Northwood hosted Kearney in very hot, windy conditions as part of their annual FNB Classic Clash. Kearsney faced a head wind and decided to keep the ball in hand. It paid off quickly, as left winger Robbie Koenig scored in the third minute when he received the ball and masterfully put a grubber kick through. He showed a good turn of pace to collect a favourable bounce in the in-goal area, with flyhalf Jacques Odendaal converting from close to the touchline.
Northwood fought back and, after a series of attacking play, Kearsney prop Matt Heard received a yellow card for a dangerous tackle. Northwood could not capitalise on the situation other than a penalty for a Kearsney lead of 7 nil.
Kearsney continued with the ball in hand tactics, but handling errors prevented them from scoring more tries. The score remained constant until the final minute of the half when the Northwood scrummy, under immense pressure, kicked the ball into one of his own upright poles and Kearsney props Heard collected the ricochet, to dot down for a somewhat bizarre try. The half time score was 12 – 3 to the visitors.
Heard made a big impact on his return from the sin bin and opened the scoring in the second half when he received an inside pass from Odendaal, following another line break. Odendaal converted from close to the upright, for Kearsney to lead 19 – 3.
The next try came from the ever-present eighth man and captain Dylan Richardson after another of his bullocking runs. Odendaal converted from the touchline, showing excellent form in the strong wind.
Kearsney attacked at will from then on and winger Reece Daniel scored in the right-hand corner after some good interplay between forwards and backs. Richardson was soon back on the scoreboard from a heel against the head scrum and Odendaal converted for a convincing 38 – 3 lead.
The final try was scored by deserving lock Ross Taylor receiving a pop pass from centre Grant Sander, for Odendaal to convert. The match was slightly marred by many stoppages due to injuries and poor handling by the visitors.
Outstanding players for Kearsney were Odendaal, Taylor, Richardson, Sutherland and Heard.
PHOTOS: TRACEY VAN DEN AARDWEG