BOTHA’S HILL – As the early morning mist lifted over Kearsney College’s Stott Field on Saturday, it revealed a day of high-octane schoolboy rugby that lived up to every ounce of the festival’s storied reputation. Day two of the Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival (KERF) 2026 delivered everything from gritty Zimbabwean revenge to a clinical Blue-and-Gold masterclass.

Zwarries outlast Jansies in high-scoring shootout

In arguably the most entertaining match of the day, Hoërskool Zwartkop secured a hard-fought 41-32 victory over Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen. It was a game of wild momentum swings that saw the Pretoria side overcome early fatigue and a yellow card to clinch the win.

Zwartkop started like a house on fire with a Luan Wepener try in the first minute, but momentum shifted when scrumhalf Ruvan Burger was sent to the bin. EG Jansen took full advantage, with hooker Rayzandu van Wyngaard and centre Dian Botha powering over to give the “Jansies” a 20-14 halftime lead.

The second half belonged to the Zwartkop bench. The introduction of David van Jaarsveld and Tilon Baron galvanized the side. Despite a brace from EG Jansen’s Werner Breydenbach, Zwartkop’s clinical finishing – capped by a penalty try and a late Dian du Plooy score – saw them pull away.

DHS maintains perfect record at Botha’s Hill

Durban High School (DHS) continued their relentless form at KERF, dismantling Hoërskool Rustenburg 38-07. The “Horseflies” haven’t lost a match at this festival in three years, and they showed exactly why with a display of physical defense and clinical wide-channel play.

While Rustenburg showed plenty of “never-say-die” spirit, they struggled to breach the DHS line. After a cagey start, Sterling Padi opened the scoring, followed by a typical scrumhalf’s try from Hlomela Mbani.

The second half was a Cilermo Carolus show, as the fullback bagged a brace, while No. 8 Daniel Kazambo proved impossible to stop from close range. Rustenburg’s Wicus Arnold managed a consolation try, but the North West side eventually succumbed to the unrelenting pressure.

Peterhouse avenges 2025 defeat

The opening match of the day saw Zimbabwe’s Peterhouse Boys edge Milnerton High 29-23 in a “lung-busting thrill-fest.” For the boys from Marondera, it was sweet revenge after losing to the Capetonians in the previous year’s tournament.

Flyhalf Victor Watama was the architect of the victory, slicing through the defense for a try and adding three crucial penalties. While Milnerton’s Chadlin Sellidon kept his side in the hunt with accurate place-kicking, two tries from Zviko Matipano in the second half ensured the Zimbabweans stayed in front.

Festival news and logistics

The action is not limited to the 1st XV squads. The festival also features four U16 girls’ teams and 12 primary school teams competing on the adjacent Roberts Field.

• Tickets: R50 per person (available via Quicket or at the gate). Children under six enter free.
• Amenities: A dedicated KidZone, multiple food outlets, and a refreshment tent are available for spectators.
• Live stream: For those who cannot make it to Botha’s Hill, all matches are live-streamed on the SuperSport Schools app and website.

Next Up: The final day of the festival kicks off on Monday April 6, featuring a mouth-watering closing clash between hosts Kearsney College and Hoërskool Zwartkop.