The school’s netball, hockey and rugby teams all went unbeaten in their fixtures against Grantleigh High School, setting a positive tone for the term.

READ: Ashton ends term on a high with solid sporting performances | North Coast Courier

Ashton’s netball teams delivered commanding performances, winning all their matches by double‑digit margins. The girls’ hockey teams were equally dominant, scoring 20 goals while conceding just one across their fixtures.

The boys’ hockey matches proved more competitive, with the first team the only side to secure a win by more than a single goal.

READ MORE: Ashton indoor hockey teams finish strong across KZN A league seasons | North Coast Courier

On the rugby field, Ashton’s U15A side continued the school’s winning run with a solid 15‑point victory, while the chess team impressed by winning both rounds of their matches against the Richards Bay school.

Easter Sports Festivals

Ashton’s 1st netball team enjoyed a tour to the Waterkloof High School netball tournament, held from 27-31 March. Competing against some of the country’s top school teams, Ashton won seven of their nine matches.

“It was incredible to watch the girls grow with every game – not just as players, but as a team,” said head coach Geena Taljaard.

“Their energy, resilience and fighting spirit stood out, and the way they supported each other on and off the court was something really special. This tour has set the tone for what promises to be an exciting and powerful outdoor netball season.”

Meanwhile, the U16A netball team travelled up Fields Hill to compete in the St Mary’s DSG Kloof U16 Easter tournament, where they won eight of their 12 games, including the bronze medal playoff. Madison Stefano was recognised for her outstanding performances and named defender of the tournament.

“It was a wonderful way to kick off the season, and we are proud of the effort and growth displayed by every player,” said coach Toni Joharie, who also thanked Navani Naidoo for her hard work and assistance during the tournament.

Milestones and representative honours

First team and KZN U17 netballer Michelle van Heerden was selected for the South African U19 indoor netball team following an impressive performance at the inter-provincial action netball tournament held in Pretoria over the Easter weekend.

Michelle – and teammates Kerryn Todd, Jana Scheepers and Emma Hoyle – were part of the KZN U17A and B teams that won silver and gold, respectively at the nationals.

At the St Stithians College Easter Festival in Johannesburg, two Ashton athletes reached milestones. Senior college head boy Daniel Lotter and Alistair Clarkson both celebrated their 50th caps for Ashton’s boys’ 1st XI hockey team.

Back in KZN, Kayleigh Moore (Grade 11) represented the KZN Impi U21 Touch Rugby team at the senior inter‑provincial tournament held in Durban from March 28-30.

National swimming success

Ashton Grade 7 swimmer Malakai Seppings (12) delivered an outstanding performance at the SA National Junior Age Group Championships, held from 21-25 March at the Newton Park Swimming Pool in Gqeberha.

The prestigious annual gala, which features strict qualification standards for South Africa’s top junior swimmers, saw Malakai collect an impressive seven medals in the 11-12 age group. He won two golds, four silvers and one bronze, with a string of personal best times in the Eastern Cape.