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The South African Rugby Union on Wednesday announced a large group of players to
participate in the Junior Springbok trials camp early next month in Stellenbosch.
The trials will kick-start the process to select the Junior Springbok squad of 28
players for the upcoming World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Italy in June.

The best local Under-20 players will assemble on Sunday, 30 March at the
Stellenbosch Academy of Sport (SAS) and will remain in camp until 2 April. This will
be followed by a break for the Easter holidays. The camp will feature two trial
matches on Tuesday 31 March and Thursday 2 April respectively at the Paul Roos
Markottër Stadium.

Players such as Thomas du Toit, Dan du Preez (both, Cell C  Sharks), RG Snyman and
Warrick Gelant (both, Vodacom Blue Bulls) who are currently busy with Vodacom Super
Rugby commitments, were excluded from the trials squad. Duhan van der Merwe (Vodacom
Blue Bulls) and Rikus Bothma (DHL Western Province) are currently injured and were
not considered.

Following the trials, a smaller group of 34 players will return to SAS on 6 April
for the Junior Springbok training camp. This training camp will include the
following activities:

*         Training exercises against the DHL Western Province Rugby Institute;

*         A match against a Varsity Cup select XV,

*         And a short tour of Argentina featuring two matches against the Los Pumitas.

Commenting on the World Rugby U20 Championship preparations Junior Springboks coach
Dawie Theron said he would follow the same template as last year. The Junior
Springboks came agonisingly close to winning a second Junior World Championship
title in three years last season but lost by a single point against defending
champions England  in Wellington after an impressive run of results in their march
to the Eden Park final.

"Our decision last year to keep the players together in camp for an extended time
rather than having several shorter camps proved very successful, so we will do so
again this year," said Theron, who led the Junior Boks to their first JWC title in
2012 and a third place finish in France in 2013. "We were able to work with the
players daily and monitor their rehabilitation in instances of injuries."

Theron said the conditions in Italy would play a role in the selection process:
"Last year we went for a big, physical squad because of the heavy and wet conditions
in New Zealand. The indications are that the field conditions in Italy will allow
for a faster type of game, so we will have to keep that in mind during the trials
and in our preparations," said Theron.

The training match against the DHL Western Province Rugby Institute will be hosted
at the Paul Roos Markottër Stadium on 16 April at 15h30, while a match against a
Varsity Cup XV is also on the cards.

The training squad will fly out to Argentina from Cape Town on 8 May and the two
matches against the Argentina Under-20 are pencilled in for 12 and 16 May
respectively. They return to South Africa the following day for a short break before
the official Junior Bok squad assembles on 25 May. The final squad will depart for
the international showpiece on 27 May.

Five players who represented the Junior Boks in the 2014 JWC edition in New Zealand
and are eligible to play for the team again this year, were invited to the trials.
They are: Abongile Nonkontwana (Vodacom Blue Bulls, lock), Joseph Dweba (Vodacom
Free State Cheetahs, hooker), Dan du Preez (Cell C Sharks, lock), Jean-Luc du Preez
(Cell C Sharks, flank), Jacques Vermeulen (DHL Western Province, eighthman).

Furthermore, several players who attended the 2014 training camp but were not
selected for the JWC in NZ, were again called up to the trials this year. They are:
Ox Nche (Toyota Free State Cheetahs, prop), Ayron Scrhamm (Cell C Sharks,
eighthman), Dan du Plessis (DHL Western Province, centre), Justin Phillips (DHL
Western Province, centre), Frans van Wyk (DHL Western Province, prop), EW Viljoen
(DHL Western Province, fullback).

