The DHS 1st XV travelled up the hill to take on Kearsney in torrential rains and gale force winds on Saturday. The crowd that gathered had wrapped up warmly for the closely fought affair between two teams bravely doing their best in the trying conditions.
“School” opted to play against the wind in the 1st half and, besides the opening 10 minutes where they looked sublime on the attack, they struggled to get out their half. They can be proud of their defensive effort, conceding only 6 points. The Durban side suffered an early setback through the influential lock, Celimpilo Gumede, leaving the field through injury in the 15th minute adding to the six 1st team players currently on the sidelines. DHS, however, battled well and managed to grab a penalty of their own through in-form kicker, Lwandile Menze. School were dealt a blow before half time as the winger, Luthando Buthelezi, was yellow-carded for a deliberate knockdown. The Durban side would have gone into the break a happier side had they avoided this.
With the wind at their back in the 2nd half, “School” failed to use the elements to their full advantage and made life extremely difficult for themselves, allowing Kearsney to find a firm footing in the game. However, through some bulldozing runs from Captain Phendulani Buthelezi and the trusty boot of Menze, they were able to keep the scoreboard at an even keel. Menze was even able to convert his 3rd penalty through unconventional means; as the ball was blown over by the wind he casually drop-goaled it over to help DHS take the lead 6-9.
Kearsney found their way back into the game through some well-applied pressure and the DHS scrumhalf and flyhalf bundled over for the only try of the game. Failing to convert, Kearsney took the lead with just 5 minutes remaining at 11-9.
With some impressive hard running from the forwards, the Horseflies earned a late penalty that was once again was converted by Menze.
It proved to be a hair-raising last few seconds as Kearsney found themselves on the DHS try line, before a last-ditch tackle by the winger, Tonderai Ndudzo, forced his opposite number into touch to ensure DHS claimed a memorable win at the Stott.
Scott Mathie
1st XV Rugby Coach/Head of Rugby