By Johnathan Paoli
Kingswood College’s first-team rugby side produced an all-round performance to defeat St Andrew’s College 29-10 in the highly anticipated K-Day derby, securing local bragging rights in one of South Africa’s most celebrated school sporting rivalries.
Playing on St Andrew’s Lower Field in Makhanda, Eastern Cape, on Saturday, heavy rain and a waterlogged surface shaped much of the day’s rugby, forcing teams to abandon expansive play and adapt to difficult conditions.
Kingswood seized control early in the match, scoring three unanswered tries in the opening 20 minutes.
The hosts mounted a spirited second-half comeback with two tries, but Kingswood’s composure and effective game management ensured they held on for victory.
On social media, Kingswood praised the efforts of its players and coaching staff.
“Congratulations to the Kingswood 1st XV and coaches on their KDAY victory against St Andrew’s College on Saturday. The boys played with immense heart to bring home the win 29-10. Thank you to our hosts St Andrew’s College for a great game,” the school posted.
The annual K-Day festival, which this year featured cultural and sporting competitions involving Kingswood College, St Andrew’s College, St Andrew’s Prep and DSG, is one of the highlights of the Eastern Cape schools calendar.
This year’s rugby programme also included fixtures involving Mzansi Rugby Academy and Isibane Selane Rugby Academy, adding to a packed day of schoolboy rugby in Makhanda.
Thousands of pupils, parents, old boys and supporters traditionally converge on the host venue, with the first-team rugby encounter serving as the main attraction.
Saturday’s result represented a significant turnaround from the previous edition of the derby and underlined Kingswood’s growing momentum during the latter stages of the 2026 season.
Coming into the fixture, Kingswood had shown encouraging form with convincing victories over Port Rex Technical High School, Brandwag High School and Westering High School.
St Andrew’s entered K-Day after a narrow 24-21 defeat to Selborne College and faced an uphill battle against a Kingswood outfit that had demonstrated an ability to punish opponents when given space.
St Andrew’s looked to fullback Will Stevens, flyhalf David Chorley and scrumhalf Ethan Hayes to guide the side, while James Badenhorst returned to the No 8 jersey in an effort to strengthen the forward effort.
Kingswood, meanwhile, relied on the leadership of captain Ross Thompson and the contributions of several experienced campaigners, including twins James and Josh Mackenzie, as they sought to secure victory.
The visitors ultimately rose to the occasion, producing a disciplined and energetic display that prevented St Andrew’s from building sustained momentum.
While the home side managed to cross for two second-half tries, they struggled to consistently break down the Kingswood defence or gain control of territory for extended periods.
Kingswood’s 29-point return reflected their ability to convert opportunities into scoreboard pressure, a factor that proved decisive as the match progressed.
The result will be especially satisfying for Kingswood after the disappointment of last year’s encounter, when victory slipped away in the closing moments.
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