Kearsney captain Jono Deighton

At the start of the year Jono Deighton did not expect to be leading Kearsney out in two successive FNB Classic Clashes, having also captained his team against Maritzburg College last weekend.

Deighton had the captaincy thrust upon him when the original Kearsney skipper was struck down by injury at the start of the season and after a rocky start his side have started to hit their stride in the last few weeks - including last Saturday's 30-10 win over College.

Now, this weekend, he will lead his team out in yet another Classic Clash - at home this time and against Westville (kick-off 1pm).

"We got off to a bumpy start this year and took a while to get into the swing of things, but things have come together nicely, it is just a pity it didn't happen sooner," said Deighton.

The Kearnsey captain believes his side turned a corner when they got their priorities in order and started playing as a team, and the reward was an away victory over Glenwood which Deighton described as "the ultimate high".

Deighton, who is considering going to the Sharks Academy next year, is expecting College to do a lot of kicking to get their physical forward pack in the right areas on Saturday.

"College are always incredibly tough at home and the game will be televised as well which I suppose could put pressure on both sides," he said.

The burly loosehead prop - who is very well spoken, no doubt aiding his leadership - has not played at provincial age-group level, having missed Craven Week trials last year after being on tour with the Kearsney school choir.