The following players are invited to attend the Junior Springbok trials from 29
March to 2 April in Stellenbosch (province or university team, name and surname,
position):

Vodacom Blue Bulls
Matthys Basson (prop), Warrick Gelant (centre), Njabula Gumede (prop), Dewald Human
(flyhalf), JT Jackson (centre), Jason Jenkins (lock), Jurie Linde (centre), Jinx
Molapo (wing), Adrian Maebane (centre), Menzi Nhlabathi (flanker), Abongile
Nonkontwana (lock), Luigy Van Jaarsveld (number eight), Alandre Van Rooyen (hooker),
Ivan Van Zyl (scrumhalf)

Boland Cavaliers
GL Erasmus (scrumhalf)

Eastern Province
Malcolm Jaer (fullback), Tyler Paul (flank), CJ Velleman (flank)

Toyota Free State Cheetahs
Joseph Dweba (hooker), Lorenzo Gordon (wing), Gunther Janse van Vuuren (prop),
Gerhardus Labuschagne (centre), Ox Nche (prop), Stephen Rautenbach (centre), Frans
Steyn (Shimlas, hooker), Andre Swarts (wing), Arno van Staden (wing), Conrad van
Vuuren (prop), Reinach Venter (hooker), Jasper Wiese (number eight)

Xerox Golden Lions
Ruan Ackermann (lock), Marco Janse van Vuuren (scrumhalf), Le Roux Roets (lock),
Gerdus van der Walt (centre)

Cell C Sharks
Hyron Andrews (lock), Dan du Preez (lock), Jean-Luc du Preez (flanker), Ruan Kramer
(prop), Rowan Gouws (scrumhalf), Mzamo Majola (prop), Ayron Scrhamm (number eight),
Innocent Radebe (flyhalf)

Leopards
Mogau Mabokela (Pukke, prop), Walt Steenkamp (Pukke, lock)

DHL Western Province
Ruan Brits  (hooker), Dan du Plessis (hooker), Daniel du Plessis (centre), Jaco
Coetzee (number eight), Grant Hermanus (fullback), Michael Kumbirai (prop), Remu
Malan (Maties, scrumhalf), Daniel Maree (flank), Ryan Oosthuizen (centre), Khanyo
Ngcukana (wing), Justin Phillips (scrumhalf), Ernst Stapelberg (flyhalf), Brandon
Thomson (flyhalf), Christo van der Merwe (Maties, flanker), Francois van der Merwe
(prop), Frans van Wyk (prop), Jacques Vermeulen (flanker), EW Viljoen (fullback),
Edward Zandbergh (lock), Leolin Zas (wing)

The annual Graeme College Rugbyday which takes place tomorrow in Grahamstown will see Grey High School of Port Elizabeth and Diocesan College (Bishops) of Cape Town clash in the main match. Both teams like to an expansive game so this fixture promises to produce some exhilarating running rugby. Bishops defeated St. Andrew’s College by 35-33 on Thursday thanks to a last gasp try.   

Grey PE’s fullback, Keanu Vers, and flyhalf, Curwin Bosch, are two of the five players to watch out for on the day. Both of them played crucial roles in Eastern Province being crowned unofficial champions of the Coca-Cola Craven Week in Middelburg (Mpumalanga) last year for the first time since 1977. In that year Springbok legend, Danie Gerber and Boelie Serfontein played for the Eastern Province’s school side. Serfontein represented Eastern Province senior side and is the father of Springbok centre, Jan Serfontein. Bosch was named Coca-Cola Craven Week Player of the Year for his performances during the tournament.

Bishops’ left wing, André Manuel, is a force on attack. He scored ten tries for his school’s first XV during 2014 and will surely cross the try-line regularly this season as well. Selborne College’s centre, David Brits, would want to build on the excellent season he’s had during 2014. He represented Border at the Craven Week in Middelburg. Selborne will clash with Die Brandwag from Uitenhage in their match on the day.  

