The St Dunstan’s College faithful flooded onto the field at the final whistle, engulfing their hockey heroes in celebration as the Easter Sports Festival drew to a thrilling close on April 6.

It was a moment of pure release and reward after SDC delivered an emphatic performance to clinch the boys’ gold medal, powering to a commanding 3-1 victory over CBC Boksburg.

Owen McGill struck early in the first chukka to set the tone, before Keagan Merifield doubled the lead with a well-taken second goal. Skipper Jethro Hardy then put the result beyond doubt with a clinical penalty drag late in the second quarter.

CBC found a late consolation through captain Okuhle Vilakazi midway through the final quarter, but the contest had long been settled.

After finishing as runners-up last year, SDC returned with renewed intent and conviction, storming through the tournament unbeaten while racking up an impressive 28 goals.

Speaking after the victory, Hardy, the tournament’s leading scorer, praised the unity and resilience of his side, crediting a collective effort for their long-awaited triumph.

“It was a good performance from the boys overall. I’ve been working up to this game for a while now, hard trainings and late nights at the astro. It’s just good to see it all come together on the final day. I’m very happy for the boys. We played a very good game of hockey,” he said.

In the girls’ final, St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls continued their dominance with a ruthless 5-0 dismantling of Lomagundi College.

Star forward Jemma Ferreira stole the show with a superb hat-trick, capping a remarkable campaign in which she finished as top scorer with 19 goals.

Ferreira was well supported by Tashni Peter, who added a composed deflection, while player of the tournament Natalia Jardim produced a moment of brilliance with a spectacular drag flick.

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Netball

After two gripping semi-finals, Atlasville club Harties produced a strong second-half surge to defeat Cornwall Hill College 35-29.

Hosts SDC, who were edged out at the buzzer by Cornwall in the semi-finals, bounced back to secure bronze with a 42-39 victory over Hillcrest High. Hillcrest had earlier fallen in extra time to Harties after their semi-final ended 34-all in regulation time.

Harties captain Roxy van Rooyen was named best shooter, while Zasembo Mkhize of St Henry’s Marist College claimed the best attacker award. Cornwall’s Ann Kotze walked away with top defender honours.

Rugby

In the sevens competition, SDC won four of their five matches, their only defeat a narrow 7-12 loss to Crawford College Ruimsig on day two. They finished strongly with an emphatic 43-7 win over The King’s School.

SDC captain Jayden Aucamp was named MVP, while teammate Ndalo Ndzube finished as the leading try-scorer. Crawford’s Dayaan Souls earned the best forward accolade.

In the XV format, Uplands College, Springs Boys High, Wise Owl and Thomas More maintained perfect records, each winning all three of their matches.

SDC rector Warwick Taylor praised the success of the festival and the spirit in which it was played

“I’m absolutely delighted. It’s been a privilege to host these schools. The weather has been fantastic, the matches have been competitive, and the sportsmanship has truly stood out.

“Our team has done exceptionally well in preparing for this. The fields look great and everything has fallen into place. To be part of this and to host it is a real privilege for the school,” he said.

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