GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — This past weekend Union High hosted its 30th annual Senior Rugby and Hockey Festival and once again it was a tremendous success, with teams from across the country taking part in the festival.

With 800 learners and 115 coaches attending, Union had hostels bursting at the seams, but the hard-working staff of Arthur Kingwill House and Herby Arnott House made it work and as always Union was complimented for its great hospitality.

Union wishes to take this opportunity to thank the hostel staff for all those extra hours and their contribution to the success of the festival. The same goes to Mr Kingwill and his team of ground-staff for ensuring that the facilities were always in impeccable condition.

Thanks are also extended to Union's rugby and hockey moms and dads for feeding the coaches, sponsors, staff, medics and referees at the Union. As always, the food was of the highest quality (and quantity).

A word of thanks also goes to Mr Crankshaw and his team of old Unionites for their contribution.

A festival of this magnitude cannot be hosted without its sponsors and Union thanks their main sponsors for the festival - Hyundai, Caltex, College Motors, SupaQuick and Spur. "We appreciate the ongoing support from your businesses. We are looking forward to many more years of working together," said principal William Pringle.

"Congratulations to the coaches on the teams’ performances over Festival. You and the teams made us proud on and off the field!" he concluded 

Rugby

On Saturday, Union's first team played against Cambridge in what was an eagerly anticipated clash. The team looked forward to playing at home and this was evident in the way they approached the match.

They played with commitment and passion to secure a 13 - 5 victory. Cambridge was physically bigger but Union managed to disrupt their attack with excellent defence and intensity throughout. Ross Stanley finished off a well-constructed team try in the first half to put Union ahead. The momentum switched back and forth with Cambridge scoring just before half time.

Unfortunately, Union could not convert pressure into points but rather missed out on what should have been certain tries. Their handling and impatience caused frustration from players and supporters alike. Fortunately, a second half try by Cohen Pieterse and converted penalty by Matt Harpur gave them a two-score cushion and Union managed to hang onto this until the final whistle. 

Monday’s match against Charlie Hofmeyer was a disappointing one for Union. The team seemed flat-footed and put in a lacklustre performance. Union could not control possession and their intensity on defence was far off the pace. Unforced errors at critical moments hurt them and Union could not find their rhythm as a result. Union's opponents capitalised on their failure to protect the ball and used their opportunities better than Union did. Union lost the match 17 – 39. Ross Stanley scored a good individual try and Ikhona Koeberg did well to finish off Union's most promising passage of play, dotting down underneath the posts. Matt Harpur kicked two conversions and a penalty.

"Our thanks go out to all involved with the organisation and running of the festival. It was another incredible experience for us as the first rugby squad. We are truly grateful for the opportunity and for the hard work which was done behind the scenes," said coach Carl Bezuidenhout.

He continued, "It was an emotional weekend for us after hearing the news of the passing of Sean Kroon, a member of our first XV in 2016 and a good friend to many. Sean played an integral part in the 2016 season and will long be remembered for his dedication. His work rate from the side of the scrum was immense and he was always willing to put his body on the line for his teammates. As a coach, I knew I could rely on him at any time and in any situation. He never let me down and often exceeded expectations. Off the field, he was a real character and added so much to the chemistry of the team with his quirky personality and unique perspective on life. It was a privilege for us all to share the special moments of the season with a young man who loved every minute of what he did. We will miss him dearly and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. The ‘white jersey’ family has lost a brother but he will forever live on in our hearts and in the change room."

 Hockey 

After winning the EC SPAR Hockey Spar Challenge on Friday, Union's first hockey team continued their success when they played their first game of the Festival against Paarl Gym from Cape Town. Paarl Gym played with the same intensity that the Union team has been accustomed to play. The Union girls used their opportunities well and beat Paarl Gym 8 goals to 0. 

On Sunday they played two games. During the first game against Nico Malan, the girls wasted their opportunities in the first half and only scored one goal. The second half was much better and Union scored 5 goals to 0. The second match was played against Settlers High School from Cape Town. It was a well-rounded game and Union displayed their exquisite skill, beating Settlers 9-0.

On Monday, Union played against Brandwag from Uitenhage. Brandwag brought a negative type of game that the Union girls weren't used to. It forced the Union girls to try to counter it by using a different structure. It frustrated the Union girls, but it forced them to play harder and comfortably win 4-0.

Over the Festival, the Union girls showed their level of fitness, skill and their understanding of the game. They dominated this weekend with finesse and were graceful and humble after every game and saw each game as a challenge. In total, they played 4 games, scored 27 goals, averaging 6 goals per game and conceding 0.

It was a very successful festival for Union’s 1st hockey team and the girls are looking forward to the rest of the season.

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