The teams: 

Grey High School vs. Diocesan College (Bishops) at 16:10:

Grey PE: 15 Keanu Vers, 14 Mohamed Connelly, 13 Josiah Twum-Boafo, 12 Sihle Njezulu, 11 Nathan Brown, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Stanley Davenport, 8 Kwezi Mafu, 7 Michael de Marco (captain), 6 Liam Blake-Taylor, 5 Kamva Dilima, 4 Joe Rooyakkers, 3 Dylan Barends, 2 Aphiwe Febana, 1 Tiaan Coetzee. Replacements: 16 Sive Masosiwe, 17 Anton Mostert, 18 Connor Boys, 19 Jason Haggard, 20 Matthew Lawson, 21 Anavuyo Moyikwa, 22 Lubabalo Dobela, 23 Fred Sematimba. 

Bishops: 15 Tristan Leyds, 14 Lubelo Scott, 13 Seb Hanekom, 12 Cornel Smit, 11 André Manuel, 10 James MacDonald, 9 Harry Makin, 8 Francois Stassen, 7 Brandon Salomo, 6 Joel Paarwater, 5 Jarryd Lurie, 4 Connor Osborne, 3 JP Smith, 2 Gregory Willcocks, 1 William Day. Replacements: 16 Luciano da Graca, 17 Keanan Alexander, 18 Liam Blackstock, 19 Nicholas Frankenfeld, 20 Siya Qamgwana, 21 Ross Church, 22 Avelo Biko. 

Graeme College vs. Dale College at 15:00: 

Graeme College: 15 Yiva Ndwandwa, 14 Ciko Ngodwane, 13 Simbulele Sizani, 12 Mokete Lesero, 11 Azizipho Mngcongo, 10 Justice Tyatya, 9 Curt Williams, 8 Uzuquqambe Nyanda, 7 Ntsika Ndungane, 6 Ethan September, 5 Heino Gaiser (captain), 4 Luyolo Tshongweni, 3 Mihlali Majola, 2 Christopher Bezuidenhout, 1 Odwa Mzwali. Replacements: 16 Siviwe Moyeni, 17 Vaughan Muir, 18 Keagan Fischer, 19 CJ Osode, 20 Damien Hilpert, 21 Luthando Mphehlo. 

Dale College: 15 Godknows Mavara, 14 Butu Zata, 13 Jonathan Booysen, 12 Siyamthanda Mgubo (captain), 11 Luyolo Khuse, 10 Courtney Winnaar, 9 Siphe Renene, 8 Ronald Jiri, 7 Siyanda Am, 6 Zukhanye Roji, 5 Kwanda Dimaza, 4 Solomon Makhubelo, 3 Reezwan Shahadat, 2 Bubele Gongqa, 1 Thabiso Maziza. Replacements: 16 Hennie Otto, 17 Luvo Bazi, 18 Cinga Moni, 19 Sihle Diniso, 20 Oratile Mabusela, 21 Siphosethu Dlonggodlongo, 22 Sibulele Mbana, 23 Bamanye Xenxe. 

St. Andrew’s College vs. Nico Malan at 13:50: 

St. Andrew’s College: 15 Ross Ferguson, 14 Grant Dixie, 13 Tom Lane, 12 Angus Cook, 11 Xolile Ndlokovana, 10 Anthony Dakin, 9 Luke Alexander, 8 Malcolm Pringle, 7 Seb Mulders, 6 Baron Boateng-Aidoo, 5 Daniel Tiffen, 4 Chris Sherratt, 3 Sazi Sandi, 2 Harry Turner, 1 Aidan Stoll. Replacements: 16 Oscar Hobson, 17 Sam Vrhovec, 18 Frank Norval, 19 Doug Ramsden, 20 Murray Long, 21 Matt More, 22 Damon Evans. 

Nico Malan: 15 Peet Steenkamp, 14 Romario McCarthy, 13 Rushane Murray, 12 Jossie Nieuwoudt, 11 Aljoran Didloft, 10 Bendre Jonck, 9 Dian Hartzenberg, 8 Dirk Staats (captain), 7 Pieter Steyl Swanepoel, 6 Carlo du Toit, 5 Johan Viljoen, 4 Francois Cilliers, 3 Peet Swiegers, 2 Billa Uys, 1 Etienne Janeke. Replacements: 16 Daniel Maree, 17 Zandre Hurter, 18 Armandt Pretorius, 19 Manie du Toit, 20 Fildre Swarts, 21 Dean Africa, 22 Hernico Helm, 23 Siseko Miggels. 

