The 20th Best of the West Festival at Krugersdorp High School (KHS) on March 6 to 7 brought dozens of schools together for two days of high-energy netball and hockey. Despite occasional rain, the competitive spirit remained high across more than 400 matches played.

Among the standout performers were Jan Viljoen High School’s first netball team (U19A) and Westonaria High teams, representing the Randfontein area with determination and skill.

Jannas’ first team displayed resilience, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. Facing strong opponents, the girls fought for every ball and maintained a positive attitude both on and off the court, gaining valuable experience and leaving a strong impression. Their results included a thrilling 11–10 win over Westonaria in the U19A division and a 14–13 victory against Crawford Ruimsig.

Westonaria also had notable performances. Despite heavy competition, their players showed attacking flair and grit, including the tough U19A loss to Midstream (6–32) and a closely contested 10–11 match against Jan Viljoen.

The festival continues to be a premier showcase for young talent in the West Rand, giving learners from Randfontein and surrounding areas a platform to develop skills, experience high-level competition, and demonstrate true sportsmanship.

Organisers and hosts reflect on the festival

KHS principal Ivan Baley welcomed the community to the event and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host the festival.

“It’s wonderful to see so many schools come together to compete and celebrate sport,” he said.

Festival director Cassandra Bergé highlighted the 20-year history of the event, saying, “That weekend was profoundly nostalgic. Over the years, the festival has grown tremendously, giving learners a chance to showcase their talent, build teamwork, and enjoy the thrill of competition.”

Both Baley and Bergé emphasised the festival’s role in fostering sportsmanship, community engagement, and the development of young talent in the West Rand region.

Netball results (selected standout matches only):

U14A:
• AGPS 1–10 Alma Mater
• Crawford Lonehill 20–5 Alma Mater
• Midstream 22–2 Westonaria
• Norkem Park 8–0 St Teresa’s
• KHS 8–5 Potch Girls
• Potch Girls 13–0 AGPS

U15A:
• KHS 11–1 Bryanston
• Crawford Lonehill 8–5 Crawford Ruimsig
• Midstream 7–3 Holy Rosary
• Bryanston 4–6 Midstream
• Potch Girls 3–1 Alma Mater
• Norkem Park 5–2 Crawford Ruimsig
• KHS 9–4 Holy Rosary

U16A:
• Midstream 12–8 KHS
• Norkem Park 11–6 Westonaria
• Potch Girls 17–7 Westonaria
• Alma Mater 8–3 AGPS
• Crawford Lonehill 7–3 Norkem Park
• Bryanston 16–0 Pretoria-Wes

U17A:
• Potch Girls 7–0 Jeppe
• Westonaria 11–8 Midstream
• KHS 12–7 De La Salle
• Pretoria-Wes 3–6 De La Salle
• AGPS 0–17 Holy Rosary

U19A:
• Midstream 32–6 Westonaria
• KHS 22–13 Crawford Lonehill
• Jeppe 6–14 Midstream
• Jan Viljoen 11–10 Westonaria
• Norkem Park 8–17 Crawford Lonehill
• Alma Mater 10–7 Crawford Lonehill
• KHS 18–10 St Teresa’s• Jan Viljoen 14–13 Crawford Ruimsig

U19B:
• Norkem Park U19B 11–6 Potch Girls U19B
• De La Salle U19B 14–3 Edenvale U17B
• Jeppe U19B 7–16 Edenvale U19B
• Zeerust U19B 8–1 Aster PVT U16B

U14B + U15B (Selected):
• De La Salle U15B 8–4 Edenvale U15B
• Jeppe U15B 7–4 Crawford Lonehill U14B
• De La Salle U14B 11–2 Jeppe U14B