Kingswood first team coach Gareth Shaw hailed Esona Mrwetyana after his two tries laid the foundation for a thrilling 29-24 win over Michaelhouse on Saturday at the Bishops Independent Schools Rugby Festival.
Kingswood first team coach Gareth Shaw hailed Esona Mrwetyana after his two tries laid the foundation for a thrilling 29-24 win over Michaelhouse on Saturday at the Bishops Independent Schools Rugby Festival.
The winger's tries were Kingswood's first of the game. The second came from a blistering run from inside his own half, which featured sheer speed and sidesteps.
Shaw paid tribute to Mrwetyana directly after the match, which was Kingswood's first of the festival
"He's come a long way, Esona. At the beginning of the season, he was fighting for a place. He actually lost it at one stage, came back, and he really has been one of the most improved players in the side," said the coach.
Despite Mrwetyana's magic, Kingswood fell 24-10 behind early in the second half before tries from Lebo Nkone; Ewan Pieters; and Siba Mzanywa bailed them out. Shaw admitted that his side had been rusty in the opening phases of the game
"This little holiday we've had, we haven't even got together for a practice since then – so you can see the guys are rusty again. We were just waiting for them to come right, and I'm glad they did," he said.
For Shaw, the fact that the comeback came against Michaelhouse made it particularly sweet.
"Two years ago at this same festival, we lost to them to a kick after the hooter again, so it was quite a lot of déjà vu there. Nice for us to do it the other way around this time."
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