Kingswood College vs. Marlow Landbou at 12:40: 

Kingswood College: 15 Athenkosi Halom, 14 Lutho Nomoyi, 13 Joshua Shelley (captain), 12 Sibabalwe Mzanywa, 11 Ezra Meyer, 10 Garrick Mattheus, 9 Mark Webber, 8 Ryan Victor, 7 Nicholas Schenck, 6 Jeffrey Theron, 5 Lubambo Sibam, 4 Jason Lizamore, 3 Ewan Pieterse, 2 JP Barkhuizen, 1 Michael van Breda. Replacements: 16 Thembi Mangwana, 17 Lindi Nongwana, 18 Allen Losaba, 19 Jimmy Sholto-Douglas, 20 Harry Robinson, 21 Shane Potgieter, 22 Matthew Takeloo.

Marlow Landbou: 15 Armand van den Heever, 14 Charl du Plessis, 13 Stephan Botes, 12 André Kritzinger, 11 Tinus Ferreira, 10 Gerhard Potgieter, 9 Xander Stötter, 8 Renier Pretorius, 7 Günther Pretorius, 6 Herman du Plessis, 5 Herman Greeff, 4 Janse Roux, 3 NJ Oosthuizen, 2 Arno le Roux, 1 Paul du Randt. Replacements: 16 Jandré Bezuidenhout, 17 Wihan Ferreira, 18 Stefan Mentz, 19 Kobus Lategan, 20 Jac van der Walt, 21 Ruan Pretorius, 22 Enrico Saptoe. 

Selborne College vs. Die Brandwag (Uitenhage) at 11:30: 

Selborne College: 15 Michael Botha, 14 Tristian Coetzer, 13 Andile Koyana, 12 David Brits, 11 Thakga Boloko, 10 Morgan Steyn, 9 Joshua Allderman, 8 Lutho Selem, 7 Darren Lemmer, 6 Heinrich Nieuwenhuizen, 5 Hein Rust, 4 Danie Froneman, 3 Daniel Voigt, 2 Grant Venter, 1 Cole van Tonder. Replacements: 16 Connor Deary, 17 Leon Lyons, 18 Phumzile Maqondwana, 19 Matthew Aucamp, 20 James Bruce, 21 Joshua Armstrong, 22 Sango Xamlashe.  

Die Brandwag (Uitenhage): 15 Michael Venter, 14 Davian Swanepoel, 13 Keith Plaatjies, 12 Henco Pieterse, 11 Darron Ruiters, 10 Malan Olivier, 9 Brandon O’Neill, 8 Stefan Janse van Vuuren (captain), 7 Braam Weyer, 6 Hein Janse van Rensburg, 5 Donovan Stevens, 4 Frank Fourie, 3 Darron de Witt, 2 John-James Moolman, 1 Travis Williams. Replacements: 16 Franco Saayman, 17 Ryan Moore, 18 Adriaan Fourie, 19 Shedrick Latola, 20 Christian Berry, 21 Franco du Toit, 22 Levert Pieterse. 

Queen’s College vs. Pearson at 10:20: 

Queen’s College: 15 Bulela Sotyelelwa, 14 Olwethu Foslag, 13 Frank van Heerden, 12 Juan du Randt, 11 Yaw Penxe, 10 Albré Wagener, 9 Ragen Oranje, 8 Pumelele Daweti, 7 Johan van Heerden, 6 Justin Kuyler, 5 Dean Mommsen, 4 Tristan Waller, 3 Qhawe Bula, 2 Gareth Heidtmann, 1 Simphiwe Matanzima. Replacements: 16 Lukona Masoka, 18 Dale Venske, 19 Lisolomzi Ntwanambi, 20 Cameron Cato, 21 Siyamthanda Jwacu, 22 Mvuyo Tshefuta, 23 Mihlali Peter, 24 Asithandile Mrubata. 

