IT has been another season of notable achievements for the Durban High School first rugby team.

DHS first XV head coach and head of rugby Scott Mathie looks back:

“The DHS first XV broke through many barriers this year, achieving and breaking several records which have instilled immense pride once again into all those who follow and support DHS Rugby.

Feature image: A happy team. The 2018 Durban High School first XV.

Easter Rugby Festival

“The first XV was unbeaten at the Standard Bank Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival, winning their games against Selborne College, Queen’s College and Dale College.

“This is the first time since 1995 that a DHS first XV were unbeaten at an Easter rugby festival, and only the second DHS first XV to do so. They are also the first DHS first XV to beat Selborne since 1996.”

The team behind the team: The DHS first XV coaching and management staff, with Scott Mathie on the right.

Domestic Season

“The first XV were unbeaten at home this season, which makes it the first time since 2003 that a DHS first XV was unbeaten at home.

“The 60-10 victory over Westville was the first time that a DHS first XV scored 60 points against Westville; this also resulted in the greatest winning margin (50 points) since the two schools started playing against one another.

“The ‘Double’ was achieved over Westville this year; the last time back-to-back victories were achieved against Westville was in the 2002 and 2003 seasons.

“The 50-27 victory over Northwood was the first time a DHS first XV scored 50 points on Northwood’s main field.

“2017 was the first time a DHS first XV scored more than 40 points against Maritzburg College, and this was achieved on Goldstone’s. In 2018 it was another win for DHS and on this occasion it was the first time that a DHS first XV scored more than 40 points on Van Heerden’s against a College first XV. Although we no longer play College twice a year, this year’s victory ensured the first back-to-back victories against College since 1999.

THE 2018 DHS FIRST XV

1 Marcel Nel, 2 Stoney Stenekamp, 3Toks Gumede, 4 Taariq Kruger, 5 Avumile Bongco, 6 Asande Mnguni, 7 Adrian Dirks, Celimpilo Gumede (capt), 9 Jaydian Cedares, 10 Shakur La Douce, 11 Lwazi Moletse, 12 Lwandile Menze, 13 Macneil Jenner, 14 Malusi Ntuli, 15 Darren Booysen, 16 Donovan Adams, 17 Setjhaba Mathuse, 18 Ulrich Brown, 19 Sfundo Mkwanazi

New friendships made: The DHS first XV after their last match – against the UK’s Woohouse Grove School, a nail-biter 12-9 win under floodlights on Van Heerden’s – the Home of DHS Rugby.

“The 41-34 win over Kearsney College was the first time that a DHS first XV scored over 40 points against Kearsney. The victories over Kearsney in 2017 and 2018 make it the first back-to-back victories against Kearsney since the 1999 and 2000 seasons.

“The two victories over Michaelhouse in 2017 and 2018 also ensured the first back-to-back victories since 2010 and 2011.

“School is tremendously proud of all the boys, coaches and staff involved in the success of the first XV this year.

“Thank you to Lyle Matthysen who took the time to dig in School’s archives to secure and confirm all the results and information that was needed for this report.”

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KZN10.com says, “Good on you, School, and may your rugby continue to grow.”

To find out more about Durban High School go to  http://www.durbanhighschool.co.za/