NHS claims bragging rights
Although all the games in each sports code were eagerly anticipated, the highlight of the day was definitely the clash between the schools’ first rugby teams.
The tension was palpable at the annual Derby Day between Ferrum High School (FHS) and Newcastle High School (NHS), held at Ferrum’s sports grounds on Saturday.
Longstanding rivalry between the two schools was once again settled on the field.
Soccer, netball, hockey and rugby players were willing to put everything on the line to passionately defend their school’s honour.
Although all the games in each sports code were eagerly anticipated, the highlight of the day was definitely the clash between the schools’ first rugby teams.
Every scrum, line-out and break forward by a player were accompanied by cheering spectators, contributing to the nailbiting and tense atmosphere.
NHS managed to take a resounding lead during the first half, but the chants of the crowd and team spirit of FHS ensured its team was never out of contention as players pushed back hard in their bid to try and claim victory.
Things were looking bad for NHS when the team failed to convert a try during the second half, and FHS began to make a comeback after falling behind 26-5.
A red card to NHS’s Sewela saw the first team fall on to their back foot, as FHS spurred on by this opportunity to take the game.
However, NHS did not lose hope. The team fought for the lead, and fought hard to keep it until the final whistle, winning the match 26-24.
NHS pupils were jubilant at winning the derby for the first time in eight years.
Emotions were running high as the first team finally had the opportunity to lift the trophy high.
