RUGBY REPORT – 22 APRIL 2023
In a nervy last couple minutes, Westville managed to hold on to their lead to beat Kearsney 34-29 in what was Westvilles’ first home game of the season.
Westville were stunned very early in the game when Kearsney scored an unconverted try to take a very early lead. The try came through a very strong maul from Kearsney. This would go on to be a theme of the game as Westville struggled to deal with the maul throughout the game.
Westville responded a few minutes later with an unconverted try of their own through Unathi Mlotshwa. They would follow this up with a penalty from Mlotshwa. Both teams would go on to huff and puff throughout the half but the scoreboard remained the same.
Westville couldn’t have asked for a better start to the half as crowd favorite Tshegofatso “Speedy” Ramaloko made an incredible counter attacking run to score under the poles a mere 30 seconds into the second half. This would go on to be Westvilles most dominant period of the game as they played some beautiful running rugby to go 29-12 up. Ryan Pistor raced away to score in the corner to extend the lead even further to 34-12.
Westville will be very disappointed with their last 12 or so minutes, as ill-discipline resulted in inside centre Likhona Finca getting a yellow card. Kearsney sensed that the momentum had shifted and piled on points to get to 34-29. The last few minutes became very nervy for Westville. Fortunately they were able to hold on and bag the win.
Overall it was a successful home coming for Westville. 18 games were played with Westville winning 10 of those. The u14A and 1st team groups now head to Gqeberha for the Grey rugby festival while the rest of the school have a bye this weekend.
