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KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) A and Western Province (WP) A delivered a memorable u16 boys’ final in St David’s Marist Inanda‘s Jubilee Pool on Wednesday, with a shootout needed to separate the sides after regulation time ended 10-10.

KZN A took the honours from the spot by a 3-2 margin to be crowned the champions of the 50th Schools Water Polo South Africa Inter-Provincial Tournament.

To claim the title, they overcame a 4-7 deficit and, later, an 8-10 deficit, and they also kept the Capetonians to six goals below their goal scoring average.

KZN, also, reversed the results of 2023, when the sides contested the u13 final, and 2024, when they competed for the u14 title.

In 2023, Western Province A won 6-2, and in 2024 they won 8-4. Finally getting one over their nemesis was, no doubt, a massively satisfying outcome for KZN A.

Max Mills scored five times for KZN in the title game, while WP A’s dynamic duo, Noah Reiback and James Swart, scored four and three goals respectively. Swart was the tournament’s top goal scorer, with 29 to his name. Reiback finished with 24, and Mills scored 21.

Central Gauteng A took down Buffalo City 6-3 to claim the bronze medals, while Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) and Central Gauteng B shared a 6-6 draw in the fifth-place playoff before NMB won 5-4 in a shootout.

Northerns A scored a 9-7 win over Central Gauteng B to finish seventh, and Zimbabwe ran out 9-7 winners over Northerns B to end ninth.

Girls

Central Gauteng A gave the local supporters plenty of reasons to cheer after beating KwaZulu-Natal A 7-4 in the girls’ u16 final, which brought together the highest scoring teams in the competition.

In total, Central Gauteng A netted 75 times in seven games, while KZN A scored 68 goals, nine more than Western Province A, who scored 59 times.

Central Gauteng A’s win in the final was their second over KZN A. They had eked out a 9-8 victory in a group stage clash.

Eden Districts, one of the smaller regions, excelled by claiming third place with a 7-4 win over Western Province A. Earlier in the event, when they met Western Province B, they scored a narrow 7-6 victory.

Central Gauteng B finished fifth. They won 2-0 in a penalty shootout over Nelson Mandela Bay after their game had ended 5-5.

Buffalo City secured seventh with a 9-7 win against Zimbabwe, and Western Province B raced to an 11-2 win over Northerns in the ninth-place playoff. WP B’s Jessica Gray was the tournament’s top goal scorer with 20, which included four against Northerns.

June Stander, of Central Gauteng A, and Micha Danilewitz, of Western Province A, shared second spot with 17 goals each.

Boys

9th: Zimbabwe 9: Johnathan Bird (3), Samuel Tivadar (2), Christian Smith (2), Dwayne Chiyangwa (1), Daniel Hutchings (1). Northerns B 7: André Robberts (2), Ethan Zambelli (2), Alex Stedall (2), Conner Slater (1).

7th: Northerns A 9: Christopher Jansen van Vuuren (3), Jacque Dippenaar (2), Gunther Taute (2), Ryan Fuller-Good (1), Daniel Janse van Rensburg (1). Central Gauteng B 6: Bart Dorrenstein-Rowley (2), Charlie Caudle (2), Adam Duffy (1), Ethan Bennett (1).

5th: Nelson Mandela Bay 6 (5): Christian Horne (2), Caleb Levey (2), James de Lange (1), Luke Parker (1). Western Province B 6 (4): Jack Grout (3), Matthew Robinson (2), Ryan Dales (1).

3rd: Central Gauteng A 6: Benjamin Vine (1), Matthew Nash (1), Andrew Ochse (1), Blake Morton (1), Fedor Sadovnik (1), Nathan Mansfield (1). Buffalo City 3: Nathan Wiese (2), Joshua Talbot (1).

Final: KwaZulu-Natal A 10 (3): Max Mills (5), Jed Reilly (3), Jake Frederic (1), Bradley van Loggerenberg (1). Western Province A 10 (2): Noah Reiback (4), James Swart (3), Luca Orgill (2), Dominic Zulch.

Girls

9th: Western Province B 11: Jessica Gray (4), Erin Willard (2), Skye Priede (2), Caibella Oliver (1), Isla Roos (1), Jorja Turner (1). Northerns 2: Aimee Noonan (1), Carina van Schoor (1).

7th: Buffalo City 9: Nicola Schwarz (3), Kayden Glasgow (2), Eva Saffy (2), Abigail Tesmer (2). Zimbabwe 7: Jordan Carlisle (2), Tiffany Small (2), Mazvitaishe Zuze (1), Kiana Marais (1), Tiana Myburgh (1).

5th: Central Gauteng B 5 (2): Emma Harmzen (3), Jaime Napier (1), Olesego Moleme (1). Nelson Mandela Bay 5 (0): Kate Wilson (2), Jasmine Apps (1), Gina Lindhorst (1), Charlotte van Bochove (1).

3rd: Eden Districts 7: Méla Loubser (3), Tatum Dace (1), Mia Gibson (1), Rosslyn Squair (1), Cate Harrison (1). Western Province A 4: Carolyn Lord (1), Anna Sherren (1), Micha Danilewitz (1), Joy Waller (1).

Final: Central Gauteng A 7: Keira Holland (2), Jessica McCamlie (2), Georgia van der Walt (1), June Stander (1), Hannah van Heerden (1). KwaZulu-Natal 4: Amy Aaron (2), Maggy Matthews (2).

Western Province claimed top honours in both the boys’ and girls’ u14 events at the Schools Water Polo South Africa Inter-Provincial Tournament in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

Western Province A beat Central Gauteng A 7-5 in the boys’ final, and Western Province A shut down a high-powered KwaZulu-Natal in the girls’ final, winning 5-3.

Boys

The Capetonians carried some confidence into the final after a hard-fought 6-5 win over the side they were up against, Central Gauteng A, in a key Group B game. Until the title decider, that was the home team’s only loss, although they had needed a penalty shootout to get by KwaZulu-Natal A in the semi-finals.

With the win in the final in St David’s Marist Inanda‘s Fourvière Pool, WP A completed an unbeaten run to the title.

KwaZulu-Natal was surely pleased to have both of their teams reach the semi-finals. It must have stung a little, though, to have them play one another for third place on Wednesday after both lost in the final four. Victory went the way of KZN A by an 11-5 margin.

Nelson Mandela Bay signed off in style, keeping their neighbours, Buffalo City, scoreless in the fifth-place playoff, which ended 5-0.

Western Province B ended seventh after a 10-6 defeat of Zimbabwe, while Central Gauteng B placed ninth following a 6-4 win over Northerns A, for whom Matthew King scored twice. He finished with 12 goals, the joint-fourth highest scorer in the tournament.

William King, though, topped the goal-scoring charts, finishing with 11 more goals than KZN’s Cooper Morrison, who filled second place. King had 28 and Morrison 17.

Northerns B dealt Eastern Gauteng a 6-3 loss to finish eleventh.

Girls

In a tight arm wrestle in which KwaZulu-Natal A‘s Ella Macqueen was the only player to score more than one goal – she scored two – Western Province A held off KZN A to claim the girls’ gold, also in St David’s Fourvière Pool.

With that win, they ended KZN’s clean record and kept theirs intact.

Central Gauteng A, beaten 10-5 by KZN A in the group stage, before losing out in a penalty shootout to WP A in the semi-finals, cruised to a 10-3 win over KZN B to finish third.

Zimbabwe powered their way to a 10-7 victory over Western Province B in the fifth-place playoff, while Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) ended seventh after a 7-4 win over Eastern Gauteng. Grace Thomas scored a hat-trick for NMB and Erin Caminsky achieved the same feat for Easterns.

Ninth went to Buffalo City after an 8-2 success against Eden Districts, and Central Gauteng B overran Northerns 13-1 to end eleventh.

Despite being kept off the scoresheet in the final, KZN A’s Ella Chalupsky was comfortably the tournament’s top goal scorer, striking 22 times. Zimbabwe’s Danni McCoun and Emma Loubser, of Eden Districts, tied for second with 15 goals each.

RESULTS

Boys

11th: Northerns B 6: Ryan Diack (2), Harrison Nass (2), Rikus Jankowitz (1), Daniel Botha (1). Eastern Gauteng 3: Nicholas de Beer (2), Wian Booysen (1).

9th: Central Gauteng B 6: Blake Jacobs (2), Prince Shiwundlana (1), Joshua Bennett (1), Ross Anderson (1), Luke Taylor (1). Northerns A 4: William King (2), Hermanus Rossouw (1), Jurgen Crevits (1).

