Kingswood rallies with brilliant second half to sink Randburg
A dominant second-half surge from Kingswood College saw them cruise to a 41–21 victory over Hoërskool Randburg in the opening fixture of the 28th Standard Bank St John’s College Easter Festival, in Johannesburg, on Thursday.
Relive all the action on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com)
The side from Makhanda found their rhythm following a series of substitutions in the second half, which led to them scoring 34 points after the break.
Left-wing, James Mackenzie – the twin brother of Kingswood’s dynamic number eight, Josh Mackenzie – made an immediate impact, scoring moments after entering the field.
He crossed the line again later in the match, becoming the first of three players to score a brace in Kingswood’s emphatic win. Outside centre, Likhona Kepe, who was outstanding in the midfield, was rewarded with two tries of his own, while the other wing, Kungawo Badli, showcased his blistering pace out wide and contributed a third two-try haul for the Eastern Cape outfit.
Despite the loss, Randburg impressed in their maiden appearance at the prestigious festival. Flyhalf, Jayden Todd, was a standout performer in the 10 jersey. His attacking flair and sharp decision-making helped Randburg claim a 14–7 lead at half-time.
A powerful display from number eight, Curwin Hill, proved equally influential. His relentless work rate and physical presence kept the Kingswood defence under pressure for much of the match.
The clash between Graeme College and Hoërskool Voortrekker, of Bethlehem, was defined by resolute defence from both teams, with neither side able to score in the second half. Openside flanker, Wian Muller, and his captain, blindside flanker, Jayden de Jesus, set the defensive tone and led from the front for Voortrekker.
However, Graeme College’s ability to capitalise in key moments gave them the edge. Outside centre, Karabo Ralethohlane, led the way as he and the rest of the backline made effective use of the territory earned by their forwards. The number 13, along with full-back Lucritia Magau, kept the Voortrekker defence on its toes with their incisive attacking runs.
Maritzburg College’s full-back, Caleb Scheepers, crossed for two tries as the Pietermaritzburg school cruised to a 43–0 victory over the Golden Lions XV. As is the tradition, the invitational side comprised standout players from smaller schools across the union.
College played with flair and fluidity and delivered what was arguably, until that point, the most entertaining attacking rugby of the tournament’s opening day.
SCORERS
Kingswood College 41 (7) – Tries: James Mackenzie (2), Likhona Kepe (2), Kungawo Badli (2), Imbusiwe Matshoba. Conversions Praise Matsila (2), Hames McHamon. Hoërskool Randburg 21 (14) – Tries: Jayden Oosthuizen, Jayden Todd, Curwin Hill. Conversions: Jaydon Todd (3).
Graeme College 21 (21) – Tries: Lucritia Magau, Karabo Ralethohlane, Inathi Planga. Conversions: Alden Walters (3). Voortrekker 10 (10) – Try: Atitila Ozturk. Conversion: Nolen du Plooy. Penalty: Du Plooy.
Maritzburg College 43 (31) – Tries: Caleb Scheepers (2), Wasi Vyambwera, Alande Ngubane, Adam Cahill, David Colenbrander, Theo Boshoff. Conversions: Dom du Toit (4), Chahill. Golden Lions XV 0.
