Major upset on first day of Kearsney Easter Festival

A major upset ended Grey College’s 950 day unbeaten record which was broken on the first day of the Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival today (Thursday).

Played in front of record first day crowds in warm autumn weather, Paarl Gymnasium beat the Bloemfontein boys 45-29.

The victors played a high intensity game, converting all points that were available, to end
Grey’s incredible undefeated record. They were unbeaten during the 2010 and 2011 seasons, having last lost a game towards the end of 2009.

Paarl Gym was led from the front by captain and man of the match Handre Pollard who scored 25 points playing at number 10. These included the opening try, four conversions, three penalties and one drop goal.

Grey College remained calm and closed the gap to 29-31 mid-way through the second half, but gave in to the onslaught by Paarl Gym, as they scored two unanswered tries to finish the game.

Hosts Kearsney beat Selborne College from East London 10-5 in a scrappy opening game.

In a tightly contested next match, Affies from Pretoria beat EG Jansen from Boksburg 19-15.

Another tight encounter resulted in festival newcomers Westville Boys’ High beaten 10-11 by Dale College from King William’s Town.

In a high scoring game, Stellenbosch’s Paul Roos scored 43 points in their game against Queen’s College to win 43-20.

There is no play tomorrow (Good Friday). The big game to watch on Saturday will be Affies against Paarl Gym, which kicks off at 13h15.

The first game of the day is between Monument and Paul Roos, starting at 8.30am, followed by Dale and local powerhouse team Glenwood.

Another much anticipated clash sees Westville Boys’ take on Grey College at 11am.

The afternoon clashes are between Selborne and EG Jansen, before hosts Kearsney face Queen’s College in the final match of the day.