View the full photo collection on Flickr
Thursday 1 – Sunday 4 February 2024: A unique opportunity for some of our summer sports to compete in the Easter Cape saw our basketball U16A, cricket 1st, 2nd, and 3rd XI’s along with the U15A & B and U14A & B, travel with Wynberg water polo’s U19B and U15A to Gqeberha for a sporting derby weekend of note.
Our thanks to the hosts, Pearson High School for their fantastic U19B Water Polo Tournament, and Grey High School for their wonderful traditional hospitality hosting our players for one of the most memorable sporting derbies in recent years. 3 basketball matches, 14 cricket clashes, and what seemed to be unlimited water polo contests as our teams ploughed through the groups to add extra matches. A huge thanks to our Sports Directors, Teachers in Charge, Coaches, and our families for supporting this first-time ‘mini Grey Weekend’ tour. There’s no doubt our players benefited hugely from the event.
We record the reports with links to the match photo albums.
Basketball
Basketball U16As did the school proud and played an incredible three full matches in one day against the best of the Eastern Cape in a mini-festival hosted by Grey High. The first match against St Andrew’s College saw us take the lead and secure a 54 – 33 win. The boys were focused from the very first minute, maintaining a consistent scoring game throughout. The highlight of this match was the startling 19 points to the opponent’s zero in the third quarter. It was clear that we were sorely underestimated.
The second game against Kingswood College saw us once again take the lead and live up to that formidable title ‘the Berg Machine’! Despite being tired and playing in the zenith of the afternoon sun, the boys stayed locked in, communicated well as a team, and didn’t let the crowd’s jeers or the referee distract them from the team’s goal. Kingswood put up a good fight and despite the 32 – 13 win recorded, it was not an easy game.
The final match of the day lived up to its climactic ending. Playing our host school, Grey High, well known for their prowess on the court, would push our boys further than they ever imagined. The tension, facilitated by the heat which radiated from every corner of the court, and a massive crowd cheering for the home side, meant the boys needed to beat off exhaustion and find their spirit of Supera Moras. We held the lead for most of the game managing to keep Grey at a beatable distance but the final three minutes of the last quarter made all the difference. Grey served a worthy opponent and in a nail-biting finale after being tied with one minute to go, they scored the winning three point shot leaving us with a 23 – 25 loss.
The boys made us incredibly proud and deserve only praise. For a team that has never played more than one match in a day and have only had a few practices this year, they showed just how much Wynberg Men fight right up until the bitter end, being humble in their wins and gracious in defeat. All in all it was an incredibly successful tour, for these boys learnt more than just lessons on the court – they built character!
Juanita Wilson
TIC WBHS Basketball
Cricket
Wynberg Cricket took to the road on a seven-team cricket tour to Grey High in Gqeberha this past weekend. to be warmly welcomed by the Grey staff and boys. Our boys and coaches represented Wynberg with great cricket all-round, finishing the weekend with 11 wins out of the 14 games played. Declaration and 50 over matches were played on the Saturday and T20 fixtures on Sunday.
We are extremely proud of this achievement. Matches were played in great spirit, and all involved made wonderful memories. We were hosted in wonderful fashion, as both players and staff were treated to a memorable weekend.
Thank you to all the staff and parents who made this weekend possible, and we look forward to hosting Grey PE in 2025.
Results:
1st XI – played 2 won 2.
2nd XI – played 2 won 2.
3rd XI (Colts) – played 2 won 2.
U15A – played 2 lost 2.
U15B – played 2 won 2.
U14A – played 2 won 1 lost 1.
U14B – played 2 won 2.
Taahir Samaai
TIC WBHS Cricket
Water Polo
The tour served as a platform for the players to develop positive synergy and build strong team bonds. The players worked collaboratively, supporting and motivating each other both on and out of the pool. Numerous opportunities for team building activities, such as team dinners, group outings, and team-building exercises were part of the trip helping to foster camaraderie and unity among the players, and contributing to a positive team environment.
Overall the tour was a resounding success. The teams displayed exceptional sportsmanship, skill, and determination throughout the tournament. The tour not only provided valuable competitive experience but also served as a platform for personal growth, team building, and lasting memories.
Ryan Weideman, WBHS Director of Water Polo
U19B at the Pearson High School 2nd Team Water Polo Tournament
WBHS u19 B Team: Andrew Monk (Captain), Ethan Bruiners, Matthew Brading, Declan Taylor, Luke Oldale, Francis de Klerk, Jonty Albrecht, Keegan van Niekerk, Liam Lawrence, Tim Farrell, Cullam Hodkinson, Joshua Edwards, Braydon van Rooyen. Coaches: Bryan Punt & Connor Theron
The tour witnessed some exhilarating matches presenting the skill and determination of all teams.
Our WBHS team displayed exceptional teamwork, tactical play, and individual brilliance. The results were a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players. The team’s performance was truly impressive, making it to the top 4 out of 20 teams is commendable. Despite the tough competition faced in the semi-finals and the match for 3rd and 4th place, it’s evident that the team put in their best effort. The exceptional teamwork and leadership, particularly from Andrew Monk as captain, played a significant role. The leadership and great performances of the Matrics helped guide the team though the tough matches. Congratulations to the entire team for their hard work and dedication!
On the other hand, the easier games allowed the players to flash their skills and enjoy the sport without the pressure of intense competition. These games provided an opportunity for the players to experiment with different strategies and tactics, further enhancing their understanding of the game.
Results:
6 – 1 win vs Hilton College
5 – 3 win vs RBHS 3rd Team
6 – 2 win vs Woodridge
4 – 2 win vs St Andrew’s College
[At this point, Wynberg had topped the pool and moved into the playoffs – Ed]
8 – 3 win vs St Stithians (QF)
6 -11 loss vs Bishops (SF)
6 – 9 loss vs Paul Roos for 3/4 position
Mentor award: Andrew Monk Fr the most promising water polo player at the tournament.
Bryan Punt, Coach
U15 Mc Donald’s Grey High Water Polo Festival
U15A Team: Adam Uhuaba, Attilio Peroni, Connor Barrett, Ezekiel Botha, Jack de Beer, Joseph Brading, Logan Peterson, Matthew Green-Thompson, Riley Clarke, Samuel Mocke, Tristan Karsten, Unays Salie. Coaches: Kwakhona Ngwanya & Ryan Weideman
Results:
4 – 4 draw vs Paarl Boys’ High, but we lost 7 – 8 on penalties.
15 – 0 win vs Grey High U15B
10 – 0 win vs Grey College
13 – 1 win vs Hudson Park
6 – 4 win vs Selborne College
13 – 4 win vs Grey High U14A
10 – 0 win vs Stirling
13 – 0 win vs Woodridge
4 – 2 win vs Grey
5 – 3 win vs Paul Roos
An outstanding weekend of competitive sport in the best of our Wynberg sporting ethos: friendship, rivalry, and competition!
