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Easter Rugby Festival 2026. Day two, match two. Photo above: DHS try from utility back Richardt Kriel.
For the third year running, Durban High School (DHS) and Hoërskool Rustenburg clashed at the Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival (KERF), taking to Stott Field in Saturday’s second fixture. DHS, unbeaten in their previous two appearances, were determined to extend that streak in 2026.
Rusties made a strong start, keeping play tight and hammering away off the rucks, but DHS’s trademark physical defence held firm around midfield. Ten minutes in, DHS struck: after a sharp chip-and-chase from scrumhalf Hlomela Mbani, the ball was recycled wide and inside centre Sterling Padi sliced through for the opening try.
Backlines
Both backlines struggled to find space in a bruising first half, until DHS broke the deadlock on the stroke of halftime. Mbani, ever alert in support, finished off a sweeping move down the right touchline. Flyhalf Tanwil Onkers converted, giving DHS a 12–0 lead at the break.
From the restart, coach Peter Engledow’s men camped inside Rustenburg’s 22. Under pressure, Rusties attempted to run the ball out but were forced into a hurried kick. DHS capitalised immediately: winger Richard Gyamfi gathered and released fullback Cilermo Carolus, who finished in the corner. Onkers added the extras, stretching the lead to 19–0.
Rustenburg refused to fold. Their forwards, led by Dandré Graham and Dandré Graham, fought hard, and lock Wicus Arnold powered over near the uprights. Ricardo Enos converted to make it 19–7.
The response from DHS was relentless. Twice they were held up over the line, but No. 8 Daniel Kazambo eventually crashed over from midfield. Onkers converted, and soon after Carolus added his second try under the posts. With Onkers flawless from the tee, DHS surged further ahead.
In the dying moments, Richard Kriel dived over for DHS’s sixth try, sealing a 38–7 victory.
The scoreline echoed previous encounters—45–0 in 2024 and 41–7 in 2025—but Rustenburg’s spirited resistance made 38–7 feel harsh. Their never-say-die attitude earned respect, even as DHS’s relentless pressure proved decisive.
Final Score
Durban High School 38 (12)
- Tries: Cilermo Carolus (2), Sterling Padi, Hlomela Mbani, Daniel Kazambo, Richard Kriel
- Conversions: Tanwil Onkers (4)
Hoërskool Rustenburg 7 (0)
- Try: Wicus Arnold
- Conversion: Ricardo Enos
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