7th: Western Province B 10: Dieter von Finckenstein (3), Ari Bulmer (1), Luke Lawlor (1), Robert Katz (1), John Tosi (1), Mikaeel Jacobs (1), Casey Muller (1), Josh Morris (1). Zimbabwe 6: Alexander Tivadar (2), Watipa Zvenyika (1), Grayson Smith (1), Daryl Chiyangwa (1), Shane Winterboer (1).

5th: Nelson Mandela Bay 5: Bjorn Maree (2), Harrison Rosser (1), William Newborn (1), Michael de Beer (1), Buffalo City 0.

3rd: KwaZulu-Natal A 11: Cooper Morrison (2), Isaac Mvulana (2), Cruz Marks (1), Jonty Mun-Gavin (1), Mason Allan (1), Noah Brown (1), Luke Barendse (1), Matthew Warner (1), Thomas Ludwig (1). KwaZulu-Natal B 5: Jack Hill (1), Rupert Keeton (1), Matt Swan (1), Callan Botha (1), Zachariah Hopf (1).

Final: Western Province A 7:  Finlay Hannigan (2), Mohamed Meyers (2), Matthew Roach (1), Oliver Muller (1), Brett van Schoor (1), Central Gauteng A 5: Sven Stander (1), Daniel Scott (1), Noah van den Berg (1), Ashton Eblen (1), Liam McJannet (1).

Girls

11th: Central Gauteng B 13: Rachel Walsh (3), Jemma Cederwall (2), Ashleigh Lang (2), Abigail Pacheco (2), Ella-Rose Fuller (1), Ella Savage (1), Ivana Meyer (1), Sanyu Mahologu (1). Northerns 1: Niah Durand (1).

9th: Buffalo City 8: Thandi Bosman (2), Dakota Cumming (2), Mackenzie Abrams (1), Tanita Pickering (1), Hannah Schenk (1), Khwezi Magobongo (1). Eden Districts 2: Klara Loubser (1), Oreneile Masike (1).

7th: Nelson Mandela Bay 7: Grace Thomas (3), Arabella Duggan (1), Kara-Linn van Niekerk (1), Georgie Dalling (1). Eastern Gauteng 4: Erin Caminsky (3), Amber Visser (1).

5th: Zimbabwe 10: Gabriella Borcherds (2), Emily Nisbett (2), Danni McCoun (2), Tassia Kaschula (1), Ella Passaportis (1), Catia Maio (1), Mwakawashe Mafunga (1). Western Province B 7: Elizabeth Whitfield (2) Isabella Kemp-White (2), Claudi Böttger (1), Jessica Durrant (1), Olivia Mundy (1).

3rd: Central Gauteng A 10: Taylor-Shay Williams (3), Zoe Zondi (2), Isabella West (1), Kwenza Vilakazi (1), Cassiah-Jade Cabral (1), Lucy Berry (1), Alyssa Pasqualie (1). KwaZulu-Natal B 3: Eva Berichon (1), Alexia Germanus (1), Sage Moodie (1).

Final: Western Province A 5: Ella Steenkamp (1), Sasha O’Neill (1), Sienah Styles (1), Jaime Smith (1), Lily Latimer (1). KwaZulu-Natal A 3: Lara Macqueen (2), Cristina van der Walt (1).

Before Wednesday’s playoff games rolled around, there was no doubt that the boys’ u13 title at the Schools Water Polo South Africa Inter-Provincial Tournament was going to Western Province (WP). After all, it was Western Province A vs Western Province B in the final.

Meanwhile, it was Western Province A versus Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) in the girls’ title game.

Both Western Province teams had finished in first place in their groups, but in the boys’ final, not unsurprisingly, WP triumphed 10-4, while the Western Province A girls matched their boys’ side by beating NMB 7-4 to underline the Cape powerhouse’s supremacy in the age group.

Boys

When WP A won in the final in the Fouvière Pool, at St David’s Marist Inanda, they also inflicted the only loss suffered by the province in the boys’ competition of the Inter-Provincial Tournament’s biggest age group, which featured 18 boys’ and 18 girls’ sides. Nonetheless, Western Province B did themselves proud. Their record included two wins over KwaZulu-Natal A.

In 2023, KZN won the title, but they found themselves outside of the medals in Johannesburg after going down 3-5 to Central Gauteng A in the third-place playoff.

Nelson Mandela Bay finished fifth after a 6-3 victory over KZN B, while their Eastern Cape rivals, Buffalo City, snatched seventh with a penalty shootout win over Central Gauteng B after they had ended level at 6-6.

Central Gauteng C showed off the host’s enviable depth in the u13 age group by beating Boland 5-4 to finish ninth.
Zimbabwe A held off Eden Districts, winning 9-7, to place eleventh.

Zimbabwe B’s Daniel Hutchings had a dream day, rocketing seven goals into the back of the Northerns A net to lead his team to a thirteenth place finish.

Nelson Mandela Bay B beat Eastern Gauteng 7-5 in the fifteenth-place playoff, and Buffalo City B cruised to a 15-4 win over Northerns B to end seventeenth.

Jordan Meiring, of Eden Districts, was the tournament’s leading goal scorer, striking 28 times, while Dominic Hutchings scored 23 for Zimbabwe B. Matthew Skeeles, of the title-winning Western Province A side, scored 18 goals, the third-most, and was matched by Helmuth Bothma, of Northerns A.

Girls

Sarah Mocke, of Western Province A, was the leading goal scorer in the girls’ u13 competition, and she struck twice in the final to help her side to a three-goal win over Nelson Mandela Bay A, who, despite the loss, must have been thrilled with their runner-up finish.

For most Eastern Gauteng teams, the IPT going was tough sledding, but the province’s u13 girls’ side excelled. Behind a four-goal performance from Taylor-Rose Botes, they beat Buffalo City A 7-4 to lay claim to the bronze medals.

Central Gauteng A ended fifth after an 8-4 defeat of Western Province B, while in an all-KZN seventh-place playoff, KZN A needed a penalty shootout to get by KZN B after they had shared a 3-3 draw. There was an example of a B team bettering their A team, though, in the case of Zimbabwe A and Zimbabwe B.

On Tuesday, the Zimbabwe B team emphatically downed the Zim A side 6-1 in the playoffs. On Wednesday, Zim B claimed ninth place with a comfortable 5-1 win over Central Gauteng C, who finished above Central Gauteng B after getting by the B side in a penalty shootout on Tuesday.

Zimbabwe A, meanwhile, beat Central Gauteng B 6-4 to finish eleventh.

Thirteenth went to Boland. They drew 3-3 with Nelson Mandela Bay B but triumphed after a penalty shootout.

Ashley Mthethwa struck four times for Eden Districts to power them to an 8-2 victory over Buffalo City B in the fifteenth-place playoff, and Northerns finished seventeenth with a 7-2 defeat of Eastern Gauteng B in which Cara Bedeker, the event’s fifth-highest scorer, netted four times.

RESULTS

Boys

17th: Buffalo City B 15: Jacob Smit (3), William Fletcher (3), Liam Priem (2), Adam Smith (2), Jack Clifford (2), Kungwayo Xhasa (2), Chase Fredericks (1). Northerns B 4: Lucca Gomes (2), Johann du Toit (1), Hanlu Wessels (1).

15th: Nelson Mandela Bay B 7: Ryan Magson (2), James-Quinn Bailey (1), Callum Taylor-Davis (1), Rogan Barrat (1), Dante Williams (1). Eastern Gauteng A 5: Gianluca Kilfoil (2), Jaxon Odgers (1), Alex Peens (1), Matteo Kilfoil (1).

13th: Zimbabwe B 12: Dominic Hutchings (7), Daniel Evans (2), Matthew Eastwood (1), Ricky Davidson (1), Liam Erasmus (1). Northerns A 7: Keenan Pienaar (2), Helmuth Bothma (2), Kwame Quaqraine (1), Liam Nortje (1), Oliver Leathem (1).

11th: Zimbabwe A 9: Mason Granger (3), Daniel Williams (2), Andile Sibanda (1), Matthew Wishart (1), Luke Ridley (1), Taylor Hendricks (1). Eden Districts 7: Keagan Godfrey (2), Gray Jacobs (1), Rhoderick Simpson (1), Jordan Meiring (1), Matthew King (1), Jonathan Pieterse (1).

9th: Central Gauteng C 5: Alexander De Matteis (3), Jono Cheek (1), Riley Badsha-Eybers (1). Boland 4: Luca Olivier (1), Johannes Muller (1), Nicolas Coolen (1), Sam Dekker (1).

