Upington schools keep rivalry alive with annual Big Interjol

Danie van der Lith|Published 8 months ago

Upington High School celebrates after winning their final match against Duineveld High School during their annual Intejol. Picture: Danie van der Lith

Rivalries between schools have long been a significant part of student life.

Back in my school days, the competition between Northern Cape High School and Diamantveld High School was intense, but over the years, it seems like that fervour has dwindled. These days, it’s more a case of a quick Saturday event with a few cheers.

However, this isn’t the case in Upington. The fierce tradition between Duineveld High School and Upington High School remains strong, so much so that there is not even interaction between pupils, staff and parents of rival schools in the week leading up to the event.

This past weekend, Duineveld High School hosted the annual Big Interjol, an event like Kimberley’s Classic Clashes.

Duineveld High School is seen performing one of their cheers during their Interjol that was held in Upington over the weekend. Picture: Danie van der Lith

In the Big Interjol, Duineveld and Upington face off to claim the title of the best in their region. Driving around the school, you could see flags on lamp posts proudly representing Duineveld High School. The fields and grounds were festively decorated.

On Friday afternoon, I spoke with one of the parents, and it was evident that the rivalry extended beyond the students to the parents as well. In the lead-up to the interjol, even if a sibling’s child attends the rival school, things go unsaid for the entire week.

Upington becomes a town divided.

Upington High School is seen performing one of their cheers during their Interjol that was held in Upington over the weekend. Picture: Danie van der Lith

The event kicked off on Friday with boys’ and girls’ hockey matches. It was heartening to see the rivalry alive and well, but even more so to witness the respect the players had for each other, a testament to the character being instilled at both schools.

Saturday morning saw the real action begin, with rugby, netball, and hockey matches taking place simultaneously. The day was filled with high-quality sports, teamwork and school pride, but it was the final rugby game that stole the show.

The stands were filled with students from both schools, each dressed in their uniforms, ready to cheer and showcase their spirit. Each school had a chance to perform the cheer they had been perfecting for weeks, and both delivered impressively.

The first rugby teams from each school took to the field, standing before their peers and singing their school anthems. The game that followed was nothing short of thrilling. Both teams played with intense determination, as if their lives depended on it.

Duineveld High School dominated most of the match, but in the dying minutes, they eased off. This allowed Upington High School to seize the opportunity. In a dramatic turn of events, Upington scored in the final seconds, securing a 15-14 victory over the hosts.

Some of the Upington High School rugby players on bent knee, proud winners of the 2024 Interjol. Picture: Danie van der Lith

Tears of joy flowed for Upington High School, while Duineveld wept tears of regret.

The emotional response from both schools’ students showed just how much this match meant to them. In the end, only one team could claim victory and that was Upington High School who will now proudly boast about their rugby first team’s victory for the rest of the year.

Interjol 2024: Results

Duineveld High School won the following trophies: Debating, General Quiz, Tennis, Shooting, Chess, Netball, Girls' Hockey

Rugby Results:

19A Duineveld 14-15 Upington

19B Duineveld 20-12 Upington

16A Duineveld 3-55 Upington

16B Duineveld 19-12 Upington

15A Duineveld 10-12 Upington

14A Duineveld 34-12 Upington