SPORT
Waterpolo Teacher-in-charge: Mr Gian Marneweck Coach: Mr Nathan Perren Captain: Jessica Banks
The waterpolo season began with excitement and great expectation. Each team had up to three training sessions a week and practiced at either the Newlands Swimming pool or the Rustenburg pool. We were very fortunate to have dedicated coaches who were driven by enthusiasm and positivity, resulting in practices that were filled with hard work but also lots of laughter. Rustenburg entered six competitive teams into the various leagues. Matches were played on Fridays at different venues and we were very pleased with our results at the end of the season. The new Rustybugs arrived with copious amounts of energy and star players. The U14A team, coached by Mr Jacob Perren, participated in the Dave Pitcairn Cup held at Reddam House. The girls had an extremely successful tournament placing sixth overall. The U14A team also advanced to the semi-finals of the league, but unfortunately lost to Reddam House, who won the league. This team has great potential and had a fantastic season. The U16A team, coached by Mr Andre Williams, had a challenging season but learned many valuable skills and displayed wonderful sportsmanship. The 1st Team had the honour of representing Rustenburg at the largest girls’ waterpolo tournament in South Africa. The Old Petrian’s Tournament was held in Johannesburg at St Peters College. The girls were accompanied by their coach Mr Nathan Perren, manager Mr Gian Marneweck and their special supporter, Ms Laura Bekker. The team played eight matches over four days with the girls playing extremely well, placing 13th out of 28 schools overall. This was a great achievement and the 1st Team became a force to be reckoned with. Waterpolo is well supported at Rustenburg by the girls and their parents. The 1st Team also received a generous sponsorship from Blistex for their tour kit. We were very proud of our Provincial representatives who were chosen to compete at the National Waterpolo Championships in Johannesburg in December 2014. These girls were Jessica Banks (Boland U19), Megan van Westenbrugge (Boland U19), Ashley Howard (WP U16B), Alina Schönberger (WP U16B), Tasmyn Baxter (WP U15B), Tristan Jones (WP U15B) and Aaliyah Meredith (WP U15B).
1st Waterpolo Team
Third row, from left: Melissa Rossouw Second row, from left: Amy McConnell, Emily Hill, Tamarah Pike, Caitlin Solomons, Alina Schönberger, Kiera Maher Front row, from left: Séanne van Horsten, Ashley Howard, Mr Gian Marneweck, Jessica Banks, Mr Nathan Perren, Megan van Westenbrugge, Samantha McCrindle
RGHS MAGAZINE 2014
87
