Kearsney and Westville draw in thrilling school rugby clash
Kearsney College and Westville Boys’ High delivered a gripping 14–14 showdown, showcasing top schoolboy rugby with end-to-end action.
KEARSNEY College travelled to Westville Boys’ High School on Saturday to take on the 2025 KZN Schools champions in what proved to be a highly competitive and entertaining rugby fixture.
Kearsney opened the scoring after 11 minutes, with Nhlanhla Ndlovu finishing off a well-worked passage of play. A dynamic break by Thomas Aylward set the platform, and Ndlovu’s sharp pick-and-go saw him power over in the corner to give the visitors an early lead.
Six minutes later, Kearsney threatened again. A clever chip kick by Daniel Miskey was expertly re-gathered by Keanu Williamson, who linked well with Fynn Verbaan. Verbaan looked certain to score after a strong run to the line, but the ball was dislodged in the act of grounding.
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In the final five minutes of the first half, momentum swung in Westville’s favour. Against the run of play, the home side capitalised on two Kearsney errors. The first came from an intercept on their own try line, followed shortly by a long-range try originating from a turnover.
These two moments proved costly, as Westville went into the break leading 14-7.
Kearsney responded well in the second half. In the 48th minute, sustained pressure inside the Westville 22 led to a powerful driving lineout. Although initially halted 10m short, strong carries from Ndlovu, supported closely by James Whatmore, kept the momentum alive. Whatmore eventually forced his way over the line with a determined pick-and-go effort. Miskey added the conversion to level the scores at 14-14 with 25 minutes remaining.
The remainder of the match was closely contested, with both teams creating opportunities but unable to convert. Extra time saw Westville awarded a penalty that could have secured victory, but the attempt was unsuccessful, ending the match in a 14-14 draw.
It was a hard-fought, engaging and competitive encounter, with both sides showing moments of quality while also reflecting on missed opportunities.
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