7th: Buffalo City A 6 (1): Zuzezakho Ncangisa (2), Luke Lategan (1), Brody Schemel (1). Central Gauteng B 6 (0): Jeremy Wattam (2), Alexi Nousias (1), Daniel Wilson (1), Rupert Devine (1), Benjamin Alberts (1).

5th: Nelson Mandela Bay A 6: Josh Parker (3), Ithiel Harry (1), Axl Jorgensen (1), Levi Oakes (1). KwaZulu-Natal B 3: Mason Mamotte (2), James Gaddi (1).

3rd: Central Gauteng A 5: Samuel Terlingen (3), Renzo Ferrari (1), Oliver Biddulph (1). KwaZulu-Natal A 3: Samuel Ash (1), Elvis Peltz (1), Mpilo Khomo (1).

Final: Western Province A 10: Matthew Skeeles (3), Harry Corlett (2), Christopher Vermaak (1), Luca Naude (1), Maximillian Grout (1), Sebastian Iles (1), Jake du Plessis (1). Western Province B 4: Oliver Vickers (1), Charles Dingley (1), Gus Cloete (1), Josh Labuschagne (1).

Girls

17th: Northerns 7: Cara Bedeker (4), Lia Basson (3). Eastern Gauteng B 2: Paballo Nkosi (1), Sonali Singh (1).

15th: Eden Districts 8: Ashley Mthethwa (4), Trudy McConville (1), Saskia Steffny (1), Abigail Vadas (1), Emma Hunter (1). Buffalo City B 2: Riley Thompson (1), Camryn Weber (1).

13th: Boland 3 (1): Jessica Rose-Innes (1), Sophia Boustred (1), Alexis Bushney (1). Nelson Mandela Bay B 3 (0): Lily Maio-Cheia (2), Olivia Brothers (1).

11th: Zimbabwe A 6: Mazvita Makamure (4), Hannah Pringle (1), Georgia D’Aquino (1). Central Gauteng B 4: Sophie Crawford (2), Alexia Marvin (1), Ava Booth (1).

9th: Zimbabwe B 5: Lexi Love (2), Rebecca Martin (1), Divya Chauhan (1), Keira Style (1). Central Gauteng C 1: Keira Gordon-Bennett (1).

7th: KwaZulu-Natal A 3 (3): Juliette Brown (1), Zibusiso Xulu (1), Olivia Botha (1). KwaZulu-Natal B 3 (2): Emily Kriel (1), Olivia Cox (1), Sarah Howieson (1).

5th: Central Gauteng A 8: Kristin-Leigh Barker (2), Mikayla Cross (2), Holly Dorrenstein-Rowley (1), Jessica Simpson (1), Vera Collocott (1), Giana Gonzaga (1). Western Province B 4: Rebecca Hime (2), Matilda Roberts (1), Caro Bishop (1).

3rd: Eastern Gauteng A 7: Taylor-Rose Botes (4), Megan Els (2), Akwande Hlophe (1). Buffalo City A 4: Morgan Graham (3), Maya Owen (1).

Final: Western Province A 7: Sarah Mocke (2), Khloe Brown (2), Elounda Charalambous (1), Mile-Belle Slatter (1), Emilie Conradie (1), Nelson Mandela Bay A 4: Mataiah Smith (2), Jemma Windsor (1), Emma Muirhead (1).

SA Rugby announced on Wednesday that STADIO Higher Education has joined its family of sponsors as the first official higher education partner to the governing body and South Africa’s national teams.

The partnership marks a significant step in supporting the holistic development of South African rugby players by supporting their educational and development initiatives across all SA Rugby national teams (Springboks, Springbok Women, Springbok Sevens, Springbok Women’s Sevens, Junior Springboks and SA age-group teams).

The partnership was celebrated at the new STADIO Durbanville campus on Wednesday, with a host of Springbok players in attendance, including Damian De Allende, Frans Malherbe, and Rights Mkhari, as well as senior management across both organisations.

Two Springboks, Damian Willemse and Zachary Porthen, are current STADIO students and sent videos of support for the partnership announcement.

Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby, said: “Our ambition has always extended beyond performance on the pitch, and this ground-breaking deal proves it.

“It is extremely important for us to ensure players are well-rounded, with career options beyond rugby. Having a partner like STADIO, one that commits to both sport and education, is crucial, and strengthens our ability to provide meaningful opportunities for all players.”

The partnership also reflects a strategic alignment between two brands aiming to make a positive impact on the country. By leveraging the combined power of sport and education, STADIO and SA Rugby are working together to empower young athletes to excel both on and off the field, supporting their well-rounded growth and development.

“We’re honoured to extend our support of South African rugby and invest in the future of our nation,” said Chris Vorster, CEO of STADIO Holdings.

“At STADIO, our distance learning is specifically designed to assist top athletes and working people to obtain qualifications, whilst pursuing other initiatives. We see how sport fosters resilience and unity, and we can all attest to the positive impact that the Springboks have had on nation-building.

“We believe that supporting these individuals to obtain a degree will also have a big impact, not just for the individual players, but for their families, their communities and those who aspire to be like these heroes, too.”

Creating a Legacy Through Education

STADIO Holdings continues to widen access to quality and relevant higher education qualifications across southern Africa through its esteemed institutions: STADIO Higher Education, Milpark Education, and AFDA.

“Students can choose between distance learning and contact learning modes of learning delivery, and we’ve had several high-profile rugby players choosing to study with STADIO,” added Vorster.

“The flexibility of distance learning offers rugby players the chance to fit their studies in around their training, their matches and their touring schedules. We are super proud of Damian Willemse, Zachery Porthen, our many Vodacom URC players and our u20 players, who are currently studying with us.

“We believe you can be a hero both on the field and off the field, and we look to support these players to be able to pursue careers outside of rugby when their playing days are over.”

About STADIO Holdings

STADIO Holdings is a company listed on the JSE. The group is committed to transforming South Africa by improving access to post-school learning opportunities for school-leavers and adults by serving the needs of the higher education market through its three prestigious institutions, STADIO, Milpark and AFDA.

From 2026, the Group will offer in excess of 100 accredited qualifications, ranging from higher certificates, degrees and postgraduate degrees (including masters’ and doctorates).

The Group currently serves over 50 000 students across the country and is on track to achieve its goal of accommodating 56 000 students by 2026. STADIO Holdings has set a target of accommodating 80 000 students by 2030.

Students benefit from a combination of contact, distance, and blended learning.

Through its comprehensive learning offering, exceptional teaching, and the continuous development of relevant, forward-thinking courses aligned with student needs, societal demands, and the evolving world of work, STADIO Holdings provides an ideal foundation for academic success.

 Issued by SA Rugby Communications

The last time the Western Province (WP) u19A boys’ side faced Central Gauteng A in the final of the Schools Water Polo South Africa (SWPSA) Inter-Provincial Tournament (IPT) was in 2023.

That clash took place at Grey High School, in Gqeberha. It was a nail-biting thriller that more than lived up to expectations, and WP did just enough to win it 8-7 on penalties after the game ended tied 8-8 after regular time.

Two years on, and the fierce rivalry between the provincial rivals will be reignited when they go at it in the final at St David’s Marist Inanda‘s Jubilee Pool on Wednesday at 13:10.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools

The finalists booked their spots in the big game after a weather-stricken day four that was affected by lightning, delays, and a change of venues.

Their respective journeys to the title decider were quite similar. Both finished the group stages unbeaten, as Central Gauteng A swept through Group A, while Province was almost untouchable in Pool B.

In the last eight, Central Gauteng A met Western Province B and made light work of their opponents.

Coach Jon-Marc De Carvalho’s side scored a whopping 21 goals and conceded just four as Harry Wilkins scored five times, while Cooper Haworth netted four, and Aiden Khoury, Erik Arwidi, and Chris Chapman all fired in hat-tricks.

That victory set up a semifinal date with KwaZulu-Natal A, who were made to sweat for their 12-8 victory over Central Gauteng B in the quarterfinals.

Due to the bad weather, their showdown was played at St John’s College‘s Indoor Aquatic Centre. It was a cracker! From the first chukka, it was end-to-end stuff.

Declan Wood opened the scoring for the home side, but KZN responded almost immediately through Adrian Truter. Harry Wilkins replied to give the local outfit the lead again.

Central Gauteng A started to link up well, and they moved the ball around with intent. Goals by Erik Arwidi, James Crick, Simon Mussett, and a brace by Cooper Haworth edged them into a 7-5 lead at the break.

The tempo of the game increased in the second half, but it was Central Gauteng A who held onto their slender advantage.

The visitors had moments where they looked good, but a miracle was needed to stage a dramatic comeback.

In the second half, Gauteng eventually outscored their opponents by six goals to three to seal a gritty 13-8 win, which kept their title defence alive. 

