St Dunstan’s teams set to defend home turf at Easter Sports Festival

The St Dunstan’s College rugby, hockey and netball teams are ready to defend their home turf during the school’s Easter Sports Festival over the Easter weekend.

This year’s festival takes place over three days, with the first round of fixtures being played on April 17. After a break on April 18, the action resumes on April 19 with the tournament concluding on April 21.

A super blend of rugby, hockey and netball teams from around the country and Zimbabwe look set to elevate the festival to one of the best in the province.

“The festival will showcase top-tier school sporting talent, bringing together athletes from KZN, Gauteng and Zimbabwe in a thrilling display of skill, determination and sportsmanship,” said sports director Julie Symons.
Symons explained that the competition has improved over the years, with teams returning stronger and better prepared each year.
This year, 22 rugby teams, 13 girls’ hockey and 16 boys’ hockey teams and 15 netball teams will compete in the tournament.

“With a stellar line-up of teams and strong community backing, this year’s event promises to be the best one yet. The event’s reputation has not only attracted a larger pool of participants but also drawn an increasing sponsorship from the community.”

She thanked local businesses for supporting the festival, in particular retail giants SPAR, the main sponsor of the netball division, for playing a vital role in the development of netball.

“SPAR provides coaching and kit to two development teams, St Francis College and Unity Secondary School, giving these young athletes a chance to compete on a prestigious platform,” Symons said.

Tournament preview
Rugby
The dominant Lomagundi, St John’s and The Heritage School from Zimbabwe, undefeated last year, are returning. After their stellar run last year, they will be expected to continue their dominance.

But St Dunstan’s first XV captain Asimbongozayo Mthembu is banking on his team’s brotherhood and teamwork to cause an upset.

“It was a great honour being a part of last year’s team, which was our first side since Covid 19. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the results we wanted. Going into this one, we know our goals and what we have to do to be successful,” he said.

Helpmekaar Kollege will send its second team and are the overwhelming favourite.

Hockey
Beaulieu College and St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls are back to defend their boys’ and girls’ titles.
St Dunstan’s contested the third-place play-off in the girls’ tournament and Captain Lwandle Mthombeni believes they will go to the final this year.

“Our goal is to go one step further, which is the finals. We are working hard. We are going in with a positive mindset. We want to win every game,” she said.

The boys’ skipper Nicolaos Vingos said they will approach things cautiously, unlike last year when they undermined their opponents.
“It’s tournament hockey. Anything can happen. We saw last year in our game against Beaulieu when we thought we were better than them. Even though we drew, they dominated us. We have to stay humble,” he said.

Netball
Reddam Bedfordview was unbeaten last year but in their absence, runners-up, Curro Salt Rock, looks likely to cause problems. But St Dunstan’s, who finished fourth, believe they have a chance of going all the way.

“Our team is going to do very well. We are a strong team. We’ve been training hard. The festival is going to be a showcase of what we are about. It will allow us to show what we are capable of,” said Erin Hastings.
Local schools Benoni High, St Francis College and Unity Secondary School will join their hosts in battling it out for Benoni.