Netball girls raise St Dunstan’s flag high at festival

Denley McCulloch was beyond exhausted after leading the St Dunstan’s College netball team to a glorious run during the college’s Easter Sports Festival, held on April 16, 17, 19 and 21.

The outgoing skipper, who is in matric and played in her last festival, was visibly exhausted as she led her teammates through a tunnel created by runners-up, Reddam Waterfall, to collect their winners’ medals on the final day of the festival (April 21).

“I’m a bit overwhelmed but with good emotions because it’s my final year taking part in the Easter Sports Festival.

“It means a lot to me and the five matriculants in this team. We started together in the development squad in Grade Eight. Now we’ve finished with a gold medal on our home turf. It’s amazing,” she said.

McCulloch led from the front, displaying her leadership from the first game to ultimately help her team finish the festival undefeated with 10 wins and a draw from 11 matches, finishing top of the standings with 25 points, while scoring 478 goals and only conceding 193.

The captain wasn’t alone in carrying the team, however. She had the influential and defender of the tournament, Deborah Ighosejewe, while lanky goal-shooter Taylor Pearson kept the scoreboard ticking.

The girls were intentional from the onset. When the opposing teams’ coaches dished out their last instructions before the start of the netball fixtures on April 17, McCulloch and her charges knew what lay ahead.

But they were ready to defend their turf.

By the end of the end of the first day and having won all their matches and drawing against Reddam, it was clear that they were embarking on their own journey of discovery – potentially a historic one.

McCulloch credited hard work and commitment for defending their turf but acknowledged that it wasn’t an easy ride, especially in their fixtures against Reddam, Ashton Ballito and St Peter’s College.

“We pushed hard in every single game, even if it was an easier game. Every player was committed and motivated to play. We have a team of players who just want to play netball. That’s what makes us work.”

Reddam’s Nicole Weyers was named best shooter while Jeppe’s Boitumelo Lekalakala was named the outstanding attacker.

Hockey

After going undefeated throughout the round-robins and knock-outs, captain Nicolaos Vingos’ team lost to CBC Zimbabwe on penalties in the final.

After a disappointing final match, their only consolation was Tristan Nidd being named player of the tournament.

“I feel good. I owe it to my teammates, especially our captain Nic Vingos. Without any of my teammates, it wouldn’t have been possible. I also want to thank our coach Jabu for his outstanding work,” said Nidd.

CBC captain Ryan Winterboer was named the tournament’s leading goal-scorer.

St Dominic’s High School for girls were victorious in the girls’ hockey. They beat Hellenic Academy 3-0 in the final.
St Dom’s Jemma Ferreira was named top goal-scorer and player of the tournament.

Rugby

While St Dunstan’s lost all their three matches, Hellenic Academy, Helpmekaar, Wise Owl, Hillcrest High and Lomagundi ended the competition undefeated.

Kamal Naraghi of St Peter’s topped the scoring charts with five tries. Springs Boys’ Zile Msangweni was named the best backline player while The Heritage School’s Tendekai Evertius was the tournament’s best forward.

The festival attracted over 1 000 players and 63 teams from 32 schools.

“The students loved it. It’s a good competition and good sportsmanship. We also had wonderful weather for this time of the year. Overall, it was a superb festival,” said St Dunstan’s College rector, Warwick Taylor.

Also Read: CAXTON SCHOOLS | Unbeaten St Dunstan’s netball team defends home ground

Also Read: CAXTON SCHOOLS | Lomagundi and Helpmekaar thrill on day three of St Dunstan’s Easter Sport Fest