1st XV Rugby vs Kearsney College : Match Report

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Saturday’s home fixture vs Kearsney proved to be a spectacle of attacking rugby and one that would delight any neutral supporter! But for the rest of us, it was a heart attack affair as the lead shifted multiple times throughout the game, resulting in a few more grey hairs for the DHS faithful. The game was played in great spirits and epitomised what a healthy schoolboy clash should look like. The final score 41-34 in favour of School.

In true schoolboy fashion DHS raced to a comfortable 15-0 lead, through a superb solo effort from Academy Week scrumhalf, Jaydian Cedares, and another from his KZN compatriot and flank, Taariq Kruger. However, the lead evaporated within a remarkable 15 minutes as Kearsney scored four unanswered tries to leave the home team stunned and with the major task of having to recover from a 15-26 deficit. It is at these times when you start to see the character and belief in your team. DHS rallied back in true “Horsefly” fashion, just before the break, to score a try, through Academy Week loose-head prop, Marcel Nel, that was all about will and attrition, a sign of a side doing what was necessary to get a foothold back in the game. The half time whistle blew and left the score at 22-26 in favour of Kearsney.

DHS raced out of the half time break, scoring almost within earshot of the whistle as an excellent try by Craven Week centre, Lwandile Menze, took DHS back into the lead. The scores ebbed and flowed for a while longer before DHS were able (through two excellent tries) to attain a 7-point buffer. The first came through an excellent counter attack try that shifted hands between Academy Week fly-half, Shakur La Douce, and Cedares before the latter finally crossed the line. The captain, Celimpilo Gumede, was able to ensure the lead was enforced as he ran over two players close to the line to score an important try.

With 1 minute remaining, DHS found themselves defending their line for one last effort to ensure victory. The team fought courageously and thwarted the Kearsney advances, ultimately securing their victory and going unbeaten on Van Heerden’s in the domestic season.

Scott Mathie
1st XV Rugby Coach & Head of Rugby

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