Kearsney hosted Hilton in perfect conditions in a highly anticipated match between these long-standing rivals. Hilton started very well but the host's defence was outstanding and became a match winning feature.
Kearsney put the first points on the scoreboard with a long distance penalty from centre James Sutherland. The next 15 minutes were even, but Kearsney did manage to put some phases together with good interplay between backs and forwards. Eventually left winger Brendan Albertse found space out wide to dot down for Sutherland to convert for a handy 10 nil lead.
They soon had another opportunity but the ball got turned over very close to the try line. Sutherland converted another penalty after sustained pressure by the hosts. Hilton got themselves back into the match in the last five minutes of the half and left winger Fraser dived over just before the whistle. Fullback Schreuder converted for a halftime score of 13 – 7 to the hosts.
Kearsney started the second half with three substitutes due to injuries but dominated the first 10 minutes of the half only to be denied points with good breakdown skills by the Hilton loose forwards. The momentum then shifted to the visitors as they attacked relentlessly as they detected the home team’s disruptions due to their injuries.
The only points in the half came from a Hilton penalty to close the scores at 13 – 10 at the end. Kearsney defended like men possessed in what was a pressured last 15 minutes of the match.
It might be unfair to single out any star performers in a team effort from Kearsney but Richardson, Sutherland, Sangweni and Cherry were brilliant.