Ashton 7’s Rugby. In a thrilling showcase of talent, rugby players from Curro Salt Rock secured two resounding victories at the Ashton International 7’s Rugby Tournament held in Ballito, Durban recently. The school’s under 18s team won the Bowl Festival. The under 15 team won the overall Ashton International competition. Both of these achievements mark a historic moment for the school, as they emerged victorious among 16 formidable competing teams, including Curro Hillcrest, Kloof High School, Ashton, and Grantleigh.
The annual Ashton International 7’s Rugby Tournament has a tradition on the rugby calendar since 2014. It witnessed Curro Salt Rock’s triumph for the first time since 2017 when the team secured their well-deserved spot at the top of the podium. Last year, they ranked 8th, making this year’s win even more impressive.
Journey to success was no cakewalk
The journey to success was obviously no cakewalk. Each participating team engaged in intense competition, battling through three matches in their respective pools. The top teams from each pool advanced to the semi-finals. Ultimately, the grand finale created five gripping match days for some players. In a heart-pounding finale, Curro Salt Rock faced off against the U15A team from Felixton College to seize the coveted championship.
The winning under 15 team comprised a stellar lineup of young talents, including captain Henkie van Eck (Grade 9), vice-captain Dino Bezuidenhout (Grade 9), Owen Fourie (Grade 9), Mbonisi Zulu (Grade 8), Raelyn Govender (Grade 9), Hiratio Ward (Grade 9), Alwande Madlala (Grade 8), Tristan Dutton (Grade 8), Mthandi Mngadi (Grade 8), Kyden Ward (Grade 9), Luca Ferreira (Grade 8), Nathan Venter (Grade 9), Steff Schulze (Grade 9) and Daniel Venter (Grade 8).
Mr Ruan Wessels
The remarkable victories at the Ashton International 7’s Rugby Tournament are also a testament to the dedication, teamwork, and skill of the school’s coaching staff. Leading the team to victory was Mr Ruan Wessels. Along with Mr. Marcel van Niekerk, he has been coaching the team since the beginning of the season. Reflecting on the remarkable achievement, Mr Wessels expressed his immense pride in the boys. He acknowledge their unwavering dedication throughout the year.
He noted, “We worked very hard, meticulously planning our defensive and attacking strategies tailored to the dynamic 7’s rugby format. These boys are true go-getters, and their accomplishments extend beyond this triumph. They also clinched victories at the Treverton and Hillcrest 7’s tournaments earlier in the second and third term and narrowly missed out on the Pionier 7’s Vryheid rugby tournament title by just one try.”
Curro Salt Rock School continues to nurture and celebrate the sporting excellence of its learners. This recent achievement solidifies the school’s position as a hub for talent and achievement.
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