Durban High School made the trip up the road to the leafy suburbs to take on Westville Boys’ for the first encounter of this season’s double-header. It was to be a triumphant day for “School” as they ran in 9 tries to come away with a dominant 60-10 win, thus ensuring that the last two visits to Westville resulted in victories.
Although DHS ran away comfortable winners, they struggled to grab hold of the game early on as they conceded a litany of penalties that helped Westville break up any momentum they had created. However, DHS were able to draw first blood through a well-worked drive that saw DHS take the lead. Westville, however, were able to secure a try of their own after an overthrow of a lineout on the DHS 5m line saw an easy try gifted to Westville.
DHS stuttered through the first half, but were able to secure another try after some good carries by Nel and M Gumede, resulting in the latter crashing over after some good leg drive. The half drew to a close, but not before DHS added some more points on the board with Lock, Avumile Bongco, executing a well-timed pass to Nel who cantered up the field before passing to burly Flank, Stoney Stenekamp, who crashed over for the try. DHS led 20-5 at the break.
The “Horseflies” second half performance was a better one as they capitalised on the Westville turnovers. Some excellent interlink play led to Centre, Macneil Jenner, scampering over to add more woe to the Westville cause. Captain and Eighth man, Celimpilo Gumede, was also in excellent form as he added to his try tally from a pick and go from a 5m scrum close to the line. This was on top of his earlier effort after he collected a nicely timed offload before side stepping an opponent and galloping 30m to score in the corner.
Scrumhalf, Jaydian Cedares, was next to issue a killer blow, as he received a pass from C Gumede who in turn prospered from a bullocking run by Nel, ensuring a try for the diminutive 9. Cedares was in the action again shortly after as his well-timed kick was superbly chased by Wing, Malusi Ntuli, who raced around some Westville defenders to dot down in the corner. Finally, the rout was completed as Prop Gumede showed some soccer kills close to the try line to dot down and complete a memorable day for the Durban High School.
The victory was not the “Horseflies” most complete performance, but they showed glimpses of what is possible when their continuity game comes alive.
Scott Mathie
1st XV Rugby Coach
Head of Rugby
