Kearsney toppled St John’s 22-7 at the Independent Schools Rugby Festival, while there were also wins for Michaelhouse, Bishops and St Stithians.

Two minutes after kick-off, Kearsney opened their account with a try right next to the posts. Chaos broke out as the kicker for Kearsney didn't hear the whistle and a St John's boy charged down and hacked the ball off the kicking tee. When play got underway again, both teams pressed but it was Kearsney who found the gap for a second try. Their kicker converted this time, handing them a 12-0 half-time lead.

St John’s conceded a third touchdown early in the second stanza, before pulling one back themselves. But an intercept gave Kearsney their fourth and final try of the match.

Earlier in the day, Michaelhouse converted a last-gasp penalty to snatch a 24-23 victory over Kingswood, Bishops thrashed St Alban’s 49-5, St Stithians struggled past St Charles 13-7, St Benedicts battered Uplands 44-5, Clifton breezed past CBC Bulawayo 34-11, St Andrew’s despatched CBC Boksburg 48-0 and St David’s steamrolled Penryn 61-0.

Results:

Kearsney 22 St John’s 7
Michaelhouse 24 Kingswood 23
Bishops 49 St Alban’s 5
St Stithians 13 St Charles 7
St Benedicts 44 Uplands 5
Clifton 34 CBC Bulawayo 11
St Andrew’s 48 CBC Boksburg 0
St David’s 61 Penryn 0