193 192 The eagerness of a new group of Grade 8s was evident in the number of participants and excitement shown at our pre-season camp. Some were experienced players, while many others had their first taste of this gripping game. As these boys started their Kearsney College journey and were introduced to our water polo program, with our goals and expectations, you could already see the U14 age group was ready for the challenge ahead. After a short first week, teams were announced, and we were ready for our first fixture of the season, an away game to Michaelhouse. The boys showed control and positive teamwork in defeating the home team. It was the perfect start to the local season. Apart from a loss to Hilton in Term 1, we won the rest of our KZN fixtures. As part of our programme, we wanted the boys to gain experience, by testing themselves against teams from all over South Africa. In March we competed in the Jeppe U14 Festival in Johannesburg. We took a full squad, to develop as many boys as possible. The trip was a success, and the team grew as a unit, both in and out of the pool. The highlights were our win against a strong St Stithians team and our narrow 6 - 7 loss to SACS - who would later prove somewhat of a nemesis to us in our battles later in the year. The third term got off to a fast start, with the boys putting in an immense effort, knowing what fixtures and tournaments were around the corner. After a few local fixtures we headed to the Rondebosch U14 Tournament in Cape Town. The boys battled hard in the cold rain all weekend. We defeated the highly-rated Reddam Constantia team in the quarter-finals. After going down to Bishops in the semi, we set up another clash with SACS for the bronze medal game. After drawing with them in the pool games, we knew it would be tough. After going down 1 - 4 at the start, the Kearsney boys showed what they are made of and came back to draw the game. The penalty shootout went down to sudden death, and we missed out, but the boys had made their mark in Cape Town. After a two-day break, we were back at it, in the Hilton U14 Tournament. We weren’t clinical enough in our finishing and allowed two games to slip past us, which WATER POLO U14A TEAM Back row: Aston Grace, Craig McKenzie, Robert Gelderman, James Hollins Middle row: Sebastian Hunwick, Tyler Wright, Blake Rencken, Leo Brown, Ntsikelelo Makeleni, Daniel Hunwick Front row: Mcebisi Zulu, Clement Makelele, Max Mills, Mr Gregg Higgs (Coach), James Whatmore, Reece York, Matthew Wilson Under 14A Water Polo Our goals for the season were to be one of the top B-sides in the province, and to develop the players’ skills throughout the year. We have succeeded in both of our objectives. I am stunned by the determination and hard work that this side has displayed weekly, showing a level of maturity inside and outside of the pool. The highlight of the season was our rematch against Hilton in Term 4. The first match against the team was an arm wrestle, with a last-minute goal from Hilton securing them a 5-4 victory. The boys were eager to turn this result around. Once again, it was a close encounter, with the boys ultimately prevailing 11-7. The team can arguably lay claim to being the top U14 B-side in KZN. I want to thank the other coaches for their assistance throughout the year. They have always gone the extra mile to assist this side. Thank you to the boys for a most enjoyable season. You made me lose my voice more times than I can count, but it was worth it. I am proud of you all and I am sure that many of you will move to higher teams. I wish you the best of luck in the future, gentlemen. Keep working hard. Regular players: Troy Bizzell, Mawethu Bodlani, Tyla Bricknell, Cameron Dekker, Ian Gourlay, Aston Grace, Tunga Griffiths, Keegan Howes, Daniel Hunwick, Sebastian Hunwick, Adam Kennedy, James Lubbe, Ntsikelelo Makeleni, Liam Minne, Alexander Nortje, Blake Rencken, Sean Rowan, George Sykes, Luke Tedder, Tyler Wright Results: Played 12, Won 10, Lost 2 Mr Stephan Joubert Coach unfortunately knocked us out of the running for the Cup. We learnt some valuable lessons, regrouped and progressed, later setting up a Plate section Final against Paul Roos, which we won. We enjoyed a wonderful start to the KZN Top 10 Tournament in Term 4, beating Clifton to finish first in our pool and set up a semifinal against Westville. The game was tense throughout, ending in another draw and penalty shootout, which we lost. We played Clifton again for the bronze and went down by a goal. We backed up our hotly-contested contention for the second spot in KZN at the Northwood U14 Tournament, which was played in a round-robin format with all the teams from the KZN Top 10. We settled and started playing the team polo that had served us well in Cape Town. Westville and Clifton were tough, but we ultimately controlled the games and were comfortable winners. After losing to Hilton in the pool game, we played them again in the final. We took the silver medal but reminded KZN of the threat that Kearsney College is in water polo. Congratulations to the following five boys, who, through their hard work, were selected for the KZN U14A team that will compete at this year's InterProvincial Tournament. Max Mills, James Whatmore and Reece York Non-travelling reserves: Mcebisi Zulu and Clement Makelele Thank you to all the Kearsney College staff, from the coaches, to management, to the bus drivers. Thank you to all the parents and everyone else for their continued support. The boys and I appreciate the support and hope we have made you proud. Results: Played 51, Won 32, Drawn 4, Lost 15 Mr Gregg Higgs Coach Under 14B Water Polo
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