Schools across West Rand flood Dr Havinga for mini-cricket, hockey day

The streets were jammed as schools from Roodepoort, Krugersdorp and Randfontein filled the fields of Laerskool Dr Havinga.

A biting chill caused by a driving wind was no match for the spirit and the enthusiasm of young athletes. Spurred on by eager coaches and proud parents, U/7 to U/13 hockey and crickets teams from 10 different schools took part in West Rand school-sports fun day on August 20. Playing on small-sized fields and short pitches, games were miniature but the performances were larger than life.

Hosted by Laerskool Dr Havinga, Roodepoort’s flag was flown by Laerskool Roodekrans, Laerskool Florida, Laerskool Horison, Constantia Kloof Primary School and Crawford International Ruimsig. Curro Krugersdorp and Laerskool Muldersdrif travelled the short distance from Krugersdorp while Laerskool Rapportryer and Laerskool Randfontein represented their town. One visiting school came from as far as the Vaal Triangle area, as Laerskool Risiville made the 90 kilometre trip to Andries Pretorius Street.

The action was tight as the mini-scrums with sticks would see the ball burst free and the most enthusiastic player chasing the ball before slamming it into the backboard of the hockey goal. On the mini-cricket field coaches fixed the wild actions of exuberant bowlers while the batsman tested the legs of fielders in the boundary-less outfields in a swarm of bats, balls and stumps.

Apart from the round-robin heat on the field, stalls with delicious food kept the spectators warm. Laerskool Dr Havinga’s Principal, Marius Swanepoel was excited to host the friends and families of neighbouring schools, saying, “Thank you to everyone who braved the weather to support today. The day was an incredible success and we thank all the children for giving it 100% for their schools.”