with a long pass to the wing Fazludean Saim, he evaded the Selborne cover defences.
Selborne flank Gareth Kriel helped by his forwards went over the line and with the conversion by Kyle van Wyk successful, put Selborne into a 12-5 lead at half time.
Early in the second half saw some dominance by Noord-Kaap which culminated in a try by centre Eldridge Jack following a quick ball from a scrum. This was converted by Keanon Davids and scores were again level at 12-12. Wing Saim then used some pace to score in the corner for Noord-Kaap to lead 17-12.
This galvanised Selborne and they then held sway as the forwards dominated. Twice in quick succession when forwards drove ended with first No 8 Aaron van Dyk scoring, and then flank Kriel going over with Van Wyk converting one for Selborne to hold a 24-17 lead.
This was increased as their forwards continued to dominate. With the backs receiving plenty of ball, centre Blake Schwulst dived over, for a well converted by Van Wyk and a healthy 31-17 lead.
Flank Jacobs scored their sixth try when he scored close to the upright for an easy conversion by Van Wyk and the lead increasing to 38-17. Fullback Schwulst had the last say when he scored to increase the lead to 43 and a successful conversion by Van Wyk to 43-17.
Point scorers:
Selborne Tries Qavane, Schwult, Nqungcream, Van Dyk, Jacobs, Kriel, Schwale; Conversons Van Wyk
Noord-Kaap Tries Saim, Jack, Kenny; Conversions Davids
MATCH 3
WESTVILLE BOYS’ HIGH 20 – 33 HOëRSKOOL MONUMENT
Two heavy packs of forwards and slick backs saw the first half between Westville and Monument produce some exciting and enterprising rugby.
At the break Monument led 26-10 after five tries had been scored. They had gone into an early lead when centre Conrad Sevenster went over after a diving maul, converted by Tylor Sefoor. A second try was scored after a second driving maul. This time it was flank Evan Retief who came up with the ball. Sefoor kicked his second conversion.
Westville made some good advance when wing Tristan Parsons passed inside to supporting fullback Tshegofatso Ramaloko who ran 20m to score. This was converted by Jones who added a further three points, after a penalty a few minutes later, narrowing the score line to 10-14.
Both sides continued to attack but it was Monument who fed off some handling mistakes by Westville, allowing them to go further ahead. Good passing at pace saw centre Zain Henery dive over again, which was well converted by Sefoor to increase their lead to 21-10.
Monument continued to attack, with fullback Jody Schambreel showing good pace to score their fourth try to lead 26-10 at the break.
Westville closed the gap after wing Tristan Parsons sped down the left touchline to score.
Monument then used their driving maul to good effect once more, when Sefoor received the ball from his forwards to score. He converted his own try for Monument to lead 33-15.
Westville did not lie down and they were rewarded when fullback Ramaloko scored and the difference narrowed to 13 points. The game ended at 20-33 but it had been a game of excellent movement and excitement for the growing crowd.
Point scorers:
Westville: Tries Ramaloko, Parsons, Magagulu; Conversions Jones
Monument: Tries Schambreel, Henery, Sevenster, Retief, Sefoor; Conversions Sefoor
MATCH 2
DURBAN HIGH SCHOOL 23 – 5 HOëRSKOOL WATERKLOOF
The second game of the festival saw the KZN team Durban High School (DHS) against Waterkloof from Pretoria, with the visitors again taking some time to assert themselves.
DHS went ahead early on with a penalty by fly-half Deano Boesak. A couple of minutes later pace by right wing Hopewell Ntshangase saw him go over in the right-hand corner again converted by Boesak for a 10-0 lead.
Waterkloof came back into the game helped by a number of penalties given away by DHS. With two minutes before the break, following another penalty, Waterkloof pressed on the try-line and eighthman Zander Tharion dived over. The conversion went wide, leaving DHS 10-5 leaders at half-time.
The second half saw play move up and down until Boeksak scored a penalty after 10 minutes of play to put DHS in a 13-5 lead.
The Durban lads maintained the pressure and after a scrum the ball was moved rapidly to the right, reaching Ntshangase who again outpaced the opposition to score close to the poles. Boesak converted for a 15-point lead.
Boesak converted his fourth kick at the poles following a penalty for the lead to increase to 23-5.
Waterkloof, who had made a number of mistakes on attack, were given a reprieve when the DHS utility back ran 90m to cross the line, only to drop the ball in the in-goal area.
Point scorers:
DHS: Tries Ntshangase (2); Conversions Boesak (2); Penalties Boesak (3)
Waterkloof: Try Tharion
MATCH 1
KEARSNEY COLLEGE 10 – 14 HOëR LANDBOUSKOOL MARLOW
As has become tradition, hosts Kearsney opened their festival, this time playing newcomers Hoër Landbouskool Marlow from Cradock in the Eastern Cape.
The first half was evenly contested with the Marlow forwards giving their team a slight advantage. The Kearsney back line, with centres Aya Mngaza and Siso France, both full of running, were able to make a few breaks.
The first by Mngaza ended with a tackle near the try-line and from the ruck hooker Devahn van der Walt dived over. With just a minute from half-time, France made a good break, feeding fullback Nhlakanipho Ngubane who had the pace to get over the corner.
Both conversions were missed for Kearsney to lead 10-0 at the break.
After 15 minutes of the first half where play had moved up and down the field, a concerted effort by the Marlow forwards ended with eighthman Burrie van Heerden diving over. The conversion by centre Aiden de Villiers was successful.
Kearsney got back into the Marlow half, but a handling mistake was pounced on by left wing Dempers Meyer. He made 30m, passing inside to centre Leonard Booysen who had the pace to outstrip the cover defence and go over under the posts. De Villiers converted for the visitors to go into a 14-10 lead with 12 minutes remaining.
