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Easter Rugby Festival 2026. Day one, match four. Kearsney College vs Hoërskool Rustenburg.
A thunderous roar welcomed the home side, Kearsney College, as they opened Thursday’s fourth clash of the Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival on Stott Field against Hoërskool Rustenburg.
From the kick-off, the One-Stripe surged deep into Rusties’ territory, earning an early penalty inside the 22. Rustenburg survived the initial threat, but Kearsney dominated the territorial battle. When Rustenburg finally broke out, Kearsney struck back with ruthless precision: captain and 8th-man Nhlanhla Ndlovu cut inside after a sweeping move down the left and raced clear for the opening try within five minutes. Daniel Miskey added the extras for a 7–0 lead.
Rustenburg responded with grit, pinning Kearsney back and eventually capitalizing through hooker Dandré Graham, who powered over in the 17th minute. Flyhalf Aldin Baaitjies converted to level matters at 7–7. For a spell, the contest was fought evenly in midfield until a missed long-range penalty gave Kearsney a reprieve.
With eight minutes left in the half, momentum swung decisively. A loose Rustenburg clearance was punished as Ndlovu broke tackles and created a three-man overlap, gifting wing Lwandle Mkhize a simple finish. Soon after, Kearsney turned defense into attack again: right-wing Luke Grobbelaar sparked a counter, linking with Oliver Ludwig and Fynn Verbaan, who crossed for a superb team try. Miskey converted both for 19–7. Grobbelaar then struck again with an interception try on the stroke of halftime, stretching the lead to 26–7.
Two minutes into the second half, Mkhize dazzled with sidesteps to complete his brace after combining with fullback Lwazi Mbebe and skipper Ndlovu. Kearsney’s slick offloads and support play tore Rustenburg’s defense apart. Replacement hooker Mcebisi Zulu soon joined the party, pouncing on a misfired Rustenburg lineout to score the sixth try.
Though Rustenburg fought back with possession, their persistence yielded only a late try from Wicus Arnold, converted by Baaitjies, narrowing the gap to 36–14. But Kearsney had the final say: Sibusiso Khuzwayo snatched a spilled ball and sprinted clear for the seventh try. Miskey’s fourth conversion sealed a commanding 43–14 victory.
Final Score
Kearsney College 43 (26)
- Tries: Lwandle Mkhize (2), Nhlanhla Ndlovu, Fynn Verbaan, Luke Grobbelaar, Mcebisi Zulu, Sibusiso Khuzwayo
- Conversions: Daniel Miskey (4)
Hoërskool Rustenburg 14 (7)
- Tries: Dandré Graham, Wicus Arnold
- Conversions: Aldin Baaitjies (2)
Read more outstanding school news here: https://schoolsthatrock.co.za/
Photos: Gabrielle Swanepoel
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