L. Crankshaw – Page 4 – Union Schools

Langenhoven Gimnasium Festival – Results

Rugby Report

The team faced two tough fixtures against strong local opposition, gaining valuable experience and lessons along the way.

Match 1: Union vs Langenhoven Gimnasium (Final)
The hosts came out firing from the start, applying relentless pressure through well-executed up-and-under kicks that unsettled Union’s back three. Costly errors allowed Langenhoven to capitalize, racing to a commanding 34–7 lead at halftime.

Union, however, showed immense resilience in the second half. By changing their attacking strategy, they clawed their way back to level the score at 34–34. Unfortunately, fatigue set in, and two lapses in concentration led to quick tries for the hosts. The final whistle saw Union defeated 48–34, but the spirited comeback highlighted the team’s adaptability and fighting spirit.

Match 2: Union vs Oudtshoorn High School
Union’s second fixture was against Oudtshoorn High, who entered the game brimming with confidence after a big win over Fish Hoek. Anticipating wide attacks, Union’s defense closed down the wings effectively, but this left gaps in midfield which Oudtshoorn exploited twice.

In the second half, Union’s reserves made a strong impact, dominating possession. However, forced errors and “white line fever” proved costly. Despite their efforts, Union went down 35–12. While not the desired result, the match showcased the team’s ability to adapt defensively and highlighted areas for growth.

Positives and Highlights
Resilience & Adaptability: The ability to change attacking strategies mid-game and fight back from a large deficit.
Defensive Lessons: Exposure to varied opposition tactics will strengthen Union’s defensive responses in future fixtures.
Player of the Tournament: A special congratulations to Josh Arends, whose outstanding performances earned him this accolade.

Off-Field Experiences
The tour was not only about rugby. The team enjoyed a memorable outing to an ostrich farm, learning about different species and products, and even feeding the ostriches. Recovery sessions with compression boots and massages were a special treat, ensuring the players were well looked after.

Hockey Report

This was our first time attending the Langenhoven Gymnasium Festival. Initially, there was some disappointment around sacrificing a long weekend for only three games. However, once we arrived, the festival atmosphere quickly changed our perspective and it became clear that the girls truly needed this experience.
From the start, we established ourselves as the team to beat at the festival.
Results:
• UHS 1st Team Girls vs Langenhoven Gymnasium: UHS won 1–0
Our girls dominated from the start to secure a 1–0 victory. Despite some challenging decisions from the umpires throughout the game, what stood out most was the team’s composure. The girls remained calm and did not allow external factors to affect their performance. A true mark of the First teams’ class and maturity.
• UHS vs Dirkie Uys: UHS won 10–0
• UHS vs King Edward High School: UHS won 8–0
Across all matches, the UHS displayed excellent attacking hockey and disciplined structures.
Man of the Match Awards:
• Leigh-ann Murray (x2)
• Amy Waddelow
• Katelyn Trollip

It was especially rewarding to hear positive feedback from other coaches and spectators, who described our brand of hockey as exciting to watch. More importantly, they acknowledged the respect and humility shown by our players throughout the tournament. We are proud not only of the results, but of the manner in which our girls represented the school, playing with intensity and always upholding the school values.
Well done, girls!

𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗖𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗬 of the 2026 Langenhoven Gimnasium Sports Fest in Oudtshoorn.

Hockey, Rugby, Sport Results

Junior Sport Vs Kroonvale – Results

Rugby

The U/11A team delivered a dominant performance to win 24–0, displaying excellent teamwork and defensive discipline. The U/13A side continued the winning momentum with a strong 19–0 victory, controlling the game from start to finish.

Hockey

In hockey, the U/11A team produced an outstanding performance against Kroonvale’s U/13A side, securing an emphatic 8–0 win. Their attacking play and finishing were exceptional, highlighting a well-rounded team effort.

Bulletin

Thank You, Astron Energy Eastern Cape

𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱.

For Union High School, the enduring relationship with Astron Energy Eastern Cape and its local brand partners stands as a powerful example of what sustained community investment can achieve.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘀, 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻’𝘀 𝗳𝗹𝗮𝗴𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 – the Senior Rugby & Hockey Festival, now in its 37th year, and the Anne Beagley Junior Rugby & Hockey Festival, celebrating its 24th milestone. Together, these festivals have grown into some of the most respected school sporting gatherings in the Eastern Cape, welcoming over 600 learners from across South Africa to the heart of the Karoo for days of spirited competition, camaraderie and unforgettable memories – twice a year.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗮𝗹𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻. Originally established by Old Unionite Clive Berlyn during his tenure as CEO of Caltex Eastern Cape Marketers, the partnership laid the foundation for what would become a defining feature of Union’s sporting calendar. From those early days – when Caltex and College Motors first came on board – to the present, the commitment has remained unwavering, even as the brand evolved into Astron Energy in South Africa.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝗮𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗮𝗳𝗳-𝗥𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘁 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 – a full-circle moment that reflects both continuity and growth. Today, alongside Astron Energy Eastern Cape, the partnership is proudly strengthened by local stalwarts Astron Energy Graaff-Reinet (College Motors), represented by 𝗠𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗱𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘇𝗮, and Astron Energy Bothas Market Square (Botha’s Garage), represented by 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗲𝗹𝗮 𝗦𝗺𝗶𝘁.