While Central Gauteng A defeated KZN A, coach Devon Card‘s Western Province A outfit knew they were in for a tough outing against Northerns.

WP had enjoyed smooth progress in their quarterfinals game against Buffalo City, winning 10-4. Northerns, meanwhile, pulled off a stirring 10-9 win over Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) to secure their semifinal spot.

WP A was favoured to win, and they showed why in the early going, opening up a two-goal buffer in the first chukka.

Luke Burger scored two incredible goals, and he was joined on the scoresheet by two of the usual suspects, Matt Fenn and James Malan.

Northerns, however, weren’t going down without a fight, and coach Juan-Claud Tribelhorn‘s side showed grit, tenacity, and a never-say-die attitude.

At half-time, the boys from the Western Cape led, but it wasn’t a comfortable lead. They upped the ante in the last two chukkas.

Fenn was instrumental, scoring five goals, and Burger completed his brace. Migael Terblanche and Benjamin Bigara also got in on the action, scoring twice each before Tim Young, James Malan, and Cole Abrahams sealed a 14-6 victory for WP.

For Northerns, Ettiene van der Merwe was once again their standout player with a hat-trick, and his counterpart, Ruan Engelbrecht, troubled the WP defenders at times.

Last year, Western Province A finished third in East London. They’ll try to go all the way in the Jubilee Pool at St David’s on Wednesday. But they face a formidable foe in the home team, Central Gauteng A.

RESULTS

Central Gauteng 21: Harry Wilkins (5), Cooper Haworth (4), Aiden Khoury (3), Erik Arwidi (3), Chris Chapman (3), James Crick (2), Fu-Nam Chen. Western Province B 4: Joshua Ripsold, James Pinnock, Harry Oldham, Colin Douglass.

Zimbabwe 11: Blaise Scheepers (4), Daniel Oxden-Willows (4), Thomas Dorward, Tapfuma Taundi, Donovan Bodington. KwaZulu-Natal B 10: Kyle Human (5), Tane Greene (3), Keegan Vogt, Oliver van der Merwe.

Northern Gauteng 10: Ettiene van der Merwe (3), Adriaan van Niekerk (2), Johan Pieterse, Julien Du Toit, CJ Henning, Joshua Bergh, Ruan Engelbrecht. Nelson Mandela Bay 9: Calum Emslie (4), Carter Rosser (2), Oliver Martin, Spencer Adshade, Johan Moolman.

KwaZulu-Natal A 12: Jamie Nicolau (3), Thomas Aylward (2), Thomas Francke (2), Adrian Truter, Sebastian Laudenberg, Drew Hollingsworth, Matthew Lortan, Nathan Burger. Central Gauteng B 8: Luke Shipway (2), Matt Cross, Roan Wessels, Craig Toet, Matthew Peacock, Troy Pasqualle, Ryan Morley.

Western Province A 10: Luke Burger (2), Matthew Fenn (2), Jandro Rojo-Roos (2), Blake Brown, Tim Young, Benjamin Bigara, Aidan Turrell. Buffalo City 4: Thomas Caswell (2), Samuel van der Venter (2).

KwaZulu-Natal B 14: Tane Greene (4), Kyle Human (3), Keegan Vogt (3), Jordyn Beyleveldt, Blake Gardner, Rich Port, Jess Webber. Eden 13: Luca Whitehead (9), William Tindall (3), Rorke Bubanj.

Nelson Mandela Bay vs Aussie Crocs — Cancelled due to lightning

Zimbabwe 8: Blaise Scheepers (3), Bongani Dube (2), Donovan Bodington, Daniel Oxden-Willows, Tapfuma Taundi. Eastern Gauteng 6: Dylan Kempen (4), Riley Nienaber, Yuhui Xiao.

Western Province B 7: James Pinnock (3), Colin Douglass (2), Joshua Ripsold, Alex Barrett. Central Gauteng B 7: Matthew Cross (2), Luke Shipway, Roan Wessels, Samuel Gomes, Matthew Peacock, Ryan Morley.

Central Gauteng A 13: James Crick (5), Erik Arwidi (2), Cooper Haworth (2), Simon Mussett, Declan Wood, Harry Wilkins. KwaZulu-Natal A 8: Drew Hollingsworth (2), Adrian Truter (2), Thomas Aylward (2), Jamie Nicolau (2).

Western Province A 14: Matt Fenn (5), Luke Burger (2), Migael Terblanche (2), Benjamin Bigara (2), Tim Young, James Malan, Cole Abrahams. Northern Gauteng 6: Ettiene van der Merwe (3), Ruan Engelbrecht (2), Francois Hartslief.

Nelson Mandela Bay 8: Spencer Ashade (2), Oliver Martin (2), Calum Emslie, Tiago Williams, Carter Rosser, Murray Copeland. Buffalo City 4: Daniel Woodin (2), Thomas Caswell (2).

Fixtures, Wednesday, 10 December

07:00 – Zimbabwe vs Eastern Gauteng (11th/12th place) @Kingsmead College
07:30 – KwaZulu-Natal B vs Eden Districts (9th/10th place) @St David’s
08:05 – Western Province B vs Buffalo City (7th/8th place) @Kingsmead College
10:40 – KwaZulu-Natal A vs Northerns (3rd/4th place) @St John’s College
11:45 – Central Gauteng B vs Nelson Mandela Bay (5th/6th place) @St John’s College
12:00 – Aussie Crocs vs Zimbabwe
13:10 – Central Gauteng A vs Western Province A (Final)

Central Gauteng A and Western Province A will meet in the final of the u19 girls’ division of the 50th Schools Water Polo South Africa (SWPSA) Inter-Provincial Tournament (IPT) at St David’s Marist Inanda on Wednesday morning.

The contest is scheduled to start at 11:55.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools

The defending champions, Central Gauteng A, are on the hunt for a fourth straight title, while WP A are determined to end that run and claim their moment at the summit.

Province A beat KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) 11-7 to book their spot in the title game, while Central Gauteng A defeated Central Gauteng B 13-3 to secure their berth.

Central Gauteng A and Western Province A have been on a collision course from the first day of the competition. They topped their respective pools in the group stage without losing a match and are the only unbeaten sides in the competition. Between them, the two powerhouses have scored 179 goals in a combined 11 games.

Coach Connor Whiting’s Western Province girls have generally shrugged off challenges from competitors, but KZN wasn’t about to give them a free pass. Coach Cameron Wiid’s outfit treated Province A to their toughest first chukka of the tournament at the Wahoo Aquatic Centre.

Province A took a slender 5-3 lead into the break after the completion of the quarter, but the brief interval gave them enough time to regroup, and they returned to the pool with a fortified defence.

“I’m a very defence-focused coach. I think if you have a strong defence, you can control the game on defence, control the momentum. It’s easy to win a game if you don’t concede a goal. So, that’s the main focus,” Whiting told SuperSport Schools Plus.

Julia Luckhoff, the Province A captain, plays at centre back, alongside Summer-Lee Wain. Whiting credited the duo for his side’s sound defence.

“They’ve been great at communicating. They’re the ones that are the most vocal in defence,” Whiting explained.

The pair stepped up their game and marshalled Province’s stout defensive effort, which denied KZN room to advance close to their goal, forcing KZN to try their luck from range. Their efforts brought scant reward. The ladies from the Western Cape added three more goals and took a commanding 8-3 lead to the halftime break.

“I think that the goal is just to show as much energy on attack [as we can] and force teams to have to make a decision on defence. We’ve got quite a nice bench, so we can roll the subs quite quickly and can play with this high tempo,” Whiting reckoned.

WP A added four more goals over the next two chukkas to secure a comfortable victory and with it a place in the final.

Later in the day, Central Gauteng A overcame their compatriots, Central Gauteng B, in the semifinals. Central Gauteng A coach Kelsey Thomson’s charges took control from the first chukka, ending it with a 5-1 advantage. They continued to build on it.

Instead of developing a complacent attitude and slowing down because they had a comfortable lead, Central Gauteng kept pushing hard, as if they were trailing. That was the same approach they had adopted in their quarterfinal tie against Zimbabwe, whom they thrashed 28-1.

“I keep reminding them that they’ve done such a good job and that they haven’t even reached their pinnacle yet, and I think that helps them just give that a little bit of extra edge,” Thomson revealed.

Central Gauteng B has been one of the most exciting sides at the IPT, scoring the third-most goals in the competition, and they showed that they weren’t satisfied with living in Central Gauteng A’s shadow. Unfortunately for them, they found Central Gauteng A’s defence a tough nut to crack.

