Merrifield Tennis Tournament
St Andrew’s College participated in the annual Merrifield Tournament in East London this weekend. The team had an impressive start against Stirling in their first fixture. Despite battling the intense 35-degree heat, St Andrew’s managed an 8-5 win.
Undeterred by the conditions, the team continued their winning streak in the second fixture against Selborne. The greatest achievement of the day was the fact that both teams were beaten on their home courts.
Early on Saturday morning the team rose to the occasion, securing a win against Cradock and advancing to the cross-pool play-offs for 3rd and 4th position against the host team, Merrifield. This fixture drew a crowd, and the atmosphere was quickly charged with excitement and focus. This was some of the best tennis I have seen in my time at College. In the end, Merrifield won by a narrow margin and St Andrew’s concluded the tournament in 4th position. This marks a notable improvement – a 3 place advancement from the 2022 performance. Thank you to Cameron, Lou, Karabo and Qhawe for their determination and positivity throughout the weekend. Special recognition is extended to Lou Coetzee, for having us at the edge of our seats, as almost every match he played ended in a tie-breaker.
BASKETBALL VS KINGSWOOD COLLEGE
In an electrifying display of skill and determination, St Andrew’s College clashed with Kingswood College in their basketball season opener, setting the stage for a day packed with thrilling competition.
As the teams faced off at Kingswood, the roaring crowd was treated to a day of intense rivalry. St Andrew’s College managed to secure victories across all their fixtures, showcasing their exceptional talent and team cohesion. The 1st team showcased an unparalleled level of resilience, battling it out in an intense overtime period to secure the win.
Thank you to Kingswood College for their warm hospitality and providing a conducive environment for the teams to showcase their skills.
This serves as a promising start to the season.
BASKETBALL MAKANA LEAGUE
Makhanda witnessed a thrilling start to the Makana Basketball League on Friday. Ten schools from the community converged on three campuses, DSG, Kingswood College, and St Andrew’s College.
Despite the scorching temperatures, the determination and drive exhibited by the young athletes were truly commendable. Skillful dribbling, precise shooting, and strategic teamwork were on full display, captivating both players and spectators alike.
The Makana League served as an opportunity for young athletes in our community to develop their skills and passion for basketball. With each game, the aim is to improve the level of play and cultivate a strong basketball culture that will continue to thrive within the community.
With such enthusiasm and dedication, the future of basketball in Makhanda is undoubtedly bright!
Mr Matthew-Adam Bloem
