Cricket, Sport Results

A Return To Cricket

“𝘋𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘴? 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺.” – Mike Singletary
More than a year after Covid-19 brought schools cricket to a halt, Union’s cricketers were excited to be able to take to the field again in two matches this past weekend – the first, against the Graaff-Reinet Cricket Club on Friday evening, 5 March, the second against the Brain Bands Invitation Team on Saturday morning, 6 March.
𝗧𝟮𝟬 𝘃𝘀 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗮𝗳𝗳-𝗥𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘁 𝗖𝗖
Friday evening’s encounter against the Graaff-Reinet CC saw Union’s 1st XI take to the field at the Botanics Sports Grounds for a T20 match.
Graaff-Reinet CC won the toss and elected to bat first.
The Union boys took to the field with a positive energy, but was put under pressure right from the very first ball by the Club’s batsmen, who managed to conclude their innings with a total of 158 for 6. Union’s best bowler was Hlaki Skepe (3 for 27 in 4 overs).
Early damage to Union’s batting line-up caused by excellent swing bowling from the Club’s bowlers, saw the team in early trouble at 3 for 2. Chasing a total of 158 then became an insurmountable challenge, as wickets continued to fall. Union’s batsmen were bowled out for 72 runs. Dylan Kriel top-scored for Union with 14 runs, followed by Rogan Odendaal (12) and Josh Calitz (12).
𝟰𝟬 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘃𝘀 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀
On Saturday, 6 March, Union played against the Brian Bands Invitation Team at Union High School’s Minnaar Field.
The Union team was determined to improve on their performance from the previous evening and, with Union’s pitches starved of cricket, Union chose to bat first when they won the toss to take full advantage of a really good track.
Patience at the crease saw Union’s top order create a good platform, setting themselves up for a competitive total. Union managed to score 172 for 5 in their allotted 40 overs. Batsmen Jarrod Naude (38), Josh Calitz (31), James Pringle (20), MJ Newton (19) and James Pienaar (16) were the main contributors.
The Union team then took to the field with new-found confidence, striking early in the first over with a brilliantly executed delivery by Lihle Mxhunyelwa to disturb the woodwork, leaving the visitors at 0 for 1.
Shortly thereafter, Lihle struck again twice, and the Brian Bands team found themselves 3 wickets down with only 10 runs on the board.
Union continued to apply steady pressure through excellent bowling and fielding, holding onto 5 catches to dismiss the opposing team for 86.
Union’s best bowlers were Laythan Carelse (4 for 24), Lihle Mxhunyelwa (3 for 15) and James Pienaar (2 for 18).
The Union team must be commended on a brilliant team effort.
Hockey, Sport Results

Snr Hockey Results – Greg Beling Festival

Epic clash of the sticks at Greg Belling Festival

On Friday, 13 March, Union High School’s 1st hockey team travelled to East London to participate in the annual Greg Belling Festival.

The first game was against Kingswood High School, the travel to East London appeared to show that the girls were fatigued and although they tried their best, but they could not convert opportunities.  This resulted in them losing their first challenge 3 – 1, with a great goal converted by Chloe Shires.

After a good-nights rest the girls came prepared for an early morning start against Eldoraine High School.

The challenge was set and the girls were caught off guard by finding themselves 1 – 0 down.  This was short-lived as Jade Shires equalized to take the girls into half time 1 – 1.

After a brilliant team effort, the girls found themselves 2 – 1 up in the third quarter with a great finished goal from Sonwabisa Mroro. The fourth quarter was a continuous battle which ended with Eldoraine equalizing with a tied final score of 2 – 2.

The afternoon brought the almighty challenge of Hoёrskool Menlopark from Pretoria. Clearly the underdogs, Union took to the field with pride and managed to hold the girls to a 6 – 0 defeat, showing endless grit and heart to keep the tough competition at bay.

Union’s final encounter on Sunday was against local Eastern Cape school, Collegiate Girls High School. A tough final competitor, but the girls were adamant for a good result.  The competitive edge clearly showed as the girls held the Collegiate strikers to a 1 – 0 defeat.  This after over 20 short corners defended by the team.

Overall the girls showed amazing sportsmanship and comradery, the school community can be very proud of their results as well as their attitude during play.

 

Hockey, Sport Results

Jnr Hockey Results – Lorraine Festival

Junior hockey girls start season off well

On Saturday, 14 March, Union High School’s 1st junior hockey team travelled to Lorraine Primary School in Port Elizabeth to participate in their annual sports festival.