“Our non-negotiable as a team is that we always have six defenders back. So, whether the other team is going to have six players attacking or not, we come with six defenders back, because it has to be a full defence every time. And that’s where we are able to then help each other wherever we can in the water.

“We stick to defence as our first priority no matter what, in any game,” Thomson said.

After halftime, Central Gauteng B added only two more goals as Central Gauteng A claimed a 13-3 win.

The defending champions have scored the second-most goals in the event. Yet, they don’t have a player among the top five goal scorers in the competition. That’s because the team mentality is that anyone and everyone can score, and that’s what happened when they thumped Zimbabwe earlier in the day. Then, in the semifinal, eight players appeared on the scoresheet.

“There’s been so much teamwork all over, all kinds of opportunities: centre-forward goals, centre-back goals, extra-man goals, drive goals. I want to see the teamwork, and that’s what the girls have brought. Sometimes the pass is more important than the goal,” Thomson declared.

RESULTS

Semifinals

Western Province A 11: Julia Luckhoff (4), Summer-Lee Wain (2), Bella Murray (2), Sofia Walker (1), Kirsten Böttger (1), Emma Stevens (1). KwaZulu-Natal 7 Farrann Eliot (2), Gemma Mallherbe (2), Isabella Stephenson (1), Inez Letschert (1), Madison Beetge (1).

Central Gauteng A 13 Cadha Mosehla (3), Julia Joseph (2), Taylor Billet (2), Caitlin Scrimgeour (2), Jenna Blaauw (1), Tori Tanner-Ellis (1), Isabella Imbriolo (1), Amy Stubbs (1). Central Gauteng B 3 Rylee Rogers (2), Mia Duffy (1).

Other matches

Western Province A 13 Sophie Vickers (3), Holly Strydom (2), Bella Murray (2), Sarah Palframan (1), Julia Luckhoff (1), Sofia Walker (1), Kirsten Böttger (1), Emma Stevens (1), Charlotte Wiltshire (1). Western Province B 2: Lauren Helm (1), Samantha Miller (1).

Central Gauteng A 28 Caitlin Scrimgeour (4), Emily Carle (3), Julia Joseph (3), Gabriella Morrell (3), Emma Pelicot (2), Jenna Blaauw (2), Cadha Mosehla (2), Taylor Billet (2), Isabella Imbriolo (2), Amy Stubbs (2), Tori Tanner-Ellis (1), Anastasia Hambakis (1), Ziyanda Tshabalala (1). Zimbabwe 1 Katie Gripper (1).

KwaZulu-Natal 7 Inge Southey (2), Farrann Eliot (1), Hannah Savage (1), Gemma Malherbe (1), Josie Houston (1). Nelson Mandela Bay 6 Olivia Attwell (2), Mia Jenner (1), Casey Williamson (1), Lucy Nagel (1), Alexandra Ovendale (1).

Central Gauteng B 9 Esmé du Plessis (2), Mia Duffy (2), Anna Springer (2), Rylee Rogers (1), Annabelle Morton (1), Isabella Duffy (1). Buffalo City 7 Kara Batting (3), Meka Loots (1), Megan Phillips (1), Quinn Carr (1), Erin Batting (1).

Buffalo City 10: Caitlin Mthembu (2), Janey-Heather Wood (2), Caroline Kretzmann (2), Erin Batting (1), Quinn Carr (1), Jenna Botha (1), Meka Loots (1). Zimbabwe 1 Natasha Chaniwa (1).

Western Province B 6: Samantha Miller (3), Olivia Figaji (2), Nina Wides (1). Nelson Mandela Bay 5: Alexandra Ovendale (1), Lucy Nagel (1), Megan Sheard (1), Jessica Stevens (1), Mia Jenner (1).

Western Province B 11: Tess Anderson (3), Samantha Miller (2), Jemma Pearse (2), Sophie Maurel (2), Lauren Helm (1), Abigail Weatherall (1). Northerns 0.

Boys

It was noted in the report on Monday’s action that the Western Province A u16 A boys’ team had averaged 16 points a game on their way to a place in the quarterfinals of the Schools Water Polo South Africa Inter-Provincial Tournament, at St John’s College, in Johannesburg. So, what did they do in Tuesday’s quarterfinals and semi-finals? They fired in exactly 16 goals in both games.

In the quarters, Noah Reiback rattled the cage with five goals, and he was matched by James Swart, as WP A cruised to a 16-4 win over Northerns A. Then, in the semis, Swart had six and Reiback had four as WP A dumped Central Gauteng A 16-7.

Swart tops the goal scoring charts with 26, while Reiback is in second place with 20. Unsurprisingly, WP A has been the top scoring team of the IPT thus far, with 96 to their name. That’s 23 more than the team they’ll meet for the title, KwaZulu-Natal A.

KZN A’s Max Mills is fifth on the individual scorers’ chart, with 16, but he scored only one in their quarterfinals win over Central Gauteng B. Nonetheless, KZN won easily, 13-5.

In the semi-finals, Mills and Henry Harker scored three each as KZN A overwhelmed Buffalo City 13-1.

From early in the event, it was clear that WP A and KZN A were the class of the field. Now, they’ll have the opportunity to prove which team is number one when they contest the final at 10:45 in St David’s Marist Inanda‘s Jubilee Pool.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools

Girls

KZN A got one over Western Province A, but that was in the girls’ semi-finals at Kingsmead College on Tuesday, where KZN A claimed a narrow 8-7 win despite a magnificent six-goal showing from Province’s Micha Danilewitz.

Danielwitz, Central Gauteng A‘s June Stander, and Jessica Gray, of Western Province B, lead all goal scorers with 16 each.

Earlier, KZN A won 11-3 against Zimbabwe in the quarterfinals, while Western Province A had Western Province B’s number, picking up a comfortable 13-1 victory.

In another A vs B clash, Central Gauteng A beat Central Gauteng B 13-1. Eden Districts completed the semi-finals’ line-up after a stirring 8-7 win over Nelson Mandela Bay.

Their brave title challenge ended in the final four where Central Gauteng A beat them 12-6.

The home side faces KZN in the title decider at 09:35 in the Jubilee Pool, at St David’s.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools

RESULTS

Boys

QF1: Western Province A 16: Noah Reiback (5), James Swart (5), Harrison Ford (2), Luca Orgill (1), Riley Clarke (1), Dominic Zulch (1), Zack Labuchagne (1). Northerns A 4: Jacque Dippenaar (2), Christopher Jansen van Vuuren (1), Gunther Traute (1).

QF2: KwaZulu-Natal 13: Bradley van Loggerenberg (5), James Whatmore (3), Caleb Ambrose (1), Jed Reilly (1), Liam Casey (1), Max Mills (1), Jake Frederic (1). Central Gauteng B 5: Fayzan Seedat (2), Bart Dorrenstein-Rowley (1), Ethan Bennett (1), Adam Duffy.

QF3: Buffalo City 7: Nathan Wiese (2), Joshua Talbot (1), Sam Harris (1), Riley Cook (1), Blake Abrams (1), William Schaefer (1). Nelson Mandela Bay 5: Caleb Levey (2), Luke Parker (1), Christin Horne (1), Liam Nurse (1).

QF4: Central Gauteng A 6 (3): Ethan Baty (2), Rupert Schonborn (1), Nathan Mansfield (1), Fedor Sadovnik (1), Matthew Nash (1). Western Province B 6 (1): Pieter Aucamp (3), Ewan Seymour (1), Jack Grout (1), Matthew Cox (1).

Northerns A 12: Ryan Fuller-Good (4), Christopher Jansen van Vuuren (2), Jacque Dippenaar (2), Wikus Burger (2), Liam Freeman (1), Robert Erasmus (1). Zimbabwe 5: Daniel Hutchings (3), Christian Smith (1), Samuel Tivadar (1).

Central Gauteng B 16: Bart Dorrenstein-Rowley (3), Dean Ehret (3), Adam Duffy (2), Max Di Nicola (2), Joshua Dobrowsky (2), Fayzan Seedat (1), Ayanda Mabaso (1), Samuel de Klerk (1), Charlie Caudle (1). Northerns B 6: Noah Strydom (2), Tyler Stanton (1), Izak van der Linde (1), André Robberts (1), Connor Bayne (1).

SF1: KwaZulu-Natal 13: Henry Harker (3), Max Mills (3), Jed Reilly (2), Daniel Nothard (2), James Whatmore (1), Bradley van Loggerenberg (1), Nabil Bejia (1). Buffalo City 1: Blake Abrams (1).

