Kearsney hosted DHS in a monumental clash on Saturday, with both teams going into the match, high in confidence.
The first half was predictably an arm wrestle, with both sides placing an emphasis on the territorial battle. Both teams struggled to gain ascendency, and it was only a matter of time before points were registered. The first try came through abrasive running from Kearsney’s Sange Mdunylwa who crossed the dotted line in style. Matthew Bergset converted.
DHS responded shortly thereafter with a penalty to reduce the deficit to 7-3.
The next score was courtesy of a penalty try for collapsing the maul against DHS, which put Kearsney ahead and increased their lead to 14-3. DHS refused to allow the scoreboard to deter them and, moments later, scored a dazzling set piece try. Well-manufactured play resulted in their fullback scoring under the poles making the score 14-10. The first half provided entertainment of the highest pedigree, with Kearsney holding a slight advantage heading into the break.
After 10 minutes of ferocious physicality, Kearsney earned a penalty for a scrum infringement, and Matthew Bergset duly obliged, extending Kearsney’slead to 17-10.
The game then garnered several penalty infringements during the next passages of play. Kearsney on this occasion would be penalised for collapsing the maul and would also receive a penalty try against them, to tie the match at 17-17.
The hosts now trailed by 17-20 with 15 minutes to go, and would need to respond quickly and positively - which they did. Kearsney scored through some magic from Aya Mngaza who used his superior footwork to release LikhonaNunwana for the try. Bergset would unbelievably convert from the side-lines, to give Kearsney a slender lead.
The score remained 24-20 to the hosts, despite a last-ditch effort from DHS to breach Kearsney’s defences. Kearsney hung onto a memorable victory on the Stott, the fixture providing compelling viewing from start to finish.