KERF – Kearsney College vs HTS Drostdy

HTS Drostdy, playing for the first time at the Standard Bank Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival, certainly produced some good festival rugby with hard running backs and strong forwards to win the first game 45 – 17.

Playing in warm breezy conditions, it took a little time for Drostdy to settle down and a timely try by Kearsney fullback James Sutherland gave the hosts an early 5 – 0 lead.

Much of the play was in the centre of the field with early-season mistakes by both sides preventing either team from dominating. Defence patterns were sound and although Kearsney was making some good turnover, mistakes at vital times prevented possible points.

An attempted kick through while on attack was prevented and instead Drostdy centre, Christie Grobbelaar, toed the ball a number of times and beat the defence to dot down for a five pointer, converted by fullback, Cohen Jasper, putting the visitors in the lead with 7 – 5.

The game came alive in the last three minutes of the first half when Drostdy scored three times to take a commanding lead in what was an even match.

The first of this trio went to second-time scorer, Christie Grobbelaar. The second was when fullback Cohen Jasper joined the line and the third try was made by Keanu Mong.

From the kick-off, the Drostdy forwards won the ball and scrumhalf captain, Romeo Eksteen, broke through a tackle to score. It was converted by Cohen Jasper and had Drostdy ahead with 26-5.

The second half saw some brilliant rugby, initially by Kearsney who narrowed the gap to 17-26 by scoring two tries. The first was by Robbie Koenig. The second was made by eighth man, Dylan Richardson. This was converted by James Sutherland.

As in the first half, Drostdy got stronger towards the end and scored three tries in the last six minutes. Keanu Mong scored his second by rounding the defence. A brilliant conversion from the touchline by Cohen Jasper put them in the lead with 33 – 17.

Scrumhalf, Romeo Eksteen and flank, CJ van Rensburg, scored the final two tries which left the visitors as the convincing winners in an exciting opening festival game.

Point Scorers:
Kearsney:
Tries: James Sutherland, Rob Koenig and Dyland Richardson. Conversions: James Sutherland.
HTS Drostdy:
Tries: Christie Grobbelaar (2), Keanu Mong (2), Romeo Eksteen, CJ van Rensburg, Cohen Jasper. Conversions: Cohen Jasper (5).

All matches are being live-streamed. For links, visit www.kearsney.com