SF2: Western Province A 16: James Swart (6), Noah Reiback (4), Riley Clarke (2), Luca Orgill (2), Kieran Bennewith (2). Central Gauteng A 7: Ethan Baty (2), Benjamin Vine (2), Giorgio Ferreira (1), Fedor Sadovnik (1), Rupert Schonborn (1).

Nelson Mandela Bay 11: Caleb Lavery (3), Christian Horne (2), Luke Parker (2), Liam Nurse (1), Benn Jorgensen (1), Ryan Venter (1), Liam Garrett (1). Central Gauteng B 9: Ayanda Mabaso (2), Bart Dorrenstein-Rowley (2), Ethan Bennett (2), Adam Duffy (1), Dean Ehret (1), Joshua Dobrowksy (1).

Western Province B 6: Christo le Roux (2), Thomas Jenman (1), Ryan Dales (1), Jack Grout (1), James Hugo (1). Northerns A 3: Ryan Fuller-Good (1), Robert Erasmus (1), Gunther Taute (1).

Girls

QF1: Central Gauteng A 9: June Stander (4), Charlotte Jolley (2), Hannah van Heerden (1), Keira Holland (1), Jessica Boamgard (1). Central Gauteng B 3: Emma Harmzen (1), Riley Burger (1), Gabriella Lobban (1).

QF2: Western Province A 13: Catherine Ringwood (4), Sarah Lowndes (2), Nina Bakker (2), Micha Danilewitz (2), Sophia Turner (2), Carolyn Lord (1). Western Province B 1: Jessica Gray (1).

QF3: KwaZulu-Natal 11: Maggy Matthews (3), Lara Nel (3), Amy Aaron (2), Motloduwa Makwane (1), Jazlyn Moolman (1), Lia Jansen van Rensburg (1). Zimbabwe 3: Mazvitaishe Zuze (2), Tiffany Small (1).

QF4: Eden Districts 8: Mia Gibson (3), Cate Harrison (2), Tatum Dace (2), Rosslyn Squair (1). Buffalo City 7: Kayden Glasgow (3), Abigail Tesmer (3), Eva Saffy (1).

Central Gauteng B 17: Olesego Moleme (3), Gemma Caminsky (3), Riley Burger (3), Kiera Doyle (2), Emma Harmzen (2), Humaira Ballim (1), Gabriella Lobban (1) Erin Grimett (1), Jaime Napier (1). Northerns 2: Carina van Schoor (2).

Nelson Mandela Bay 15: Kate Wilson (5), Michaela Blaine (3), Charlotte van Bochove (2), Gina Lindhorst (1), Caitlyn Gemmill (1), Jasmine Apps (1), Iviwe Ntloko (1), Kate Newborn (1). Western Province B 5: Erin Willard (3), Jessica Gray (2).

SF1: KwaZulu-Natal 8: Amy Aaron (2), Maggy Matthews (1), Layla Dinsdale (1), Lia Janse van Rensburg (1), Lorna Kernahan (1), Motloduwa Makwane (1), Lara Nel (1). Western Province A 7: Micha Danilewitz (6), Catherine Ringwood (1).

SF 2: Central Gauteng A 12: Keira Holland (3), Jessica McCamlie (3), June Stander (2), Jessica Eblen (2), Hannah van Heerden (1), Charlotte Jolley (1).  Eden Districts 6: Rosslyn Squair (3), Méla Loubser (2), Cate Harrison (1).

The CSA u16 Girls National Week kicked off on Tuesday in the Windy City of Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape. The clash between Western Province (WP) and the North West Dragons highlighted a first day that tilted in favour of the bowlers.

Chasing a modest target of 130 runs to win at Woodridge College, WP eventually won the clash by a solitary wicket.

The experienced Miya Lalor, who is already in the mix for the union’s senior ladies’ side, led the chase with a mature 40 runs, while 34 extras gave the Province run pursuit a boost, too.

Earlier, Sofia Raquel Beires, with 3/15, and Morgan Simpson, with 2/27, helped to restrict North West to 129 all out. Gogantle Padi was exceptional for the Dragons, capturing 4/16, which was one of numerous four-fors across the eight matches played on the first day.

Xanalise van Dyk, of the Tuskers, notched the only half-century of the day at Westering, contributing 62 not out to her side’s total of 180 all out against Limpopo. Rayne Kitching added a useful 39, while Pontsho Mopayi led the Impalas’ attack, claiming 4/28.

Limpopo mustered 145 all out in reply, which included 20 from their bowling hero, Mopayi. Carli Hughes, with 4/22, Lesego Motsepa, with 3/18, and Siphokazi Xaba, with 3/23, kept their batters in check, leading to a 35-run win for the Tuskers.

Anelisa Mhlongo, of the Dolphins, and Brianna Arthur, of Northern Cape, dominated with the ball.

Arthur was the mainstay of the Northern Capers’ comfortable seven-wicket victory over the Mpumalanga Rhinos at Daniel Pienaar, knocking over 5/30 in just 6.1 overs, which comprehensively countered a quickfire 46 from just 34 deliveries by Mpumalanga’s Zelné Hattingh.

The spotlight, however, belonged to Mhlongo, who rocked The Titans with the spell of the day on Woodridge College’s Monahan Field. She laid waste to their innings, bagging 5/16 in six overs. With support from Noxolo Biyela, who snapped up 2/19, they rolled the side from Pretoria for a disappointing 60 runs.

Kendra Kreinecke, then, handled the chase with a patient and unbeaten 25, seeing her to victory by nine wickets in the 14th over.

Despite the extras columns producing some headaches for most of the side’s bowling coaches, the first day, nonetheless, delivered two five-wicket hauls and a further four returns of four wickets. Those figures suggest the batters are in for a challenging time.

Summarised scorecards

North West 129 (Extras 39, Reabetswe Dithipe 29, Luané van Wyk 26*; Sofia Raquel Beires 3/15, Morgan Simpson 2/27); Western Province 130/9 (Miya Lalor 40, Extras 34; Gogantle Padi 4/16, Biopelo Phakedi 3/36, Anita Ackerman 2/22). Western Province won by one wicket. 

Tuskers 180 (Xanalise van Dyk 62*, Rayne Kitching 39, Extras 36; Pontsho Mopayi 4/28, Nokuthula Nkosi 2/18, Motlalepule Sebele 2/18); Limpopo Impalas 145 (Extras 40, Palesa Mathebula 22, Beyonce Mathebula 21, Pontsho Mopayi 20; Carli Hughes 4/22, Lesego Motsepa 3/18, Siphokazi Xaba 3/23). Tuskers won by 35 runs. 

Lions 183 (Extras 61, Elysia Fourie 39, Mpho Bidli 25; Casey Pretorius 3/30, Leila-Jade van Niekerk 2/20, Thandeka Mngomezulu 2/27); Easterns 157 (Thandeka Mngomezulu 37, Extras 35, Keira Ferreira 21; Bonolo Phalane 4/27, Puledi Sebone 3/28). Lions won by 26 runs.

Boland 158/9 (Extras 57, Amyoli Senti 28, Lize De Waal 20; Annabel Roos 3/16, Josimina Minnie 2/27, Mbali Maxele 2/35, Azomila Silera 2/35); Eastern Cape Iinyathi 34 (Alitha Fotay 8*; Chemeka Williams 3/7, Zozibini Mbira 2/7, Abigail Schuur 2/10). Boland won by 124 runs. 

Mpumalanga 145 (Zelné Hattingh 46, Extras 44, Julienne Uys 30; Brianna Arthur 5/30, Tlotang Monnapula 3/41); Northern Cape 149/3 (Extras 51, Simoné Steyn 33, Brianna Arthur 27; Khabonina Mhlanga 1/23). Northern Cape won by seven wickets. 

Eastern Province 126 (Aerin Labuschagne 39, Extras 28, Tana Sinclair 20*; Amohelang Ngueanha 3/19, Thando Nelane 2/21, Reneesha Wales 2/23); Free State 127/6 (Extras 48, Mia Daacke 28, Kekeletso Mohapi 21; Tana Sinclair 2/18, Caitlyn Louis 2/34). Free State won by four wickets. 

Titans 60 (Jessica Fourie 17, Megan Welgemoed 15; Anelisa Mhlongo 5/16, Noxolo Biyela 2/19); Dolphins 61/1 (Kendra Kreinacke 25*; Carmen Hugo 1/9). Dolphins won by nine wickets. 

SWD Garden Route Badgers 62 (Extras 29, Jeze Campher 15; Kwanele Kratshi 3/6, Yolanda Mduma 3/11); Kei 63/5 (Extras 28, Siphosethu Gogozayo 13; Kim Plaaitjies 2/11, Jeze Campher 2/16). Kei won by five wickets. 

