Category: Sport

Artistic Swimming Report 2019

The East Cape Schools Championship took place on the 23rd of February at Pearson High School. It was decided to split the Level 1 Section into an intermediate and a novice section. All swimmers who had competed twice at a Level 1 competition already, were moved up to an intermediate level. Pearson once again took top honours in the high school section in a closely contested competition.

 

Pearson competitors that appeared in the top five were as follows:

 

EC Advanced High School

1st          Kirsten-Mari Swanevelder

2nd        Liyema Prince

 

SSA Level 1 (Intermediate 13-18 High School)

2nd        Daniella Pedrosa -Rodriguez

3rd         Naledi Ntloko

4th         Jodi Crockett

5th         Tenielle Pengelly

 

SSA Level 1 (Novices 13-18 High School)

1st          Alycia Roux

2nd        Erin Muller

3rd         Lize Heather

4th         Nikita Kruger

5th         Erin Stewart

 

We were thrilled to enter four trios into the routine competition where two trios placed in the top three:

 

2nd Liyema Prince Kirsten-Mari Swanevelder Nikita Kruger 3rd Daniella Pedrosa-Rodriguez Tenielle Pengelly Jodie Crockett

At the South African Level 3 competition held in Cape Town in March Kirsten-Mari Swanevelder finished 8th in figures and 3rd in duets in the 13-15 age group. At the same competition Liyema Prince achieved a 4th in figures and a 1st in solos in the Junior Section. Liyema and Kirsten combined their skills with another swimmer from the Eastern Cape and competed in the 13-18 trio section where they claimed the gold. Pearson is very proud of both of these girls.

Thank you to the experienced coaches Mieke Struwig, Nina Smith and Mrs Moira Norden who ensure that the girls are coached at the highest level and that Pearson artistic synchro continues to thrive.

 

Athletics Report 2019  

Pearson athletics had one of its most successful seasons to date. Our season began with an exciting Interhouse Athletics meeting where fierce competition between our five houses resulted in nine records being broken. Duppie won the Spirit Trophy, whilst Heath was the overall winning house.

The following records were broken:

Caitlin Franks - 100m G u/14 – 12.8s

Casper Fouché – Javelin Throw B u/14 - 36.04m

Angelique Roodt – Javelin Throw G u/15 – 34.08m

Lea de Villiers – 1500m G u/15 – 4.46.97s

Ryan Jordan – 100m – 10.9s, 200m B u/16 – 22.96s

Mondray Barnard – 100 B u/17 – 10.72s

Nicole Ferreira – 100m G u/19 – 12.2s

Wesley Loxton – 100m B u/19 – 10.62s

 

Pearson dominated the 2019 Zone 8 meeting with 74 first, 61 second and 43 third places.

Of the 126 Pearson athletes who competed at the PE High Schools Athletics meeting at NMU, 33 obtained Gold, 27 Silver and 20 Bronze positions. This is Pearson’s best achievement to date.

Mondray Barnard, Angelique Roodt, Anke Serfontein en Mari Venter also set new records at this event.

31 Pearson athletes qualified to take part in the Eastern Cape Championships, where they obtained a combined 27 medals. 12 of our athletes represented the Eastern Cape at two SA Athletics Meetings and made Pearson very proud.

Pearson’s top athlete, Ryan Jordan, obtained a 3rd position with an astonishing 48.06 seconds in the 400m. Ryan was also selected to represent South Africa at the CAA African Youth and Junior Games held in Abidjan in the Ivory Coast. He obtained a 10th position in the B u/18 400m, despite being a u/16 athlete.

 

The future of Pearson Athletics looks very promising.

 

 

Biathlon Report 2019 The 2018-2019 season was an exceptional one for Pearson with outstanding performances by individual athletes and corresponding success for the school team.

The first highlight was the massive increase in participation which saw 22 athletes compete during the course of the season of which 16 were selected to represent the province at the National Championships and 13 took part at these Championships.

Pearson performed excellently in the Eastern Province league competitions with 10 first places along with 25 other podium finishes across the various age group categories. Pearson athletes achieved 12 interprovincial medals at the various interprovincial competitions (other than SA Championships) that were held in different parts of the country. Medal winners included: Anke Serfontein 2 gold medals (girls u15), Lea de Villiers a silver medal (girls u15), Robyn Hough a bronze (girls u15), Tyra Roozendaal a bronze medal (girls u17), Damian Smith a silver medal (boys u17), Kyle White a bronze (boys u17), Kirsten Bester a gold (boys u17), Ruben Smith a gold and a bronze (boys u19), Mark Muller a silver (boys u19) and Lindelize Bester a silver.

