Selborne Water Polo Tour Early morning on Friday 30th September, 10 boys and Mr Fichardt travelled to compete in the U15 Milton Gates Shield Water Polo Tournament which was excellently hosted by Selborne College. The boys started off slow and played their first game against Selborne U15Bs going down 12-1. The boys then played against Hudson Park Primary and narrowly lost 7-3 with discipline letting us down in the second chukka. Later that afternoon they played against a very strong Selborne U14A side (who ended up winning the tournament) and went down 14-0. The last match played on Friday afternoon against Kingswood College, we went down 10-1.

The boys then went to a disco on Friday night which was organised by Selborne College which they really enjoyed.
On Saturday morning Graeme played Hudson Park High U15As and went down 9-2. Mr Watson and Mrs Watson came to watch the last game against Hudson Park Primary where the team went down 11-4. After the last match, the boys enjoyed a lunch and ice cream and then a quick beach trip before travelling back to Makhanda.

Whilst the boys struggled against much stronger teams, it must be mentioned that the boys never gave up no matter the score or how tired they were. Due to cold weather conditions, and other sporting commitments, practice before the tournament was minimal and so the boys learnt that fitness is an absolute necessity in the pool! A special mention to Jesse McConnachie for winning the player of the tournament for Graeme and top goal scorer for Graeme but also Athilihle Bonga who was great as goalie and saved many goals. Hamish Haakonsen who really progressed amazingly throughout the tournament and Noah Tabensky who also scored a couple of well-worked goals.

The other boys really did work well as a team. The boys were a pleasure to work with and look after, the teamwork, camaraderie and the never-die attitude that was shown between the entire team was admirable and Mr Fichardt has no doubt that the future of water polo at Graeme College is going to be exciting!