Boys

A classic North vs South showdown awaits in the final of the u14 boys’ Schools Water Polo South Africa Inter-Provincial Tournament on Wednesday, with Central Gauteng A taking on Western Province A for the title at 11:45 in St David’s Marist Inanda‘s Fourviére Pool.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools

Central Gauteng handled Western Province B in the quarterfinals on Tuesday, doubling their opposition up in a 10-5 win. Western Province A, meanwhile, cruised to a 10-2 win over Zimbabwe.

They were joined in the semi-finals by KwaZulu-Natal A and B, who accounted for Buffalo City and Nelson Mandela Bay respectively. Unfortunately for KZN, neither side was able to move on to the title game.

Central Gauteng needed a penalty shootout to get past KZN A after their clash ended 8-8, but Western Province A had an easier time, rolling to a 7-1 defeat of KZN B.

Northerns A picked up three wins, beating Eastern Gauteng, Central Gauteng B, and Northerns B, powered by huge performances from William and Matthew King. William contributed 10 goals to their victories, while Matthew weighed in with five.

William King tops the goal scoring chart with 26, which is 11 more than second-placed Cooper Morrison, of KZN, Matthew King shares third place on the list, with 12 goals to his name.

Girls

In the girls’ u14 final, scheduled for 09:45 in the Fourviére Pool, KwaZulu-Natal A takes on Western Province A.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools

Ella Chalupsky, the tournament’s top goal scorer, with 22, nine ahead of any other player, helped to steer KZN A into the title contest. She struck twice in a convincing 8-2 quarterfinals’ win over Zimbabwe and added another three in a 6-2 defeat of KZN B in the semi-finals.

Western Province A, meanwhile, dealt with a tough Nelson Mandela Bay challenge in the last eight, winning 6-3.

They needed a penalty shootout to see off Central Gauteng A in the semi-finals. After regulation time ended 6-6, WP A took the win and a place in the final with a 3-2 spot success.

RESULTS

Boys

Northerns A 5: William King (4), Matthew King (1). Central Gauteng B 3: Connor Nell (2), Benjamin de Klerk (1).

QF1: KwaZulu-Natal A 13: Isaac Mvulana (3), Cai Terblanche (3), Cooper Morrison (2), Andrew van Onselen (2), Matthew Warner (1), Mason Allan (1), Blake Gaines (1). Buffalo City 4: Timothy Goodwin (2), Duncan van der Merwe (1), Landon van Heerden (1).

QF: KwaZulu-Natal B 6: Jack Hill (2), Eddy Harker (1), Callan Botha (1), Jayden Dellar (1), Thandolwethu Mthethwa (1). Nelson Mandela Bay 4: Jarryd Froy (3), Neil Stow (1).

QF: Central Gauteng A 10: Sven Stander (4), Noah van der Berg (3), Ashton Eblen (2), Ezio De Gouveia (1). Western Province B 5: Jude Sive (1), Josh Morris (1), Matthew Briers-Danks, Ari Bulmer (1), John Tosi (1).

QF: Western Province A 12: Matthew Roach (3), Oliver Muller (3), Mohamed Meyers (2), John Weir-Smith (1), Gus Moran (1), Ameer Moose (1), Leonardo Jonas (1). Zimbabwe 2: Siphosenkosi Nkomo (1), Tristan Tanner (1).

SF1: Central Gauteng A 8 (3): Sven Stander (2), Noah van den Berg (2), Ezio De Gouveia (1), Liam McJannet (1), Daniel Scott (1), Justin Ashkar (1). KwaZulu-Natal A 8 (1): Cooper Morrison (4), Isaac Mvulana (1), Jonty Mun-Gavin (1), Andrew van Onselen (1), Matthew Warner (1).

SF2: Western Province A 7: Andrew Eksteen (2), Oliver Muller (2), Jeremy Blake (1), Brett van Schoor (1), Matthew Roach (1). KwaZulu-Natal B 1: Joshua Coventry (1).

Central Gauteng B 8: Connor Nell (4), Braiden Lane (1), Blake Jacobs (1), Joshua Bennett (1), Andrew Mason (1). Northerns B 5: Alexi Kellaris (2), Rocco Stapelberg (2), Daniel Botha (1).

Northerns A 10: William King (3), Matthew King (2), Jan-Louw Koch (2), Ashton Smith (1), Christiaan Bosman (1), Jurgen Crevits (1). Eastern Gauteng 3: Armand van Waveren (2), Luke Robbeson (1).

Buffalo City 5: Reese Buret (3), Duncan van der Merwe (2). Western Province B 3: John Tosi (2), Ari Bulmer (1).

Nelson Mandela Bay 4 (3): Jarryd Froy (1), Neil Stow (1), Harrison Rosser (1), Anthony Repapis (1). Zimbabwe 4 (2): Jared Melvin (2), Alexander Tividar (1), Joshua Willcox (1).

Central Gauteng B 11: Blake Jacobs (4), Connor Nell (2), Amir Otto (2), Prince Shiwundlana (1), Joshua Bennett (1), Ross Anderson (1). Eastern Gauteng 2: Luke Robbeson (1), Wian Booysen (1).

Northerns A 9: William King (3), Matthew King (2), Jan-Louw Koch (2), Ashton Smith (1), Gideon Marais (1). Northerns B 6: Frederick Roux (3), Alexi Kellaris (1), Ethan Modena (1), Ethan Phillipou (1).

Girls

Buffalo City 7: Eva Webber (3), Tanita Packery (1), Thandi Bosman (1), Mackenzie Abrams (1), Dakota Cumming (1). Central Gauteng B 1: Abigail Pacheco (1).

QF: Western Province A 6: Sophie Alexander (2), Jaime Smit (2), Lily Latimer (1), Sienna O’Neill (1). Nelson Mandela Bay 3: Ava Larter (1), Morgan Crous (1), Arabella Duggan (1).

QF: KwaZulu-Natal B 5: Eva Berichon (2), Tayla McGregor (1), Lesedi Sefolo (1), Farren Armour (1). Eastern Gauteng 4: Erin Caminsky (3), Gianna De Andrade (1).

QF: Central Gauteng A 7: Taylor-Shay Williams (2), Isabella West (1), Zoe Zondi (1), Lucy Berry (1), Kiera Forsdyke (1), Ella Willcox (1). Western Province B 4: Elizabeth Whitfield (2), Isabella Kemp-White (1), Jessica Durrant (1).

QF: KwaZulu-Natal A 8: Ella Chalupsky (2), Lara Macqueen (2), Justina Pellandini (1), Cristina van der Walt (1), Riley Girado (1), Lucy Harker (1). Zimbabwe 2: Emily Nesbitt (2).

Buffalo City 6: Katie Pickering (2), Hannah Schenk (1), Dakota Cumming (1), Mackenzie Abrams (1), Eva Webber (1). Eden Districts 4: Emma Loubser (2), Oreneile Masike (1), Jorja Ogden (1).

Central Gauteng B 10: Alexandra Hodgson-Jervis (4), Ella Savage (2), Emma Fynn (2), Abigail Pacheco (1), Ella-Rose Fuller (1). Northerns 1: Niah Durand (1).

Western Province B 4: Claudia Böttger (2), Ava Doller (1), Annabel Grey (1). Nelson Mandela Bay 3: Kara-Linn van Niekerk (10, Arabella Duggan (1), Morgan Gous (1).

Zimbabwe 5: Catia Maio (1), Bella Lynton Edwards (1), Ella Passaportis (1), Emily Nesbitt (1), Danni McCoun (1). Eastern Gauteng 3: Andreia Correira (1), Cassidy David (1), Gianna de Andrade (1).

SF1: Western Province A 6 (3): Ella Steenkamp (2), Lily Latimer (2), Sienah Styles (1), Sophie Alexander (1). Central Gauteng A 6 (2): Lucy Berry (2), Kiera Forsdyke (1), Olivia Ford (1), Dominique D’Oliveira (1), Zoe Zondi (1).

SF2: KwaZulu-Natal A 6: Ella Chalupsky (3), Lucy Harker (1), Riley Girodo, Lara Macqueen (1). KwaZulu-Natal B 2: Evelyn Kuster (1), Farren Armour (1).

Boys

Western Province will rule the roost in the u13 boys’ Schools Water Polo South Africa Inter-Provincial Tournament. That much is known ahead of the final at 08:45 on Wednesday at St David’s Marist Inanda’s Fourviére Pool.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools

That’s because it’s an all-Western Province final after Western Province A comfortably dealt with Central Gauteng A in the semi-finals, while Western Province B pulled off a stunner, downing KwaZulu-Natal A 4-3 to book their place in the title decider.

