Kearsney Too Good for Clfton
Kearsney hosted Clifton College in Botha’s Hill on a hot summer’s afternoon. The visitors were deemed the underdogs, but full credit to them for their determined efforts.
Kearsney scored first from a rehearsed shortened line out attack, in which flank Derick Marshall was prominent with a storming midfield carry. Flyhalf Matthew Hind combined well with centre Singele Mkhize to set up wing Luke Dudley for Kearsney’s first try.
Clifton responded with a field penalty. The second try came from a quick penalty tap from Kearsney prop Cameron van Eck after a breakdown offence by Clifton 5m from their own goal-line. Scrummie Luke du Toit converted for a 12-3 lead after 25 minutes of play.
Kearsney attacked from the kick-off and centre Connor de Bruyn carried well with outstanding inter-play which followed the ensuing breakdown. Hooker Ulrich Botha did some good work in the wide channels for Dudley to score his brace, with Du Toit converting for a 19-3 lead.
Clifton had an opportunity to shrink the lead, but a rare error by Clifton’s wing who stepped on the dead-ball line cost his team a certain seven-pointer. Kearsney reacted quickly to the 22m drop-out and advanced to the opponents five-metre line after some desperate scrambling defence. Kearsney stole the lineout possession and prop Van Eck scored his second try from a five-metre pick-and-go. The half-time score was 24-3 in favour of the hosts.
The second half did not produce the same quality of rugby as there were many distractions and injuries. The hosts also squandered opportunities with some poor handling and decision-making. Hooker Botha did however score their only try after a lineout error by the visitors. Clifton responded with a converted and somewhat controversial try, after sustained attack and eventually diving over from a close ruck. The scores were locked at this final score of 29-10 for the remainder of the match.
Ill-discipline put the hosts under pressure and at one stage they had to defend with 13 men, something they managed well and are given credit for. However, missed opportunities spoiled the outing for Kearsney.
Outstanding players from Kearsney were wing Dudley, flyhalf Hind, centre De Bruin and flank Marshall.
By Sue Giles
