The St Andrew’s College Shield, held from January 23 to 26, 2025, brought together top water polo teams from across the country in Makhanda. As anticipated, the tournament presented formidable challenges for all participants, highlighting high levels of competition and sportsmanship.

Tournament Performance
The 1st team opened the tournament with a solid start against Westville, delivering a strong defensive performance that set the tone for a confident 11–5 victory. However, the second game against SACS proved more difficult. The team struggled to adapt to SACS’s driving game and conceded multiple exclusions. Despite a determined effort, the team deviated from their game plan and fell short, losing 9–6.

Unforeseen flight issues required a shuffle in the schedule, leaving little time for recovery before facing St Stithians. Unfortunately, the team did not perform to their potential, committing numerous errors on attack and allowing St Stithians to capitalize on defensive lapses. The challenges continued against a formidable Bishops side. While the team stayed competitive, they struggled against Bishops’ powerful outside shooters, losing 13–7. The final pool game against Clifton was a must-win to secure a spot in the quarterfinals. Despite starting poorly and trailing 9–2 going into the fourth quarter, the team demonstrated exceptional character, scoring five unanswered goals. However, time ran out, and the game ended in a 9–7 loss.

In the Plate semi-final, the team faced Grey and controlled the match from start to finish. Although they allowed some easy goals, they secured a comfortable 12–8 victory. The Plate final saw a rematch against Westville, who had improved over the weekend. Nevertheless, the boys displayed their true potential, clinching a decisive 9–5 win to finish the tournament on a high note.

• Day 3: Rondebosch vs Grey (30) – 4 and (30) – 11
• Day 2:  St John’s vs Hilton College – Shield Day 2 (22-2) and (22) – 5
• Day 2: SACS vs Rondebosch – Shield Day 2 (34) – 4 and (34) – 9

Reflection and Gratitude
While the results may not have aligned with initial expectations, several close games highlighted the team’s resilience and potential. The lessons learned will serve as valuable preparation for the upcoming VIDES tournament. The final match of the Shield showcased a thrilling contest between St John’s and Rondebosch, with Rondebosch emerging as champions.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of the weekend:

• Shannon and the Capitol Caterers.
• Henry Mulcahy and the Transport Team.
• The Ground Staff, for ensuring the campus was in pristine condition.
• Mark Evans and the Referees.
• Connor Malan and the St Andrew’s Table Crew.
• St Andrew’s Parents, for their unwavering support and Grahamstown hospitality
• SAB, Pick n Pay, and the Food Vendors.
• Toni and the St Andrew’s Media Team.
• SuperSport Schools.

Your collective efforts made this weekend a resounding success.

Photo Credit: Toni Butterworth.