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GRAAFF-REINET NEWS— The Union High School in Graaff-Reinet celebrated its 99th birthday over Founders' Weekend, January 26 and 27.
The festivities began with the Founders' Assembly on Friday morning, a joint celebration between the Preparatory School and High School, the only occasion during the year when the two schools get together.
On Founders’ Day, the school pauses to recognise that parents, educators and learners throughout the years, and the broader community, have given of themselves to build what everyone now enjoys.
The annual Old Unionite Association Annual General Meeting, chaired by John Crankshaw, was also held.
Unfortunately, the planned biathlon and colour splash planned for Friday was rained out.
A steak evening, hosted by the Old Unionite Association, was enjoyed by the entire school community in the Tony Burrell Union.
The atmosphere was one of good fellowship and camaraderie and was enjoyed by all as past pupils and parents all descend on the school to enjoy a weekend of festivity.
On Saturday, while the men were playing cricket, the moms and their daughters enjoyed a morning tea at Herby Arnott House. It was a beautiful occasion where fun was had by all.
Very early on Saturday morning, some mini-hockey and junior hockey matches were played between girls and moms (and a few dads), and the day concluded with a match between the first hockey squad against the Old Girls.
The Union players played extremely well, scoring well-constructed goals, to defeat the Old Girls 6-3. Micela Loock received the award for the Best Player of the Day, and Rebecca Langmead an award for the Best Goal.
Six cricket games from U.9 to the first team, between the boys and their fathers and past pupils, took place on the school fields and the Botanics Sportsgrounds.
The day was filled with much laughter as this year the dads got the better of the junior boys.
Some very competitive cricket was also played between the senior boys and the Old Boys.
In the first team match, the Old Boys won the toss and elected to bat first.
The Union boys bowled very well from the beginning, hitting good areas and putting pressure on the Old Boys. Excellent bowling from the whole team and a good effort in the field ensured that they restricted the old Boys to 162 for 10 in 40 overs.
The Union Boys went in to bat and looked good from the beginning against a very good bowling attack.
Unfortunately, Terrence Siyaya was run out early, but Trevor Moos stood his ground to keep out the bowlers. Matt Harpur and Brett Amsterdam both played a masterclass innings, showing patience and skill, but they both lost their wickets through the Old Boys’ experience.
After that, the schoolboys lost wickets at regular intervals and managed to score 121 runs. It was an excellent effort from the first team. Union High lost the game by 41 runs.
In the second team match, the Old Boys batted first and were bowled out in the 29th over for 154.
Lunga Zintsi took 3 wickets for 12 runs, Jayden Brotherton 2 for 8 and Noah Ackerman 2 for 6.
For the Old Boys, Ronald McNaughton scored 38 runs, Johnny Marais 31 and Jason Jacobs 19. The Union boys were bowled out for 79.
Khwezi Simon scored 18 runs and Matthew Hesselink 10. Old Boy Johnny Marais took 2 wickets for 12 runs, Flippie Loock 2 for 15 and Mark Hudson 2 for 6. The Old Boys won by 75 runs.
Awards were handed to the boys for their play on the day. James Pienaar received the award for the Best U.15 Player and Lunga Zantsi for the Best Second Team Player. The Most Valuable First Team Player award went to Brett Amsterdam and Matt Harpur received the awards for the Best Batsman and the Best Schoolboy Performance by a 1st XI Player.
The school extends their thanks to all the Old Girls, Old Boys, moms and dads for a fantastic day’s hockey and cricket.
After a whirlwind of activity, the participants and supporters were able to wind down with refreshments and snacks at The Union.
It was a wonderful weekend of good, clean family fun enjoyed by everyone concerned.
The school extends its sincerest appreciation to the Old Unionite Association Committee for their organisation and hard work over the weekend, and to all those parents, friends and supporters of the school who made the effort to be part of the activities.
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