Kearsney’s regular rugby season got off to a difficult start when they were held to an 18-18 draw by Pionier in Vryheid on Monday, 02 March. The match formed part of Kearsney’s annual tour of Northern Natal. On Wednesday the One-Stripes from Botha’s Hill face another potentially tricky test against Sarel Cilliers in Glencoe.
Kearsney’s only preseason warm-up consisted of a chukka style trial match against St Charles at Woodburn Stadium in Pietermaritzburg. The score was not a consideration. Kearsney did however comfortably outscored the Saints.
@oldschool: I wasn’t at the Pionier game, but watched the Sarel Cilliers match yesterday.
@beet:
Sarel Cilliers
Sarel Cilliers loosehead is a big carrier and strong scrummager, seemed to run out of steam in the last 10 but never the less was a big asset to the team.
Their #8 also looked useful but I hear after the game that he is in fact a centre.
The #10 was elusive and quick – would probably do better at 13 with a bit more space, but I guess they struggle with depth in certain positions (as do Kearsney).
Kearsney
For Kearsney, it seemed most of the Grade 11’s were put into the starting lineup – possibly to test combinations and get a feel of how they would fit into the team.
Big standout for me was Miller (sp) at 7 who as a young player making his 1-stripe debut looked determined to forge his way into the team – very impressed with his work rate, skill set and all round play.
Pau stood out at wing – always looking for work and a very strong runner.
A few of the more experienced players were introduced late in the 2nd half and hooker van Vuuren made a big difference when he came on along with Luyt – they both showed what an extra year of 1st XV experience is worth.
Scrumhalf Vorster brought a different element to the game when he came on with some sniping runs and keeping the defence guessing at all times.
Tedder oozes class but one can’t help thinking that he would be far more effective further out in the line, he is filling in at 10 right now with the incumbent flyhalf carrying an injury.
It was quite clear that this N Natal tour is all about experimenting and testing out combinations so I don’t think much can be read into the results.
I’m sure Kearsney will be determined to make amends for last year!
@Grasshopper: Yip. Travelling up for the game?
@kosie: is it at Kearsney? I think it is…
@Grasshopper: Hmmmm and counting. Should give an early indication of the respective strengths and how the season will develop
I think it’s 10 days to Kearsney vs Glenwood….hmmm
@upcountry: Thanks upcountry.
Did any players standout from either team?
Game over. Kearsney 30 Sarel 15 Good game
Right…. Off to the game now. It starts at 15H30 Butttt being in the country it could be15H45 or even 15H15. we will see when we get there
@Greenwood: +1
Going to be a good season – some really good matches on the cards – and a long season ahead.
The initial forays have been interesting…. but we can read nothing yet until those Easter festivals start setting the scene for the year.
upcountry ha ha !!
yes this blog is quiet – us lovers of Sbr can’t wait – not only for the comments but watching live matches as well
@Greenwood:Nee i know. I was just stirring to get the guys talking. The blog is as slow out the blocks this year as the sharks S15 start
upcountry
as a Glenwood old boy I can tell you Kearsney is a popular and well respected School – This blog is quiet now but wait until after the Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival – this blog will really buzz
@Pedantic: Pionier had a tough game against volksrust the previous saturday in the PUK16 series. If i heard the rumours correctly Pionier a settled side with lots of grade12’s this year.
Sarel completely different setup. Rebuilding after 5 years of really competitive teams especially on the sevens front.
Sarel lost 29-7 against pionier on 21/02/15 but i agree, lets hope for a nice game of schoolboy rugby with no serious pre season injuries
@Pedantic: I guess a difficult fixture – I remember reffing MC vs Pionier a few years back at the same tournament. Pionier were really ampped up in front of their home crowd and threw everything at the visiing school. A great atmosphere – but the final result of being a tight game was not indicative of the rest of the season which MC did very well and Pionier had an OK season.
I guess with the early season try outs and selection experiments – and all the cricketers/swimmers not being i the mix make a difference. Would be interested on your comments on the game – as I’m sure there are some good learning points to be gleaned from the run.
@Pedantic: Were you at the game ?
@upcountry: Maybe a case of the less said the better
I’m confident the boys will bounce back today against SC.
@upcountry: If the number of comments is to determine a school’s popularity, very few schools would be popular!
If i look at the lack of comments Kearsney doesn’t seem to be a popular school? Pionier and Sarel i can understand but Kearsney ????