Ticket sales at the gate reflected an impressive turnout, with approximately 1,200 attendees streaming through the entrance per day, excluding the players themselves.
The Junior Wildeklawer sports tournament hosted by Newton Primary School concluded this past week,and has been hailed as resounding success, marking the creation of new memories, the forging of lasting friendships, and a display of spirited competition against some of the nation’s premier schools.
The Wildeklawer transcends mere sport, as it serves as a gathering for families and friends, a platform for schools to connect, and a valuable learning experience for all involved. Renowned as one of the nation’s premier school sports events, it continues to expand annually, and could be poised to claim the title of the largest tournament in the country.
In an interview with the DFA, Newton Primary’s management team shared their insights on this year’s Wildeklawer Tournament and its significance.
Acting Principal Pedro Enslin celebrated another remarkable year of success at the tournament, echoing the triumphs of its predecessors.
“Our opening ceremony set an extraordinary tone for the entire tournament. It was truly exceptional, from start to finish,” Enslin said. “This year marked a significant milestone as we introduced matches under floodlights, drawing even larger crowds due to the electrifying atmosphere and vibrant energy.
“Undoubtedly, we plan to continue playing under the lights in the future, given the enthusiastic response from spectators, particularly for the late games,” he added.
Reflecting on their performance, Enslin expressed pride in their two sporting codes’ achievements. “Our rugby team demonstrated outstanding prowess, clinching victories in two out of three matches. We secured a commanding 38-14 win against Rustenburg in our first match, followed by a nail-biting 15-14 triumph over Durbanville.
“Although we faced a formidable opponent in Bastion and suffered a defeat of 39-13, our boys exhibited commendable sportsmanship and resilience throughout,” Enslin affirmed.
Enslin also commended Newton’s netball team’s stellar performance this year, highlighting their remarkable achievement in securing the eighth position out of the 16 participating teams – an accomplishment he described as the school’s best in recent memory.
Moreover, ticket sales at the gate reflected an impressive turnout, with approximately 1,200 attendees streaming through the entrance per day, excluding the players themselves.
Enslin took a moment to extend heartfelt appreciation to the medical staff, including ER24 and the appointed medical manager, Anime Klopper, for their exceptional dedication and expertise both on and off the field. Their unwavering passion and professionalism were evident throughout the tournament, ensuring the safety and well-being of all involved.
Enslin reported a relatively low incidence of injuries throughout the tournament. “We encountered a few concussions, one arm fracture, and unfortunately, one netball player sustained a broken arm during a match. Aside from these incidents, there were no major injuries to report,” he told the DFA.
Klopper attributed the reduced injury rate in rugby to the excellent condition of the rugby field. “The lush, soft grass provided a cushioning effect, significantly minimising the risk of injuries during rugby matches,” she explained.
Thinus Carstens, Head of Rugby at the school, commended the high calibre of referees at this year’s tournament, noting widespread approval of their performance.
“We opted to enlist referees from Craven Week, all of whom had undergone rigorous evaluation and accreditation. The quality of the officiating on display was truly impressive.
“In previous years, we’ve faced criticism regarding referee standards, so we made a concerted effort to secure top-tier referees this time around, and the results spoke for themselves. The positive feedback we received reaffirms our decision, and we intend to follow the same approach next year,” Carstens affirmed.
As the tournament wrapped up, it was clear that the Junior Wildeklawer not only showcased the talent and determination of young athletes but also exemplified the spirit of community and sportsmanship that lies at the heart of school sports.
As the tournament continues to grow in size and stature, it remains a beacon of excellence in South African school sports, inspiring future generations of athletes and fostering lasting connections among schools and communities.
