KZN: Kicks Win Matches… Or Do They?

Two Old Boys’ Days in KwaZulu-Natal drew massive crowds and unfolded in very different fashions, yet they shared three common threads: victories for the home teams, match-winning tries by scrumhalves, and goal-kicking that ultimately shaped the outcome.

At Maritzburg College, the showdown against Hilton to determine KZN’s No. 1 1st XV largely followed the expected script. Two forward-orientated teams, neither renowned for flowing or inventive backline play, settled into a bruising power battle.

The day was ultimately won by College’s never-say-die defence, which stood firm to end Hilton’s unbeaten run and deny a side that had arrived at Goldstones averaging 38 points per game a try for the first time all season. In fact, Hilton were restricted to a single-digit score at 14-9.

College’s tries came either side of halftime. The first was scored by powerhouse prop Alande Ngubane, one of the province’s standout performers this season, whose ability to make hard-earned metres in heavy traffic has been invaluable. In typical Ngubane fashion, he powered over from close range, carrying defenders backwards in the process.

The second came from scrumhalf Dom du Toit, whose alertness proved decisive. A quickly taken tap penalty deep inside the Hilton 22 did not catch the visitors napping as hoped but Du Toit evaded several would-be tacklers in his determined effort that got him over for what proved to be the match-winning score.

The part of the story that will probably be forgotten is Hilton’s kicking record. The visitors earned numerous penalties and, given the tight nature of the contest, repeatedly made the correct decision to take points at goal. They succeeded with three attempts but missed several others, two of which would have secured victory.

At Durban High School, the venue overflowed with enthusiastic supporters. By halftime, however, it appeared the home crowd would be heading home disappointed.

Capitalising on a malfunctioning DHS lineout, Westville seized control and looked every bit the stronger side, scoring three unanswered tries while the hosts appeared flat and devoid of ideas. The Griffin tries came from hot property centre Jadrian Afrikaner, lock captain Lwandile Mlaba and flashy fullback Lux Sonkononkono.

Yet a different Horseflies outfit emerged after the break.

DHS showed tremendous character, playing with far greater purpose both with and without the ball. Westville continued to create opportunities, but the home side were far better organised defensively and managed to neutralise all of the threats.

A crucial difference in approach was penalty decision-making. While Westville opted to kick to touch in search of tries, DHS accepted the points on offer. Trailing 19-6 at the break, two more successful penalties to go with the first half efforts, reduced the deficit to 19-12 and brought the home team back within striking distance.

The game-changer on the day proved to be pacey DHS replacement scrumhalf Richaard Kriel.

First, his pinpoint box kick hung perfectly for powerful wing Amogeleng Mataboge, who timed his run to perfection and plucked the ball from the air uncontested. Once in possession, the steam train had no one in front of him and raced away to score beneath the sticks, levelling the contest.

Then came an unforgettable finish.

With time already up, Westville looked set to have the last shot from a lineout near halfway. Instead, DHS talisman Zion Smith produced a magnificent steal. The turnover appeared to catch the visitors completely off guard and, when Kriel received the ball at second receiver, he ignited the afterburners. Spotting a gap that seemed well guarded, he blitzed through, rounded the final defender, and dived over for a dramatic match-winning try. The final score was 24-19.

Elsewhere, Northwood secured a valuable away victory at Kearsney, scoring a remarkable 45 points in the process. It was a season-high tally against the attack-minded hosts, who, despite a valiant defensive effort against Westville earlier in the campaign, have generally been leaky against quality opposition. It ended 45-34.

Michaelhouse comfortably accounted for struggling Gauteng visitors Pretoria Boys’ High, winning 53-17, while Glenwood recorded a regulation 58-14 victory over Clifton.

The battle of the Saints between St Charles and St Stithians produced one of the weekend’s thrillers, with the Pietermaritzburg school edging home 33-31.

Kearsney Media Report:

Kearsney College 1st XV lost to Northwood 1st XV 34-45

On Saturday Kearsney returned to rugby action after the half-term break, with a tough encounter against Northwood.

Northwood were first to get on the scoreboard, slotting an early penalty in the 3rd minute. Kearsney responded almost immediately, when Fynn Verbaan crossed for the hosts’ first try following a series of strong pick-and-go phases by the forwards. Daniel Miskey added the conversion to give Kearsney the lead.

In the 11th minute, some excellent counter-attacking play earned Kearsney a scrum in midfield. A slick move involving captain Nhlanhla Ndlovu and Keanu Williamson saw the latter dive over for Kearsney’s second try.

The next 10 minutes developed into a physical arm wrestle. Northwood capitalised on their opportunities, converting a penalty, before scoring a try that originated from a powerful driving maul.

In the 29th minute, Miskey exited cleverly from a lineout and found space with a well-placed kick. An excellent chase put Northwood under pressure, with the ball eventually finding Williamson, who crossed for his second try of the afternoon. Kearsney added a further penalty shortly afterwards and went into halftime leading 24-13.

The second half could not have started worse for Kearsney. A lack of discipline allowed Northwood to seize momentum, scoring 17 unanswered points in the opening eight minutes, to turn a deficit into a 30-24 lead.

To their credit, Kearsney regrouped and responded strongly. In the 50th minute they forced a five-metre scrum, from which Ndlovu powered over the line. The successful conversion restored Kearsney’s lead at 31-30 with 15 minutes remaining.

The next 10 minutes belonged to Northwood. A dominant driving lineout resulted in a penalty try, before they added a further penalty, to extend their advantage to 40-31 with five minutes left to play.

A brilliant turnover by Williamson then earned Kearsney a penalty, which Miskey calmly converted to reduce the deficit to six points and keep the contest alive heading into the final moments.

However, from the ensuing kickoff, Northwood forced a turnover and attacked down the blindside, finishing in the corner to stretch their lead to 45-34.

In the final play of the game, Kearsney launched one last attack deep inside the Northwood 22, but resolute defence from the visitors ensured they held firm until the final whistle.

The match was very much a game of two halves. Credit must go to Northwood for a superb second-half comeback, while Kearsney showed tremendous character and resilience, fighting until the very last minute. The final score was Northwood 45 – Kearsney 34.