Pearson: 15 Duwayne Baartman, 14 Robert van Onselen, 13 Jade de Koning, 12 Emile du Plessis, 11 Kyle Scott, 10 Devon Groom, 9 Litha Jinikwe, 8 Temba Boltina, 7 Gorgha Adonisi, 6 Herman Dorfling, 5 Tristan Brown, 4 Xolisa Matshoba, 3 Francois Burden, 2 Marais Ellis, 1 Luthando Fini. Replacements: 16 Caleb Schoonraad, 17 Connell Probert, 18 Jonathan Weyers, 19 AN Other, 20 CJ Jooste, 21 Jason Ellis, 22 Ivan Joubert.  

Muir College vs. Hudson Park at 09:10: 

Muir College: 15 José van Rooyen, 14 Royden Monaisa, 13 Luphelo Miggels, 12 Lunathi Nxele (captain), 11 Sicelo Tole, 10 Yomelela Keswa, 9 Lukhanyo Mkoko, 8 Mihlali Mosi, 7 Siphele Latola, 6 Bulelani Mangaca, 5 Siyoliso Plaatjie, 4 Ancel Velkers, 3 Liyabonga Masango, 2 Senkosi Ncapayi, 1 Joel Simon. Replacements: 16 Lutho Gaba, 17 Lwando Zinto, 18 Thabiso Napote, 19 Nsika Fisanti, 20 Caleb Daniels, 21 Mihlali Mawanda, 22 Joseph Africa, 23 Liam Human, 24 DEnver Wannies. 

Hudson Park: 15 Keenan Mandean, 14 Sirra Ntsibantu, 13 Oyisa Hackula, 12 Khanya Mgebisa, 11 Siba Mbinda, 10 Hlumelo Mnyute, 9 Lwazi Mnyute, 8 Shane Weweje, 7 Amahle Salman, 6 Lazola Nunwana, 5 Wade Rogers, 4 Troy Opperman, 3 Mbasa Magagamela, 2 Zipho Hena (captain), 1 Alalutho Tshakweni. Replacements: 16 Bongi Janda, 17 Lelethu Bameni, 18 Reuben Vos, 19 Keanan Purcell, 20 Lonwabo Hanisi, 21 Mihlali Boqwana, 22 Ndi Soboyisi, 23 Danille Naidoo. 

Union High School vs. Cambridge at 08:00: 

Union HS: 15 S. Khebame, 14 K. Ansa, 13 C. Chutu, 12 K. Thsuni, 11 L. Mbinda, 10 J. Crankshaw, 9 L. de Beer, 8 K. Cilliers, 7 P. Nell, 6 S. Kroon, 5 J. van der Merwe, 4 S. Mtebele, 3 B. Wellman, 2 B. Ziya, 1 M. Dry. Replacements: 16 D. Rubidge, 17 Q. Naudé, 18 A. Mki, 19 K. Ralewe, 20 L. Makinanan. 

Cambridge: 15 Lihle Nyondo, 14 Siyosile Nyesile, 13 Milasakhe Qabaka, 12 Ndiphiwe Zingani, 11 Lutho Magopeni, 10 Sandile Mantantana (captain), 9 Siphosethu Mazantsana, 8 Cwenga Cenge, 7 Lux Sofute, 6 Pumezo Kanzi, 5 Sive Bishoti, 4 Bheki Qaba, 3 Siphamandla Mbusi, 2 Siyambonga Konzani, 1 Jean Grieb. Replacements: 16 Avile Thiso, 17 Likho Tinise, 18 Chase Zimmerman, 19 Aphiwe Damane, 20 Nathan Dickerson, 21 Apiwe Fuzile, 22 Camagu Zixesha. 

