Local schools impressed at the Curro Salt Rock Sports Festival last weekend, with Curro, Reddam and Ashton all finishing on the podium.

The festival attracted 24 schools from across KZN to compete in Salt Rock. Hosts Curro Salt Rock led the way, with their boys’ rugby and hockey teams both winning gold medals, while Reddam House Ballito and Ashton International College Ballito also secured podium finishes.

The standout moment came in the boys’ rugby final, where Curro fought back from 12-0 down to beat Richem Secondary School 19-12.

The hosts scored late in the second half to edge ahead before a crucial double tackle forced a Richem knock-on over the try line in the closing minutes.

“I am proud of my team. They promised me two years ago they would win their home tournament and they delivered,” said head coach Sifiso Shabangu.

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Curro went unbeaten throughout the tournament, winning all five matches after missing out on the semi-finals last year.

Their boys’ first hockey team added to the celebrations, defeating defending champions Crawford La Lucia 2-1 in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw on Friday night.

Reddam House Ballito girls’ hockey side claimed silver after a 2-0 defeat to Kokstad’s St Patrick’s College in the final.

“I am very proud of my girls. It was their first final and they were excellent,” said coach Sanele Madida.

Curro’s netball team suffered a narrow 15-13 extra-time defeat to Thomas More College in the quarter-finals, while the school’s girls’ hockey side missed the playoffs by a single point.

Ashton International College Ballito rounded off a strong showing for local schools by securing bronze in the netball with a 13-6 victory over Thomas More.

“Thank you to all the schools for participating and making it a great weekend,” said Curro sport’s co-ordinator, Nicola Keyser.