2022 Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival Final Day, Monday 18 April Match 3  Hoërskool Monument 7 – 5 Durban High School (DHS)

 The much-awaited game between Monnas, arguably the top side at the festival, and KZN’s Durban High School who have impressed so far, started with DHS getting on the board in the first minute of the game. Wing Maurice Willemse sped down the right touchline to score in the corner for a 5-0 lead. Thereafter play moved up and down the field with defences holding to prevent either side from scoring. With just minutes before half time, left wing Kelvin van Wyk scored after good support play to even the score, but Monument went ahead 7-5 with the conversion by Tylor Sefoor.

Conditions changed early in the second half when the rain began falling, after a pleasant morning when the sun peeped through. But the drama was yet to come. The conditions made it very difficult for running rugby and play moved from maul to ruck to maul with no advantage to either side. Monument was reduced to 14 men in the last few minutes and DHS were pressing. Flyhalf Deano Boesak had two opportunities to put DHS in the lead with two penalties awarded.

The first was about 10 minutes from the end and was a little optimistic, with a heavy ball and 40m out. It failed to reach the posts. In the dying minutes he had a slightly easier kick, but was kicking into a breeze. It went wide to leave Monnas narrow 7-5 winners.

Point scorers

• Monument: Try Van Wyk; Conversion Sefoor
• DHS: Try Willemse

DHS flank Connor Carson

DHS’s Maurice Willemse

Monument’s Ceano Everson

All photos by TRACEY VAN DEN AARDWEG