Earlier in the day, KZN A accounted for Central Gauteng B in the quarterfinals, winning by five goals, while Central Gauteng A handed Nelson Mandela Bay A a 12-7 defeat.

Western Province A blanked Buffalo City 12-0 and Western Province B outplayed KZN B 8-1.

Jordan Meiring, of Eden Districts, tops the goal scoring charts, with 27 to his name.

 

Girls

Western Province A will also play for the girls’ u13 title. Standing in their way is Nelson Mandela Bay A. They meet at St Stithians College at 10:00.

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WP A overpowered KwaZulu-Natal B 15-0 in the quarterfinals and followed that up with 13-3 pounding of Eastern Gauteng.

Abigail Turner scored five goals in their quarterfinals’ win, while Sarah Mocke continued her phenomenal scoring pace with four goals in both games. She’s the event’s top goal scorer, with 27, seven ahead of the next highest scorer, Lily Mao-Cheia, of Nelson Mandela Bay B.

Nelson Mandela Bay A, meanwhile, shocked Central Gauteng A in the quarterfinals, advancing after a penalty shootout.

They scored a more emphatic victory to secure their place in the title game, beating their neighbours, Buffalo City A, 9-5. Buffalo City had earlier accounted for KZN A in the quarterfinals.

RESULTS

Boys

QF 1: KwaZulu-Natal A 6: Elvis Peltz (3), Troy Botha (1), Benjamin Raubenheimer (1), Mphilo Khomo (1). Central Gauteng B 5: Matthew Ford (3), Callum Case (1), Joe Wilkins (1).

QF2: Central Gauteng A 12: Samuel Terlingen (4), Bradley Bowen (3), Matthew Moseley (1), Luc Crofton (1), Chuma Manjo (1), Renzo Ferrari (1), Oliver Biddulph (1). Nelson Mandela Bay A 7: Josh Parker (4), Levi Oakes (1), Evan Holster (1), Ithiel Harry (1).

QF3: Western Province A 14: Jake du Plessis (4), Harry Corlett (3), Matthew Skeeles (3), Stuart McEvoy (2), Sebastian Iles (1), Christopher Vermaak (1). Buffalo City A 0.

QF4: Western Province B 8: Charles Dingley (2), Jack McEwen (1), Max Wides (1), Joshua Chambers (1), Kayd de Klerk (1), Lukholo Ngcola (1), Josh Labuschagne (1). KwaZulu-Natal B 1: Sloan Brouard (1).

Nelson Mandela Bay B 17: Ryan Magson (5), Dante Williams (4), Jeff Larter (3), Connor Louw (2), Jake Smith (1) James-Quinn Bailey (1), Rogan Barrat (1). Eastern Gauteng B 1: Ngcebo Mazibuko (1).

Eastern Gauteng A 4: Alex Peens (1), Gianluca Kilfoil (1), Jaxon Odgers (1), Nikaar Sing (1). Buffalo City B 3: Liam Priem (3).

Northerns A 16: Helmuth Bothma (6), Liam Nortjé (2), Robert Noonan (2), Reuben Burger (2), Kwame Quagraine (1), Achuma Sapula (1), Keenan Pienaar (1). One scorer missing. Northerns B 1: Johann du Toit (1).

SF1: Western Province B 4: Charles Dingley (2), Kayd de Klerk (1), Gus Cloete (1). KwaZulu-Natal A 3: Benjamin Raubenheimer (1), Troy Botha (1), Mpilo Khomo (1).

SF2: Western Province A 8: Harry Corlett (5), Luca Naude (2), Jake du Plessis (1). Central Gauteng A 4: Samuel Terlingen (2), Luc Crofton (1), Oliver Biddulph (1).

Boland 8: Tristan van Rensburg (2), Sam Dekker (2), Nicolas Coolen (2), Paul Harris (1), Johannes Muller (1). Eden Districts 7: Jamie Kruger (2), Jordan Meiring (2), Jonathan Pieterse (1), Keagan Godfrey (1), Rhoderick Simpson (1).

Central Gauteng C 6: Jono Cheek (2), Riley Badsha-Eybers (2), Alexander De Matteis (1), Callum van Reenen (1). Zimbabwe A 3: Liam Rauch (1), Daniel Williams (1), Matthew Wishart (1).

Northerns A 16: Helmuth Bothma (4), Rhys Robson (3), Reuben Burger (1), Liam Nortjé (1), Keenan Pienaar (1), Robert Noonan (1), Achuma Sapula (1), four goals missing. Eastern Gauteng B 1: Ruben Pretorius (1).

KwaZulu-Natal B 3 (2): Thomy Sweeney (2), Malanchi van Zyl (1). Central Gauteng B 3 (1):  Joe Wilkins (2), Benjamin Alberts (1).

Nelson Mandela Bay A 5: Thomas Everts (1), Levi Oakes (1), Josh Parker (1), Matthew Lokotsch (1), Ithiel Harry (1). Buffalo City A 1: Murray Rance (1).

Nelson Mandela Bay B 11: Jake Smith (3), Rogan Barrat (2), Dante Williams (1), Ryan Magson (1), Connor Louw (1), James-Quinn Bailey (1), Callum Davis-Taylor (1), Jeff Larter (1). Northerns B 0.

Zimbabwe B 0. Eastern Gauteng A 0.

Girls

QF1: Buffalo City A 3: Julie Schwartz (2), Morgan Graham (1). KwaZulu-Natal A 2: Emily Wilson (1), Olivia Botha (1).

QF2: Eastern Gauteng A 5: Taylor-Rose Botes (2), Megan Els (2), Eryn O’Brien (1). Western Province B 4: Christina Cox (2), Emma Cullis (1), Rebecca Hime (1).

QF3: Western Province A 15: Abigail Turner (5), Sarah Mocke (4), Charlotte Finlayson (2), Elounda Charalambous (2), Milla Morris (1), Emilie Conradie (1). KwaZulu-Natal B 0.

QF4: Nelson Mandela Bay A 4 (2): Rosalie Holderness (1), Mataiah Smith (1), Holly Wilson (1), Emma Muirhead (1). Central Gauteng A 4 (1): Nayima Ndlovu (2), Mikayla Cross (1), Holly Dorrenstein-Rowley (1).

Buffalo City B 12: Riley Thompson (3), Kaitlyn Ryan (2), Camryn Webber (2), Lexi Ogilvie (1), Emma Dyer (1), Alexia van Niekerk (1), Emma Ristow (1), Rachel Barnard (1). Eastern Gauteng B 2: Gabriela Khoury (1), Paballo Nkosi (1).

Eden Districts 8: Abigail Vadas (4), Ashley Mthethwa (2), Emma Hunter (1), Olivia Avice du Buiss (1). Northerns 2: Cara Bedeker (2).

SF 1: Nelson Mandela Bay A 9: Mataiah Smith (4), Emma Muirhead (3), Jemma Windsor (1), Tara Elliott (1). Buffalo City A 5: Morgan Graham (2), Bella-Mae Makelele (1), Ella Stegmann (1), Julie Schwartz (1).

Zimbabwe B 6: Farai Matabeya (3), Lexi Love (2), Sarah O’Brien (1). Zimbabwe A 1: Zoe Chakonza (1).

Central Gauteng C 4 (2)  Blye Mitchell (2), Shelley Gordon-Bennett (1), Taylin Thurlow (1). Central Gauteng B 4 (1): Sophia Crawford (2), Alexia Marvin (1), Juno Stone (1).

SF2: Western Province A 13: Sarah Mocke (4), Elounda Charalambous (3), Milla Morris (2), Emilie Conradie (2), Lila-Harper Pinkham (1), Khloe Brown (1). Eastern Gauteng A 3: Tshegofatso Moabelo (1), Megan Els (1), Eryn O’Brien (1).

Central Gauteng A 5: Giana Gonzaga (2), Nayima Ndlovu (1), Zoleka Moyo (1), Vera Collocott (1). KwaZulu-Natal A 1: Emily Wilson (1).

Western Province B 5: Rebecca Hime (3), Christina Cox (2). KwaZulu-Natal B 1: Sarah Howieson (1).

Nelson Mandela Bay B 15: Lily Mao-Cheia (4), Gabriela Govender (2), Pippa Wolmarans (2), Zoe Sinclair (2), Lily-Grace Anderson (2), Nina Hewitt (1), Kaitlyn Hall (1), Jessica Scott (1). Eastern Gauteng B 0.

Boland 9: Sophia Boustred (4), Josephine van Wyk (2), Layla Roux (1), Noa Haarhoff (1), Jana Durrans (1). Northerns 1 Cara Bedeker (1).