Durban High School (DHS) enjoyed a successful rugby season, having remained undefeated at home all season, and losing only two games. This has led them to be the number-one ranked school in KwaZulu-Natal.
The Blue Typhoon first XV lost only two games all season to Western Cape heavyweights Paarl Boys’ High School and Rondebosch. Outgoing rugby captain, centre and matric pupil Duncan Basson said they had a tough start to the season, but eventually found their way after initially struggling to find one another as a team.
He said the team went on a camp, which included team building and sessions to help them understand each other, buy into a goal and form a special bond. From there, they went on to be unbeaten at the Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival as well end up as number one in KZN.
“I will always remember the build-up to big games. How hard we trained and pushed each other on the field to be prepared for Saturday’s match.
“The satisfying joy of executing a certain move we had trained the whole week in a match to perfection is a feeling I won’t forget. I will miss putting everything on the line for the brother next to me and winning the battle at the end.
“Lastly, I will miss the support we receive from our school, old boys and supporters,” Basson said.
Head coach Peter Engledow said he emphasised teamwork at the beginning of the season as he knew that the side was individually talented. He knew the issue was to get them to play for each other.
“The group came together and after the Rondebosch game, we went on a camp to review ourselves and that was the change required heading into the season,” Engledow said.
He said that was a personal highlight for him as a coach. He said he didn’t feel any lows through the season as the season was about learning, development and making sure we grow together as a group.
Engledow concluded by saying that they looked forward to their final game against Jeppe Boys and then will continue to create ways to further the rugby programme.
This season, DHS’s first XV have remained undefeated at home following victories against Westville Boys, KZN Development and Michaelhouse.
This accompanied away victories at the Wildeklawer Festival – where they won all games; St Charles and a famous victory against Maritzburg College at Goldstones.
They drew against Northwood in an away game earlier this season before winning 18-11 in their home fixture.
DHS was highly represented during the recent u18 Craven Week – where they had nine representatives. At its conclusion, Mahle Sithole was selected for SA Schools while Zingce Simka and Akahlulwa Boqwana made the SA Schools A.
Their remaining game is Jeppe Boys’ High School at home.
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