St John’s First XV draws against KES for the first time since 2005
HOUGHTON – St John's College took on neighbouring school King Edward VII in 16 friendly rugby matches over the weekend.
An age-old schoolboy rivalry was reignited as St John’s College took on neighbour’s King Edward VII School at St John’s on 18 May.
KES travelled the short distance down the road to compete in 16 rugby fixtures in great spirit.
The St John’s blues fought hard in the first team game to hold off the mighty reds in a nerve-wracking 28-all stalemate. The last time St John’s first team won against KES was in 2004 with a last minute try by Scott Spedding who is now a professional player in France.
Before the match, both teams held a moment of silence for the late Norman McFarland, a legendary schoolmaster and coach who had significant ties with both schools. The moment also paid respect to the passing of the oldest St John’s College rugby captain Robert Rennie Bell who captained the blues in 1946.
In the early exchanges of the match, St John’s showed intent with KES defending well and gaining quick turnover in their half. KES led 14–7 at half-time.
The second half saw both teams continue to play at a fast pace and the scores were levelled after St John’s scored a converted try. KES were quick to reply and restore their seven-point lead. However, St John’s did not show any signs of giving in as they continued to use their elusive backs to get them out of danger zones. KES also continued to work hard with their forwards putting in a shift which was eventually rewarded with a converted try which saw them increase their lead to 28–14 with eight minutes remaining.
The Blues dug deep to claim their second try of the game, gifting the hosts a lifeline. This lifted the spirits of the home side who yearned for success against their long-time rivals. St John’s fly-half Bismarck Olivier had a moment of magic in the dying minutes of the game when he dashed past KES defenders to cross the try line and converted his own try for the draw.
The remaining 15 matches saw three wins for the hosts while KES claimed victory in 12 games.
Related articles:
Best of independent primary school rugby on display at Pridwin 7s Rugby Festival
https://www.citizen.co.za/rosebank-killarney-gazette/184497/not-just-about-rugby/
