This past weekend saw Woodridge College playing a series of hard fought encounters on the rugby, hockey field and netball court against York High School in the annual derby at the pristine Woodridge campus. The derby weekend started on Friday afternoon with a series of netball and hockey encounters in which some excellent team and individual skills were on display.

The Woodridge 1^st Netball team came up against a powerful York outfit and after trailing by one goal in the first and second quarter, they upped their game and drew to draw level in the third quarter.

The final quarter was a real tussle with both teams fighting hard to gain the ascendency. York eventually gained the upper hand and won the last quarter to finish 21 – 17 winners. The Woodridge goal shooters, Jemma Lindström and Amoré Baard had an excellent match with shooting average of 88%,and 82 % respectively. 

The First team boys hockey match proved to be a thrilling one which the powerful York team won 5 -2, a scoreline that belies the closeness of the encounter. From the start Woodridge were under pressure as York gave them no room to move. As the game progressed, Woodridge adjusted to the pace with the second half being closely fought. Tristan Torrance and Benjamin Tyrell each scored a goal. 

On Saturday, more hockey and rugby matches were played in superb weather conditions. The first team girls hockey match was a thrilling match to watch. Woodridge quickly ran up a 3 – nil lead, however York showed keen determination and fought back strongly scoring two goals in quick succession. The rest of the game saw the teams fighting hard for the ascendency with some very close encounters in and around the circle. Woodridge though had done enough to clinch the game when the clock called time with Woodridge 3 – 2 up, an excellent win for the home team. Tamryn Louw in particular shone for Woodridge with some deft stickwork, which saw her gain ground for her team at important times during the match.

As always, much hinged on the perceived success of the derby when the first rugby teams pitted their skills and techniques against each other. In the first half, Woodridge dominated and at times played scintillating rugby but could not always make use of the opportunities they were given to convert them into points. However, after orchestrating two excellent plays, the team was rewarded. Kuhle Sqwepu and Mbako Gaolathe each scored a try and one conversion was made by Phumelela Mbiza, bringing the halftime score to 12-7 in Woodridge’s favour. 

Surprisingly, in the second half, Woodridge did not dominate and York took the upper hand by winning in the scrums and lineouts and coming tantalizingly close to scoring on numerous occasions. The determination of Woodridge’s defence kept them out and put them under pressure. They fought back to gain much-needed relief via kicks to touch. The boys remained composed and disciplined and were rewarded with a third try by VanGinkel Venter, which had the crowd cheering, followed by the conversion and subsequent penalty kick by Phumelela Mbiza, which took the game out of York’s reach. The final score of 22-12 in Woodridge’s favour brought the derby day to a fitting end.

After a long forced layoff and limited inter-school contact, the derby weekend proved so good for morale and uplifted the spirits of the respective school. Both are commended on the quality of contest and spirit in which all matches were played – a true example of what sporting talent we have in South Africa.