Woodridge College took part in the 2022 National Co-Ed Waterpolo Tournament held in Durban at Thomas More College from 5-8 October. The tournament hosted 40 teams from around the country all very competitive and competing at the highest level.
The Woodridge girls were seeded into a tough pool with the likes of St Peters College, Beaulieu College, Amanzimtoti and the number 1 girl teams in the country, Crawford Lonehill. After a delayed start of the girls' tournament due to extreme weather conditions, they were even more eager to play. They faced off against Crawford, gaining valuable experience. The team competed well and grew with every chukka but lost the game 18-1 to the now co-eds champions. Beaulieu College was next and the girls took so much from their previous game and put everything they learnt against Beaulieu winning 6-3. The game against Amanzimtoti was nail biting as they found themselves down in the first half by 3 goals, fighting their way back to win 4-3. St Peters were next up but proved to be very strong, winning the game 5-0.
At the end of the pool games Woodridge found themselves tied for 2nd in the pool with St Peters, but unfortunately due to goal differences Woodridge moved down to 3rd in the pool. This left the girls to compete for 9th-15th. We matched up against Rand Park, winning by a comfortable lead 5-0. We ended off the tournament with a great win (8-2) against Steyn City, making us the 9th best girls co-ed team in the country. A great achievement for Woodridge College!
The girls played phenomenally well throughout the tournament, growing with each game and improving on the skills as a team as well as individual. Special mention goes to Captain Hannah Praetorius for keeping her team cool, calm and composed in each game, and leading by example in the pool. The top goal scorer, Taylor Nicholls put in all she had, working hard at all times, often beating her defenders and earning a man up for the team. Jemma Lindstrom at center back can be commended for her contribution to the team putting, in the hard work up against the top center forwards in the country. Lastly the youngest in the team and new player, Daniella Smith, the new goalie, can be commended for her talent and skills.
The 1st team boys were placed in a pool alongside Kloof, Amanzimtoti, Kingswood College and TRC invitational. The first pool game against Kingswood College started off slow, with a score of 1-1 after the first chukka. The Woodridge boys managed to find their rhythm after the 2nd chukka, took the lead and ended the game with an impressive 13-4 win over Kingswood. Benjamin Tyrrell and Jack McClure showing their skill on the right-hand side of the pool to contribute to the win.
The 2nd pool game against TRC invitational gave us an opportunity to show our strength and skill in the pool. A phenomenal all round team performance gave Woodridge the upper edge and won the game 15-1. The boys proceeded to take on Kloof High School, with outstanding performances from James Kruger and Van Ginkel Venter ,taking the boys to a 15-0 win.
Winning their last pool game against Amanzimtoti resulted in the Woodridge boys topping their pool. The bomb squad of Phillip Kroon, Oliver Cornish, Matthew Lippstreu, Ben Opperman and Oliver Martin proved themselves and contributed to a 12-1 victory. The Woodridge boys placed 1st in their pool and were put up against Alexandra Road High School in their quarter final. After a slow start in the game, the Woodridge boys were put to the test. Outstanding leadership from James Kruger took the team above and beyond resulting in a victory of 9-1, taking the Woodridge team to the semi-finals.
In the semi-final Woodridge faced Merrifield. Starting the last chukka of the game with 7 minutes to go, the Woodridge boys showed courage and determination to get back into the game. Finn Will and Van Ginkel Venter proved their strength in the pool and contributed to a miraculous comeback with the score level at 4-4 with one minute to go in the game. Unfortunately, the Merrifield boys were able to score the last goal and Woodridge were knocked out in the semi-finals.
For the bronze final the Woodridge boys were up against a strong Reddam Helderfontein side. After an entertaining and exciting start to the game, the boys fought hard but unfortunately lost narrowly 6-5.
