Curro Salt Rock open Gelofte Night Series with strong netball win and 15-man rugby debut
Teams will compete in the night series over the next month.
Curro Salt Rock’s netball and rugby teams enjoyed a memorable opening night at the 2026 Gelofte School Night Series in Pinetown last Friday.
The netball 1st team began their title defence on a winning note and the rugby side made school history in their first-ever competitive 15‑man fixture.
Now in its 15th year, the month-long Gelofte Night Series tournament will see more than 600 pupils from 14 primary and high schools compete under the lights in rugby, hockey and netball.
NETBALL
Curro entered the event with high expectations after last season’s unbeaten run to championship glory, which ended with a thrilling 29–23 victory over Hillcrest High School in the final.
The defending champions showed their class once again, overcoming wet conditions to claim a hard-fought 21-15 win over Durban Girls’ High School in their opening pool fixture. The match remained tight early on, with the scores level after the first quarter and Curro trailing by one goal at halftime.
READ: Curro’s dominant netball 1st team claims another Fast5 trophy | North Coast Courier
Inspired by Player of the Match Megan du Plessis, the squad settled, regrouped, and produced a composed second-half display to secure the victory. Head coach Chené Gissing praised her players’ grit and adaptability in difficult conditions.
“It was a tough match against Durban Girls’ High School, who always bring strong competition and display excellent netball,” said Gissing.
“We had to adapt to the rainy conditions, and we never gave up.”
With several newcomers stepping into the 1st team, the win reflected the team’s growing character.
“I’m incredibly proud of the determination and resilience shown by our team. I have a group of girls who will fight until the final whistle, and that is what truly matters,” added Gissing.
RUGBY
Curro’s rugby 1st XV faced a strong Pinetown Boys’ High School outfit in the school’s first ever 15-man rugby match.
Head coach Sifiso Shabangu said there were encouraging signs, despite the 0-12 loss.
“It was a slow start from us, but the team created several promising opportunities that unfortunately were not converted into points,” said Shabangu.
“However, our execution let us down at key moments.”
READ: Curro enters new era with first full season of 15-man rugby | North Coast Courier
Despite the defeat, number eight Marc Joubert stood out and earned the Player of the Match award. Shabangu remains optimistic ahead of Friday’s clash with Kloof High School.
“With sharper execution, we are confident to turn losses into wins,” added Shabangu.
“With improved accuracy and decision-making, we will look to convert those chances into points in the upcoming fixtures.”
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