College Motors, located on College Road, has established itself as a distinguished initial destination for travellers entering Graaff-Reinet.

Acquired by Pierre Le Grange in 1999, the business entered a new chapter in March 2024 under the ownership of his son-in-law, Stephan de Souza. With more than 20 years of industry experience, De Souza’s journey has come full circle – from starting his career under Le Grange, to refining his skills in Cape Town and ultimately returning to invest in and lead the business alongside family.

Recent upgrades, including a modernised facility and an expanded FreshStop offering, have transformed the site into a 24-hour convenience hub. With well-loved additions such as Seattle Coffee Co. and FreshStop favourites like Crispy Chicken and Grill to Go, College Motors continues to serve both locals and travellers with the same welcoming, family-oriented approach that has defined it for decades.

𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗶𝘀 Botha’s Garage 𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗦𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗲 – a true Graaff-Reinet institution. With a history stretching back more than a century, the site has long been woven into the fabric of the town. Since taking ownership in June 2024, Johan and Michaela Smit have embraced this legacy while bringing fresh energy to the business.

The recent redevelopment of the premises, including a modern retail space, coffee offering and improved facilities, reflects a thoughtful balance between heritage and progress – a commitment that mirrors the spirit of the festivals they support.

The impact of this long-standing sponsorship reaches far beyond the boundary lines of the fields. It enables Union to host large-scale, high-quality events that would otherwise not be possible – events where young sportsmen and women experience not only competition, but the warmth of Karoo hospitality and the unique charm of a town that opens its doors to them. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘀, 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁.

For Graaff-Reinet itself, the ripple effect is significant. These festivals bring vibrancy, visitors and economic activity to the town, while showcasing the Karoo as a destination of both natural beauty and community spirit.

Quite simply, this is a partnership that has stood the test of time. The longevity of Union’s Rugby & Hockey Festivals is inseparable from the loyalty and generosity of Astron Energy Eastern Cape and its local partners. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 – 𝘪𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘩.

𝗔𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝗮𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘀, 𝗶𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗼 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲. Because behind every whistle blown and every try scored lies the quiet, steadfast support of partners who have believed in the journey from the very beginning.

Sport Results

Well Done, Shana!

On Saturday, 18 April, Union High School Grade 7 learner 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗻 participated in an archery competition hosted at Hoër Volkskool.

𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘺.

In the Bullseye competition, she secured 1st place with a top score of 259, showing impressive consistency across both distances. She followed this up with another strong showing in the 3D event, finishing 2nd with a score of 238.

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱, Shana’s results reflect both her skill and composure and she can be very proud of a standout overall performance.

Bulletin, Hockey

Goals For Good: Glen Harry Game Reserve

Some partnerships hold a special kind of significance – and this is one of those.

As part of our 𝗚𝗢𝗔𝗟𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗚𝗢𝗢𝗗 initiative, Glen Harry Game Reserve just outside Graaff-Reinet, has come on board in support of the 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗮𝗳𝗳-𝗥𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. With every goal scored by our 1st Girls’ Hockey team this season, their contribution will help provide care, comfort and practical support to those in our community facing cancer.

Glen Harry Game Reserve – one of the oldest game farm establishments in South Africa – offers a unique Karoo experience, allowing visitors to connect freely with its vast, wildlife-rich landscape. Under the management of Katjana Ott, it remains a place where nature, history and conservation meet in a truly special way.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝘁𝘁 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵-𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆. Daughters Layla, Alexa and Sophia are proud Union girls, while Joseph and Katjana are ever-present behind the scenes – always willing to lend a hand in the organisation of school fundraising efforts and events.

𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀, they also pour enormous energy into events like Thru the Karoo and Tri the Karoo, both of which require significant planning and commitment and contribute greatly to the broader community.

Kat herself is an accomplished endurance athlete, regularly competing in triathlons, marathons and Ironman events – bringing the same passion, discipline and drive to everything she does. She also has a wonderful creative touch, often adding beauty to Union occasions through her thoughtful floral arrangements.

𝘞𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘰 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘖𝘵𝘵𝘴, 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘭𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦, 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵.

Goals for Good – where every goal makes a difference.

Bulletin, Rugby

Thank You, Tyremart and PSG!

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗮 𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗲 – and nowhere is this more evident than in school sport.

A heartfelt thank you to PSG Insure Somerset Street and Tyremart Graaff-Reinet for their generous sponsorship of brand-new backpacks and playing jerseys for our U13A rugby team.

Seen here are 𝗠𝗿 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗹 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗺𝗮𝗻 and 𝗠𝗿 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁 sharing in this special moment with some of our players.

𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘴𝘮𝘦𝘯.

Bulletin, Rugby

Thank You, Karoo 360!

A heartfelt 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗞 𝗬𝗢𝗨 to Karlien and Dawid de Wet of Karoo 360 for their generous sponsorship of brand-new tog bags for our 1st XV this season.

𝘞𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘰𝘺𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘭 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵.

Hockey, Rugby, Sport Results

Junior Sport vs Laerskool Aliwal-Noord – Results

𝗜𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 as we hosted Laerskool Aliwal-Noord today, with our junior hockey and rugby teams delivering strong performances across the board.

𝗢𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱, the U11A side edged a hard-fought 2-1 win, while the U13A team impressed with a confident 4-1 victory.

𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘈𝘭𝘪𝘸𝘢𝘭-𝘕𝘰𝘰𝘳𝘥’𝘴 𝘜11𝘈 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘜13𝘈 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘵𝘳𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘉 𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴. The U13B team showed real grit despite a 0-3 result and the U11B side faced a strong challenge, going down 0-3.

𝗢𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝘂𝗴𝗯𝘆 𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱, both teams produced excellent performances. The U11A side delivered a commanding 10-0 win, while the U13A capped off the day with an outstanding 41-5 victory.

Rugby, Sport Results

Senior Rugby vs Cradock – Results

A solid afternoon of rugby for Union High School against Cradock, with the 𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗫𝗩 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝟮𝟰-𝟭𝟬 𝘄𝗶𝗻.

Union’s 1st XV delivered a commanding performance, setting the tone early with quick attacking play that saw them dominate possession and territory. Their fast start, however, led to a lapse in defensive concentration, allowing Cradock to capitalize with an easy try.

Cradock then shifted tactics, turning the game scrappy by kicking frequently and testing Union’s back three under pressure. Despite this, Union held firm and responded with a well-executed maul to regain control.

While Union were clinical in many areas, several final passes went astray. Had those passes gone to hand, the scoreline could have been far more emphatic. The focus going forward must remain on team effort—sacrificing an individual try for the sake of a well-constructed team try is key to building consistency and dominance.

Try scorers: Yasseen Kazi (1), Peter Daniel (2), Ronan Ewers (1)
Conversions: Qhama Solomon (2)

Union’s ability to adapt and maintain composure under pressure proved decisive, ensuring a solid victory.

OTHER RESULTS

There were also positive results from the U16s (26-10) and the 2nd XV, who put together a strong performance to win 43-10.

The U14s (29-32) and U15s (3-10) came up against tough opposition, but showed good effort in their respective matches.

𝘞𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘺.

Bulletin, Hockey

Goals For Good: Ken’s Radio

As the 𝗚𝗢𝗔𝗟𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗚𝗢𝗢𝗗 initiative continues to gather meaningful momentum, we are deeply grateful to acknowledge the support of Mr Grant (“Beaver”) Hobson and Mrs Daleen Hobson of Ken’s Radio.

A well-known and trusted name in Graaff-Reinet, 𝗞𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗥𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 as skilled electricians, certified gas installers, solar installations, agent for various submersible and centrifugal pumps, offering appliance repairs, parts and operating as a DStv agency from their premises at 71 Church Street.

Founded in 1952 by Mr Kenny van Heerden, the business has become something of a local institution, later entrusted to Beaver, who took ownership in 1992 and has continued to build on its strong foundation with the same commitment to service and community.

𝘉𝘦𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦, 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱-𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘧𝘶𝘭.

Beaver, an Old Unionite from the Class of 1983, gave richly to school life during his time at Union High School, Graaff-Reinet – serving as Deputy Head and representing the school at 1st team level across multiple sporting codes, with rugby always closest to his heart.

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀. Beaver’s grandfather, Ted Slater, holds a remarkable place in Union’s history as the first registered scholar and its very first rugby captain. His mother, Sheila Hobson (née Slater), continued this legacy, spending her entire schooling career at Union and matriculating in 1951.

𝗛𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 saw him serve on the Old Unionite Association committee, including a term as chairman. This proud Union legacy continues through their children, with Kayla (Class of 2016), who served as Deputy Head Girl, and Ryan (Class of 2019), both having walked the same corridors.

At the heart of our school community are families like the Hobsons – whose enduring love for Union, and whose quiet, steadfast support over many years, continue to shape and strengthen all that we do.

Through Goals for Good, the Hobsons have chosen to support the 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗮𝗳𝗳-𝗥𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, an organisation close to their hearts.

As Daleen so sincerely shares: “𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵-𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘢𝘧𝘧-𝘙𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘵 𝘊𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘳 𝘈𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘸𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘥𝘰. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 – 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘴, 𝘯𝘶𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵, 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘵. 𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘴𝘺𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘺.”

It is partnerships like these that give true meaning to this initiative – where community, compassion and connection come together in support of something greater. 𝗪𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗯𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗞𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗥𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗼 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻, 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗴𝗼𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀.

Author: L. Crankshaw