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St Stithians hosts the biggest water polo splash of the year

LYME PARK – The best of the best splash it out at Saints Water Polo Invitational.

 

A whopping 650 water polo players made the 24th annual Saints Water Polo Invitational not just one of the biggest splashes of the year, but one of the most high-profile ones too.

Coming from all over South Africa, and some from Zimbabwe, 50 school teams competed for glory at St Stithians College from 19 to 22 October.

The tournament is the first played in the water polo season, where schools are unable to include their matrics.

For this reason, the tournament is often referred to as the ‘stayers invitational’, as coaches have to select players who will also be available for games next year.

“It gives lots of leverage for next year. We know what we are working with and what to practise,” commented Crawford College Lonehill coach, Matthew Wilson.

For event committee member, Liske van Tubbergh a gathering of the country’s best Gauteng and coastal teams always offers a good show.

Cameron Goate of Crawford College Lonehill looks for a pass during the Saints Water Polo Invitational. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
The St Stithians and Michaelhouse game is a good contest. Photo: Nicholas Zaal

In the end, Reddam House Constantia won in the preparatory schools’ division, Pearson High School won the senior girls’ section and Rondebosch Boys’ High School was the senior boys’ winner.

On dry ground, food stalls were very popular, keeping everyone well-fed and content. The hospitality zone and players’ chill area also maintained a great atmosphere.

Courteney Pienaar of Rand Park High School looks for a pass. Photo: Nicholas Zaal.
Travin Bouwer of King Edward VII School plays at the Saints Water Polo Invitational. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
Robert Hart of Crawford College Lonehill controls possession. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
A Clarendon High School for Girls water polo player tries to defend possession from an advancing Jordan Eustice of Rand Park High School. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
Jordan Will of Crawford College Lonehill shoots at goal with all his might. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
Robert Hart hopes to keep a shot out of goal for Crawford College Lonehill. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
Thomas Keogh gathers the ball for St Stithians Boys’ College. Photo: Nicholas Zaal

Also read: Saints to host prestigious water polo invitational 

Were you at the Saints Water Polo Invitational? Tell us what your favourite aspect of the tournament was, on our Facebook page.

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