Port Alfred vs. Nathaniel Nyaluza Secondary at 10:15 on the Marais Field: 

Port Alfred: 15 Siyanda Dabula, 14 Siphosethu Bavuma, 13 Silindo Ndike, 12 Athandwa Ncamiso, 11 Sinokhanyo Johannes, 10 Zenovan Denston, 9 Nakane Mpambani, 8 Siba Tyabazayo, 7 Devon Ruiters, 6 Gareth Botha, 5 Simnikiwe Mbinza, 4 Jamie Legg, 3 Sonwabile Magawu, 2 Chris Fourie, 1 Wade Lax. Replacements: 16 Josh Ehrke, 17 Siviwe Mxuma, 18 Sigqibo Memani, 19 Preston Jacobs, 20 Luyolo September, 21 Athenkosi Hani, 22 Falakhe Budaza.  

Nathaniel Nyaluza: 15 K Botha, 14 S Nxuzula, 13 S Nxawe, 12 D Stayi, 11 A Joja, 10 L Hulu, 9 A Ngapi, 8 A Gagayi, 7 L Singata (captain), 6 S Mgudu, 5 S Njokweni, 4 S Ntlokwana, 3 X Cronjé, 2 S Ndlakuse, 1 S Ntlokwana. Replacements: 16 L Qolohle, 17 L Lugodlo, 18 A Sulo, 19 S Maguma, 20 A Rabeshu, 21 N Dayimani, 22 M Ndzena, 23 S Mapapu.  

Dis Affies se 34ste wen oor die Johannesburgers sedert die twee spanne die eerste keer in 1927 kragte gemeet het. Helpmekaar kon in die verlede 18 keer as oorwinnars uittree. In 2014 het dié twee skole die eerste keer sedert 1998 teen mekaar gespeel en vanjaar was die 57ste kragmeting.Die Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies) het sy rugbyseisoen op ’n positiewe noot afgeskop met ’n oortuigende sege oor Helpmekaar Kollege. Die Pretorianers het 24-0 in Johannesburg gewen.

 

Affies het vier drieë gedruk terwyl die Wit Bulle se rotsvaste verdediging gekeer het dat Helpmekaar enige punte aanteken.

Helpies het ’n duidelike taktiek geïmplimenteer om die wedstryd stadig te maak. Affies moes 10 minute op die veld rondstaan terwyl Helpmekaar se span nêrens te sien was nie. Die wedstryd het byna 15 minute laat afgeskop.

Helpmekaar het eerste geleentheid gekry om punte aan te teken deur twee strafdoelpogings, maar die losskakel, Justin Taylor, se radar was onakkuraat.

Die manne van oorkant Loftus het met tipiese Affie-en Blou Bul-rugby Helpies ore aan gesit. Die Affie-skrum lyk na ’n gedugte eenheid met lof wat aan Jano Espag, die stut en Eduan Lubbe, die kaptein en vlank, moet gaan. Agterlanks het Affies se skrumskakel, Jack Hart sy agterlyn van goeie bal voorsien met veral Louritz van der Schyff, die buitesenter, wat gevaarlik gelyk het.

Affies se eerste drie het het vanaf ’n dryfmaal gekom toe Phillip Krause oorgeduik het. DIe telling was 5-0 na die doelskop mis was.

Kort voor rustyd het Affies se agterlyn Helpies bont laat staan en Christiaan Strydom, die linkervleuel het in die hoek oorgeduik om aan sy span ’n halftyd voorsprong van 10-0 te gee.

Helpmekaar se heelagter, Chuinier van Rooyen, het met sy vaart en systappe gereeld die verdediging bedreig, maar is tog in toom gehou.

Van der Schyff het na ’n aanskoulike agterlynbeweging oorgeduik. Ruan de Swardt, Affie-losskakel het verdoel om Affies se voorsprong 17-0 te maak.

