Kearsney Festival: Monnas stay unbeaten

Neither Selborne nor Monument, playing in the penultimate game of the festival, had lost a game and thus another mouth-watering contest was expected.

Selborne dominated territory for the first 10 minutes but David Coetzer missed a penalty for Selborne to go ahead. When Monument did get into the Selborne half, they had an opportunity to take a lead when awarded a penalty, but this also went wide.

Monument maintained pressure and a good line kick went out 5m from the Selborne line. The ruck that developed from the line-out saw Monument turn over possession and the ball was picked up by scrumhalf Tinus Combrink who darted over. Jonathan Viljoen made certain of the kick and Monument led 7-0.

Within the last minute before half-time Monnas hooker Morné Brandon went over, following a line-out set up by a good run down the touchline by Viljoen. The conversion was wide but the Krugersdorp team went into the drinks break leading 12-0.

Up until this game, Selborne had been dominant but now they had a massive half ahead of them. They would have to be the next side to score.

Ten minutes into the half, Coetzer was pinpoint from a penalty midfield, putting the ball out just short of the try-line. A rolling maul was set up from the line-out and hooker Mark Venter went over in the pile of bodies. Coetzer split the uprights with his conversion and Selborne were back in the game 7-12 behind.

Monument maintained their structures and used the ball to good effect. When the ball came back from a ruck it was moved down the line and fullback Dandré Prinsloo got over the corner after a determined run. This was very well converted by Viljoen to increase the lead to 19-7.

Selborne pressed and set up a penalty 20m out. From a succeeding ruck Coetzer broke, and passed inside to lock Stephan Nieuwenhuizen who went over. Coetzer uncharacteristically missed the easy conversion, leaving the score 19-12. It meant Monument had done enough to remain unbeaten at the festival.

Scorers:

For Selborne:

Tries: Mark Venter, Stephan Nieuwenhuizen

Con: David Coetzer

For Monument:

Tries: Morné Brandon, Tinus Combrink, Dandré Prinsloo

Cons: Jonathan Viljoen 2