Kearsney celebrates double victory against Michaelhouse

KEARSNEY College’s rugby and hockey seasons got off to a good start this weekend, with the 1st team wins against traditional rivals Michaelhouse.

The first traditional rugby fixture and the first half in particular, was marred by typical first match rustiness and errors.

Kearsney had the upper hand from the start but were unable to take advantage of opportunities on offer.

The crowd had to wait for 17 minutes before Robbie Koenig scored the first try of the match after some good creative work by fly-half, Jacques Odendaal.

Odendaal again combined with full back Koenig later, after well-worked play between forwards and backs following a line-out. Koenig provided an offload to right winger Scott Couzens to score in the right-hand corner for a 10-0 lead after 23 minutes.

Michaelhouse scored their first try from a 5m scrum with a strong pick and go by their number eight, for a first half lead of 10-5 to Kearsney.

The hosts started the second half with more intent and Koenig soon struck again from a rehearsed back-line move from a right-hand scrum close to the halfway line. Odendaal converted for a 17-5 lead.

Kearsney scored their fourth try after a good lineout drive and pick and go by the forwards and switching play to the blind side. Flanker Sibu Sangweni collected a pass at good pace and good angle, to dive over. Odendaal converted.

Immediately from the kick-off, Michaelhouse scored after sustained pressure in the Kearsney quarter of the field. The defense held, but Michaelhouse found an overlap on the right-hand side for an unconverted try, for Kearsney to lead 24-10.

Kearsney answered and extended their lead to 27-10 with an Odendaal penalty after some good competitive work at the breakdown by prop Oliver Carmody. Final points came from another Michaelhouse number 8 pick and go from the base of a centre scrum 10m out.

Kearsney’s back row made a technical defensive error and the visitors capitalised with a seven pointer to narrow the gap to 17-27, win to Kearsney.

Kearsney’s sports department said the team enjoyed possession and territorial advantage throughout, but small errors prevented them from converting opportunities into points.

The hosts’ standout players were Koenig, Sangweni and Odendaal.

Hockey

In hot midday conditions on Saturday, Kearsney ran out with energy and control, despite some nerves and a number of new caps in the team.

A couple of errors made by Kearsney, made Michaelhouse look to threaten on counter attacks.

But Kearsney soon settled into a shape and tempo which saw them convert one of their first penalty corners through a powerful drag flick from vice-captain Ben Proctor.

Kearsney went into half-time looking comfortable at 1-0 up.

Michaelhouse were never going to sit back and started the second half better by converting one of their own penalty corners to level at 1-1.

This was the trigger for Kearsney to assert control of the game, and in quick succession captain Guy Morgan converted a powerful drag flick into the top corner, with David Hudson and Gavin Shelly chipping in with two quick goals too, to take Kearsney to a 4-1 victory.

Water polo

Kearsney’s Tyson Andrews and Wesley Marshall have been selected for the SA U16 water polo squad.

Wesley will be in action against the SA U17s and the Zimbabwean team at Kings Park this weekend; and Tyson has been selected for the U18 KZN Currie cup side.