Die frustrasie het op Helpmekaar se gesigte gewys en swak dissipline was ’n deurlopende kenmerk van dié span. Die skeidregter moes gereeld met Helpies oor hul humeur praat. Die praatwerk was egter laat in die tweede helfde iets van die verlede en, Helpies se plaasvervanger stut, is koelkas toe gestuur.

Affies het die voordeel onmiddelik uitgebuit en die bieliestut, Neill Bezuidenhout het onder die pale gaan kuier om Affies ’n 24-0 voorsprong te geen nadat De Swardt verdoel het.

Ten spyte van die groot oorwinning kon die telling waarskynlik nog groter gewees het indien Affies se hanteerwerk beter was.

In die ander wedstryde was dit egter nie ’n eensydige affêre nie met Helpmekaar wat die 0/14A (12-5) en o/16A (20-17) kragmetings gewen het. Affies se o/15A span het 66-0 gewen met die tweede span wat 47-5 gewen het.

Affies reis die naweek na Stellenbosch toe waar hulle die eer toegedoen is om ’n gedugte span van Paul Roos Gimnasium in die hoofwedstryd van dié se 150ste bestaansjaarvieringe aan te durf.

Helpmekaar speel 2 April teen Michaelhouse.

Puntemakers:

Affies 24 (10) – Drieë: Phillip Krause, Christiaan Strydom, Louritz van der Schyff, Neill Bezuidenhout. Doelskoppe: Ruan de Swardt (2). Helpmekaar 0 (0). 

 

 

Kearsney hosted Hilton on a hot and humid Saturday afternoon on Botha’s Hill. From the kick-off Hilton made their intentions clear with motivated defence but unfortunately quickly conceded a penalty with over eagerness at the second ruck of the match. James Tedder converted for an early 3-0 lead by the hosts.

Soon after kick-off Hilton was awarded a scrum just inside the Kearsney 22m. The inside centre ran a direct line from the fly half and when stopped by the second line of defence passed to the supporting blind side wing for a converted try and a 7 – 3 lead. Both place kickers added another penalty during the next five minutes of play for a 10 – 6 lead to the visitors.

Kearsney misfielded a kick-off and from the ensuing lineout got the calls mixed up. Numerous pick and go opportunities followed and eventually Hilton’s scrum half Dahl dived over for a converted try.

From the kick-off Kearsney applied a lot of pressure and attacked through a number of phases until a tackle dislodged the ball. Hilton attacked when Kearsney fullback Mitchell Nesbit did some powerful work in the tackle and breakdown, which forced a Hilton error and penalty. Hooker Joshua van Vuuren responded with a quick tap to score; which Tedder converted.

The last 10 minutes of the first half saw some missed opportunities for both teams but certainly provided excitement. The half-time score was 17 – 13 in favour of the visitors.

The second half saw Kearsney playing a more territorial game which proved valuable and soon led to their first of three tries in the second half. Outside centre Matthew Watts scored in the left hand corner after seven phases of attack which originated from a centre scrum. Tedder, Tristan Dixon and Nesbit were prominent and the inter-play between forwards and backs was impressive. Tedder converted and Kearsney took the lead at 20 – 17.

Five minutes later Kearsney was awarded a lineout on their 10m line and managed a 26m driving maul for Tedder to break blind and score a very impressive try, which he converted as well. Shortly afterwards Kearsney won a scrum ball but was robbed of possession from good pressure play in which Dahl featured strongly. Hilton set up a driving lineout where Kearsney was penalised.

Hilton charged at the line and eventually the replacement fly-half burst through a tackle to score an unconverted try. The score was very close at 27 – 22.

Kearsney kicked deep and Hilton, with no other option but to run it from deep, threw a long pass which centre Watts intercepted. Tedder converted taking the final score to 34 – 22 in favour of the hosts.

Outstanding players for Kearsney were James Tedder, Tristan Dixon, Joshua van Vuuren and Matthew Watts.