Kearsney College welcomed a high-flying Maritzburg College side to Bota’s Hill for their Founders Day Rugby Fixture. The large crowd was treated to a thrilling, fiercely contested encounter.
Maritzburg College struck first in the 7th minute, building momentum from a solid scrum. The team worked patiently through phases and exploited space out wide for a converted try and an early 7–0 lead.
Kearsney responded swiftly. In the 12th minute, Keanu Williamson linked beautifully with Lwazi Mbebe to release Luke Grobbelaar. Grobbelaar produced a deft chip over the last defender, regathered superbly, and dotted down for a brilliant Founders Day Rugby Fixture try to narrow the gap to 7–5.
Momentum swung further in Kearsney’s favour just three minutes later. Slick counter-attacking play involving Daniel Miskey and Mbebe created space for captain Nhlanhla Ndlovu. He showed dazzling footwork before racing clear to score. Kearsney moved into a 10–7 lead.
Tense arm wrestle
The remainder of the half was a tense arm wrestle, with both sides enjoying territory and possession. As halftime approached, Williamson carved through the defence with a decisive line break, and Ndlovu powered over from close range for his second try. Kearsney deservedly led 17–10 at the break.
Maritzburg College emerged from halftime with renewed intensity, dominating possession and territory. Their pressure told as they crossed for two tries in the opening 10 minutes, capitalising on Kearsney errors to reclaim the lead at 21–17.
Kearsney hit back in the 53rd minute. Crisp handling and sharp short passing created space for Williamson, whose perfectly timed pass sent Lwandle Mkhize flying down the touchline. Mkhize showed blistering pace to finish in the corner, restoring Kearsney’s lead at 22–21 with 15 minutes remaining.
The advantage was short-lived. From the kickoff, College forced a breakdown penalty, which Du Toit slotted to edge his side back in front at 24–22.
Maritzburg’s founders day rugby fixture victory
Despite several promising late opportunities, Kearsney were unable to find the decisive score as College defended with grit and determination. The final whistle on this Founders Day Rugby Fixture confirmed a hard-fought 24–22 victory for Maritzburg College.
Although disappointed not to convert their late chances, Kearsney can take pride in a spirited performance against one of KwaZulu-Natal’s strongest sides. Both teams contributed to a memorable Founders Day spectacle, showcasing the very best of schoolboy rugby.
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