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Easter Rugby Festival 2026. Day one, match 1: Helpmekaar Kollege vs Glenwood High
On a glorious autumn morning at Botha’s Hill, Helpmekaar Kollege opened the 2026 Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival in style, scoring the first points of the tournament within two minutes of play on the lush Stott field.
A sharp counterattack, sparked by fullback Xander van Niekerk, carried Helpies deep into Glenwood territory before they were bundled into touch. From the ensuing lineout pressure, Glenwood were forced to dot down behind their own try line. Moments later, inside center Ethan Lourens powered through with a direct run to score the festival’s opening try, converted by flyhalf Ethan Kruger.
Both sides battled slippery early-morning conditions, but Helpmekaar controlled territory and momentum. In the 10th minute, number 8 Ruan Bester capitalized on a turnover deep in Glenwood’s half, crashing over for a second try. Kruger again added the extras.
Helpies’ dominance continued when left wing Zuan Krige switched to the right flank, finding space out wide to score their third. Glenwood, trailing by 19 points, finally built pressure inside the Helpmekaar 22, but the Johannesburg side’s defense held firm at a five-meter scrum.
Just before halftime, Glenwood fullback Rosco Williams broke through and chipped ahead, only for an unfavorable bounce to deny him a try.
The second half remained a physical, error-strewn contest, with van Niekerk continuing to test Glenwood’s defense. Helpmekaar nearly added to their tally midway through, but Glenwood forced a turnover meters from their line. Eventually, sustained pressure told: in the 22nd minute, Shaye Lourens powered over from close range to make it 24–0.
With three minutes left, Glenwood finally broke its duck. After eight patient phases, outside center Cade Isaacs spotted a gap and crossed to give the Durban side a consolation try.
Final Score: Helpmekaar Kollege 24 – 5 Glenwood High
Scorers
Helpmekaar Kollege (24):
- Tries: Ethan Lourens, Ruan Bester, Zuan Krige, Shaye Lourens
- Conversions: Ethan Kruger (2)
Glenwood High (5):
- Try: Cade Isaacs
Read more exciting school news here: https://schoolsthatrock.co.za/
https://www.kearsney.com/college/
Photo supplied
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