Fourways High hosts netball fiesta
FOURWAYS – Fun was had by all Fourways High learners, players, staff and alumni.
The smell of freshly cut grass wafted through the netball courts right next to the open sports field. Music blared through speakers placed around the courts as past and present Fourways High learners making their way to the seating just outside the fencing and entrance gate.
A Spanish theme infiltrated the entire event on 10 January, with teams given Spanish names and sombrero hats used as a decoration. Latino music was one genre that played through the speakers throughout the evening.
Fifteen teams took part in the school’s netball fiesta and were split up into five categories: Mamacitas (mothers and friends), La Ninas (Grade 8 learners of 2020), Chiquitas (current Fourways High players), Senoritas (former Fourways High players) and Entrendoras (teachers and coaches).
“This is the first time we are having such a tournament,” said one of the four organisers of the event and teacher at Fourways High, Althea van Straaten.
She said it was organised as a way of getting the school’s new Grade 8 learners introduced to the sport, as well as a form of orientation. The other three organisers of the inaugural tournament were Cherise Steyn, Amecia van Coppenhagen and Hanri Cuthbertson.
“It was just something fun that we planned, and even had the male staff members join in the fun,” said van Straaten.
The first match took place between the two teams in the Senoritas category. It set the upcoming matches up to be an interesting affair as the final score was 8–7 to Team 7.
Match of the day, without a doubt, went to Teams 14 and 15 who were made up of the male staff at Fourways in the Entrendoras category. Many fouls and the offside whistle blows, with learners screaming for their favourite teachers. In the end, Team 15 won with a score of 5–1. While it was a steep deficit, it was an entertaining round.
The third match between Team 1 and 2 of the La Ninas gave a chance to the new Grade 8s to show off their netball skills. Many talented players shone through the match, and the conclusion saw Team 1 walk away victorious. They won 9–3.
The first match of the female staff, Teams 10 and 11 took place. At a slow but entertaining pace, saw two teachers collide to the floor and receive medical attention for scraped knees. There were no serious injuries, but a serious scorecard of 5–0 saw Team 10 win the match.
An interesting match between the Senoritas and Mamacitas saw the former win by 10 goals to one, but the latter still gave them a run for their money.
The last match of the fiesta saw the current Fourways netball players beat the Chiquitas by 12 goals to six in a more relaxed game.
In a short prize-giving ceremony, the Team 10 female staff team was deemed the most entertaining team by the technical table.
“[The festival] is really to introduce the grade eights to the sport, and to also have a fun time with everyone here. We are hoping to make this an annual event for everyone to look forward to,” concluded van Straaten.
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