As the game progressed, so Kearsney came under increased pressure with the Marlow backline imposing themselves. The game ended with no further score but with Kearsney doing more defending.
Point scorers:
Kearsney College: Tries: N Ngubane, D van der Walt
Hoër Landbouskool Marlow: Tries: L Booysen, B van Heerden; Conversions: A de Villiers (2)
FESTIVAL FIXTURES:
Saturday 16 April
07h00 Hillcrest Primary School vs KZN Ibutho/Mark Godefroy U13; 08h00 Hoërskool Noord-Kaap vs Westville Boys’ High School; 09h30 Hoërskool Monument vs Hoër Landbouskool Marlow; 10h45 Kearsney College vs Hoërskool Waterkloof; 12h00 Dr EG Jansen vs Durban High School; 13h15 Pretoria Boys High School vs Hoërskool Framesby; 14h30 Glenwood High School vs Selborne College
Monday 18 April
08h00 Highbury Preparatory School vs KZN Ibutho/Mark Godefroy U13; 09h30 Glenwood High School vs Dr EG Jansen; 10h45 Westville Boys’ High School vs Selborne College; 12h00 Hoërskool Monument vs Durban High School; 13h15 Hoër Landbouskool Marlow vs Pretoria Boys High School
14h30 Hoërskool Waterkloof vs Hoërskool Noord-Kaap; 15h45 Kearsney College vs Hoërskool Framesby
Going to be a tough long year for EG Jansen. Probably the smallest pack of forwards and most disorganised backline and team I have seen in years. Also loosing so many of their games in the last 2 minutes. But looks like they in a rebuild phase after the last two years. A lot of young grade 11 players and jnr teams looks promising especially under 16s. They will be back
@beet: thanks Beet. Looks like I was wrong about the kzn schools…
@Henkies: Wow…good result for DHS
DHS 23 Waterkloof 5. Huge effort from DHS. Forwards stood up well to Kloofies and their backs were electric, even with only 14 men for the whole of the 2nd half. A real confidence booster.
DHS 23 Waterkloof 5. Huge effort from DHS! Forwards stood up well to Kloofies and their backs were electric, even with only 14 men for the whole of the 2nd half. A real confidence booster.
@beet: Selborne vs Westville will be a tight game.
I’m hoping Marlow can make a good account of themselves even with difficult fixtures.
@Jakkals: I actually think KZN will be breakeven.
Day 1 will be a tough day for home province supporters. If Kearsney continue to play like they did at the North-South Derby in Worcester, they will probably lose to Marlow. Under coach Derik Olivier the small farming school from Craddock are having a good season – they really punch far above their weight. But do come off a difficult game against Brandwag, while Kearsney have had a weekend off to recover. This first match will also be Kearsney’s best chance for a win at KERF. Klofies look like they can be brutal in the physical exchanges and showed against Grey College that they now their way to the goal-line while Framesby coach Louis Gerber who has lead EP to two Craven Week finals in a row (their best performances in a long while) so given him a few decent players, even without a boarding house and he will make sure the team play to a level that labels them as overachievers.
DHS will be underdogs for their matches against Klofies. New coach Peter Engledow is highly rated and under his leadership they seem able to play an expansive style though so perhaps they can give themselves an outside change against Klofies who are looking like a Top 20 finisher this year. I guess it depends which Jansies pitches up on the second matchday, but DHS should target this match for a win. I doubt anyone will give School any sort of chance against Monnas who are Top 5 material in 2022.
So between Kearsney and DHS perhaps 1/6.
Westville coached by old boy Jubz Zulu are in the same boat. Monnas will outmuscle them up front with the sort of physicality that KZN teams aside from Glenwood are generally not accustomed to. No one wants to write off a Noord-Kaap team coached by Deon Carney – a few KERFs ago they lost all three but played the most entertaining rugby at the festival – full of flair. It is however a game you’d expect Ville to win and then the Highways boys most competitive match should be Selborne. As an all-round team Ville have more to offer. I make them slight favourites here.
Glenwood vs Pretoria BH, and EG, well both these schools have heavyweights on the coaching staff in the form of Paul Anthony who supports Erlo Rust and Rudi Dames who aids Regardt Botha, so you underestimate these teams at your peril. They won’t fall short in the coaching department that for sure but maybe neither has the talent in the squads this season to threaten Glenwood. The Grasshoppers are expect to come away with two wins, possibly comfortable ones. Selborne as mentioned above can be resistant. I could be mistaken but I think youngster Chase Morison will become the first head coach to have also played at KERF. They certainly turned a corner against Framesby at Grey but do they have enough diversity in their play to keep the scoreboard ticking, is a question to be answered. Coach Derek Heiberg led Glenwood to an unbeaten season a few years back using high tempo expansive rugby. I think he will aim for more of the same and win this and come out of KERF with a full house of wins.
So Westville and Glenwood win 5/6.
Total for KZN therefore 6/12
I see pain coming for the kzn schools…
I see Selborne is playing Glenwood again.
Thank you
@Palma: @wika: Hi guys. Apparently a fixture change was requested and approved quite a while ago but somehow the wrong fixture list was mailed out everyone.
So on Day 3 it is Marlow vs Pretoria Boys’ High and Framesby vs Kearsney so Marlow vs Framesby will be a derby on Eastern Cape soil later on in the year.
@wika: Agreed, surely they could swap some of the teams around on the final day so that these schools wouldn’t meet?
It would be nice if we could get an update on the current status of the local schools.
Day 3 Marlow vs Framesby? Surely not right?? League game later in the year.