ERK players help Gauteng win national title

The East Rand Kayak (ERK) canoe polo players helped the Gauteng men’s senior team win the SA Canoe Polo Championships men’s title at Baynesfield East, Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal on May 4 and 5.

The players – Kyle Laxton, Kyle Buchler, David Clulee and Chris de Bree – shot Gauteng to a 5-3 win over the Western Cape to win the national title. A single goal for much of the match only separated the closely contested final.

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Gauteng also clinched the senior women’s title. The Western Cape won the juniors’ title, with KwaZulu-Natal in second place while Gauteng grabbed the bronze.

Over 90 athletes in 16 teams – five senior and 11 junior – representing Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal competed for the national titles.

“The players, parents and supporters travelled from across the country to play hard, cheer enthusiastically, and enjoy the music and dancing around the bonfire in the evenings.

“A huge thank you from the canoe polo community to all those who helped make this a successful weekend,” said Gauteng Canoe Union PRO Jennie Dallas.

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The ERK was represented by:

Men’s A team

• Kyle Laxton, Kyle Buchler, David Clulee and Chris de Bree
U18 boys

• Tyller and Xavier Mans, Rowan Attwell and Warren Edwards
U18 girls

• Sarah-Lee and Abigail Bottger

For more information on getting involved in the sport, message SA Canoe Polo chairperson Chris de Bree at 079 659 5068 or chris@canoepolo.co.za