GRAAFF-REINET RUGBY NEWS — This past Saturday, July 28, Union High School faced Pearson High School from Port Elizabeth on their home turf in Graaff-Reinet.
The day's play saw some tough matches from both the rugby and hockey teams.
The first rugby team went down 20 - 28 in a bruising encounter. The number of stoppages due to players from both teams needing recovery time was an indication of how physical and demanding the match was.
The game hung in the balance for the full 70 minutes and could have gone either way with both sides creating scoring opportunities throughout. In the end, it was a moment of brilliance from the Pearson backline that made the difference.
The Union side fought valiantly from start to finish and can be immensely proud of their performance. Union had several players carrying niggles into the game and they should be commended for their courage and commitment. Union scored three tries through Terrence Siyaya (2) and Luthando Skapu.
Matt Harpur converted once and slotted a penalty.
It was a tremendous team effort, despite the loss, and there are plenty of positives to draw from over the next two weeks as Union prepares for their final challenge.
In the other rugby matches, Union's U.14A team lost 17 - 34, the U.15As lost 39 - 5, the U.15Bs lost 0 - 59, the U.16A team lost 19 - 29, the third team won 28 - 19 and the second team won 17 - 10.
HOCKEY
Union's first hockey team girls broke the historical Pearson losing streak, as they went head to head on which was a well anticipated nail-biting match.
A highly confident team started the game with good intensity and real quality hockey. Henze Jaftha opened the scoreline with a well-worked team effort to put the visiting side on the back foot.
The Union girls went into halftime leading 1-0, but knowing the job was not yet done, a geared up Union team kept the pace up early in the second half. This secured the lead with another goal from Henze.
After numerous attacks and plenty of short corners, the pressure built up to a penalty flick which was punished away by Micela Loock for a solid 3-0 lead.
A momentary lapse in concentration led to a goal being conceded to conclude the game at 3-1. Overall the game was an excellent display of teamwork, solid defence and a passion and drive to win.
In the other hockey matches, Union's U.16Bs lost 0 - 2, the U.16A team lost 0 - 4, the third team lost 0 - 6 and the second team lost 1 - 6 and the first team won 3 - 1.
A jubilant Union High School first hockey team after beating Pearson 3 - 1 on Saturday.
A very special moment...These Grade 12 first rugby team players played their last rugby match on home soil this past Saturday with their Old Unionite parents there to cheer them on. Seen here is Joe Kroon with his son Ben, Kent Krige with his son Michael, Diane and Paul Broeksma with their son Matthew and Jean Retief with his son Ronan.
'We bring you the latest Graaff-Reinet, Karoo news'