The Union girls were fixtured to play against Priory, Sunridge, Westering, and Lorraine, with all the matches being played on grass.

The girls took some time to get going as expected in their first matches of the season. The more hockey they played, however, the better the girls got.

They pulled together nicely as the day went on and played some quality hockey in stages.

The final results saw the Union team draw 0 – 0 against Priory, Sunridge and Lorraine, beating Westering 1 – 0 through a goal scored by Lisakhanya Menos.

Rugby, Sport Results

Jnr Rugby Results – Lorraine Primary School Sports Day

Union High School’s u/13A rugby team travelled to Port Elizabeth on Saturday, 14 March, to participate in the annual sports day hosted by Lorraine Primary School.

Although there are many ways to describe the efforts of these young rugby players, only one word comes to mind – phenomenal!

The Union youngsters exceeded all expectations, delivering some of the most exhilarating attacking play seen on the day.

True determination and passion were on display from beginning to end as Union defeated three strong opponents to walk away undefeated.

Union beat Verkenner 5 – 0, Grens 25 – 0 and Stulting 10 – 5.

Well done on an amazing effort, boys!

Athletics, Sport Results

Provincial High School Athletics Championships

Erin Mitchell

Erin Mitchell made the school very proud with her recent participation in the Provincial High School Athletics Championships.

Athletes from all seven mega districts: Alfred Nzo, Amathole, Sarah Baartman, Chris Hani, Joe Gqabi, Nelson Mandela Bay Metro and OR Tambo attended the event in Cradock on Friday, 6 March, to compete for a place in the Eastern Cape Provincial team that will compete in the upcoming National Championships.

Erin participated in the Girls u/17 High Jump event where she placed 6th overall.

Union thanks her for her commitment in this regard and congratulates her on a stellar athletics season.

Sport Results

Jnr Cricket Results vs Niko Brummer

Union Schools vs Niko Brummer Primary School  – 9 March 2020

On Monday afternoon, 9 March, Union’s u/13A cricket team played a #T20 match at home against Beaufort West’s Niko Brummer Primary School.

Nico Brummer chose to bat first and managed to score 44 runs before being bowled out in the 11th over. Union then replied by chasing down their total in 7.4 overs winning the encounter by 7 wickets.

Shaakir and Yaseen Kazi took 4 wickets each.

Well done, gents!


Rugby, Sport Results

Jnr Rugby Results – Grens Sports Festival

U/13 Rugby players enjoy successful tour to East London

This past weekend, Union High School’s u/13A rugby team travelled to East London to participate in the 10th annual Grens Sports Festival.

This tour marked the start of a very busy rugby season and serves as a great opportunity for Union’s young players to find their feet while playing competitive rugby against some of the best schools in East London.

After a lengthy bus ride on Friday, the group of exited rugby players faced off against Lilyfontein Primary in what proved to be a challenging encounter. The Union players played with determination and managed to win the encounter 26-5.

Saturday morning’s first fixture against George Randell Primary School was extremely physical and was unfortunately one step to far for our boys, who went down 12-24.

In the team’s last fixture of the festival, they found themselves facing a formidable Gonubie Primary School team. This match exceeded any and all expectation as the Union boys played exceptional rugby, punching way above their weight to win the match 31-12.

Hockey, Sport Results

Snr Hockey Results – Opening Festival

UHS produces attractive hockey at EP trials

On Friday, 6 March, Union High School’s 1st hockey team travelled to Port Elizabeth to participate in an Eastern Province trials weekend.

The Union team was drawn against tough opposition, which included the formidable DSG, Woodridge and Westering. 

The girls, however, rose to the challenge and gave it their all.  They played with good intent and showed some real fight throughout the weekend.

The results are as follows:

Woodridge 0 vs Union 0

Kingswood 0 vs Union 1

Westering 1 vs Union 0

Alex 0 vs Union 0

DSG 2 vs Union 0

Rugby, Sport Results

Snr Rugby Results – Kirkwood Sports Festival

Union beats Humansdorp, 19 – 12

On Saturday, 7 March, Union High School’s 1st XV played against Humansdorp Secondary in very hot conditions at the Kirkwood Sports Day.

The match was played at a furious pace, but both teams proved up to the challenge.

Union’s try scorers were Ashwon Davids, Martin van der Berg and Ashton Davids. Jaden Brotherton and Brett Amsterdam added a conversion each.

The Union players can be commended on a huge defensive effort.

The final score saw Union winning the encounter 19 -12.