NHS claws to a Derby Day win
A longstanding rivalry between the two schools was once again settled on the field.
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.
A 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 in a series of matches.
The highlight of the day was definitely the clash between the first rugby teams.
Every scrum, line-out and break forward by a player was accompanied by the baying of cheering spectators, contributing to the tense and nail-biting atmosphere.
NHS took a big lead in the first half, but the chants of the crowd and the FHS team spirit ensured its team was never out of contention.
FHS players began to push 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 trailing for most of the game.
A red card saw NHS on the ropes, and this spurred on FHS further.
However, NHS did not lose hope, fighting for every inch of the field until the final whistle was blown, and the game was won by 26 points to 24.
NHS staff and pupils were jubilant at winning the derby for the first time in eight years.
Principal, Manny Govender commented that winning the derby day was especially auspicious, considering the Class of 80s and 90s reunion which was taking place on the same day.
Photo gallery of Newcastle school events published in June.