At the Eastern Province Championships Pearson claimed 9 medals including 3 provincial champions. (Robyn Hough girls u15, Jodi Wilson girls u13 and Marcelle Muller boys u19) The other medal winners were: Lize Muller silver (girls u15), Tyra Roozendaal bronze (girls u17), Kyle White silver (boys u17), Kirsten Bester Bronze (boys u17), Mark Muller silver (boys u19) and Lindelize Bester silver (girls u19)

Pearson also had 8 top 10 placings across the age groups at the National Championships. These included 10th places for Lize Muller (girls u15), Kirsten bester (boys u17) and Mark Muller (boys u19); 8th places for Kyle White (boys u17) and Marcell Muller (boys u19); 6th place for Ruben Smith (boys u19) with Lea de Villers narrowly missing a medal and finishing 4th and Anke Serfontein taking silver in the girls’ u15 category.

As a team Pearson placed first in the province on the national school competition system earning the team the chance to compete at the National Championships (held in conjunction with the South African Modern Biathlon Championships in Port Elizabeth in March) against the other top performing schools in the country where they won the National School competition for high schools.

Well done to all the athletes on an outstanding season.

 

Cross Country Report 2019

This year, Pearson aimed to grow cross country in terms of participation and performance in order to establish Pearson as a competitive cross-country school. There have been some encouraging signs in terms of individual performances and team results.

Individual highlights include six age-group first place finishes, with three victories for Robyn Hough and one each for Anke Serfontein, Carmen Pengelly and Helene Venter. There were ten other age-group podium places for Ruan le Roux, Carmen Pengelly, Lize Muller, Janie Marais, Tyra Roozendaal, Kyle White and Maneesha Roberts and 21 other age-group top-10 finishes.

Team highlights included our Girls’ U17 team finishing 2nd overall in three league races and finishing the season placed 3rd overall, and the Boys’ U17 team achieving a 3rd place at two league races.

Pearson was also able to field seven teams for the Framesby relay and our top mixed team placed first.

The main events held at Pearson included a PE High Schools league race, the Parel Vallei Derby and the school interhouse competition. The Parel Vallei derby included two races, a relay on and an individual race. Damian Smith won the boys’ race, with Kyle White finishing third, whilst Anke Serfontein won the girls’ race and Robyn Hough placed third.

The interhouse competition was a great success with all the winners in the individual age groups receiving commemorative medallions made by our very own Mr Dalton. The individual winners were Bradley Saunders, Robyn Hough, Dennis de Villiers, Lea de Villiers, Kyle White, Lize Mari Janse van Rensburg, Tyra Roozendaal, Damian Smith, Maneesha Roberts and Teagan Strydom.

Pearson also had two Eastern Province champions in Anke Serfontein and Tyra Roozendaal. Anke was selected to represent the Eastern Province at the National championships held in Pretoria.

The 2019 season shows good promise and we hope to build on this in the coming seasons.

 

 

Cricket Report 2019

Pearson High School enjoyed yet another brilliant year of cricket with our 2019 season starting back in September 2018. We are proud of the fact that we have established a set of annual fixtures, very few schools in the Eastern Cape, and even in South Africa, have. During the 2018/2019 season, we have established annual fixtures against Grey High School in an annual home and away fixture, St Andrews College, Kingswood College, Greame College, Woodridge College, Rondebosch Boys’ High School and Paul Roos Gymnasium. Adding to our fixtures, we have been invited to top cricket festivals and tournaments where we competed against the likes of Queens College, Grey College (Bloemfontein), Glenwood, Northwood, Bishops and SACS.

 

This tough set of fixtures had an enormous effect on the development of our cricket. Although we had some tough losses against some of these schools, we are now producing quality cricketers. Proof of this is the fact that we produced 3 Coke week players in 2018, with Ethan Frösler being selected for the Warriors Cubs Week team. Ethan was also selected to play in various matches for the Eastern Province Senior Men’s Academy. These are remarkable achievements, considering that Ethan is currently a grade 11 boy. We are confident that we are now not just a cricket playing school, but a school who develops players to the best of their abilities, by providing them with top quality coaching, facilities and opportunities to grow and develop their game against some of the best South Africa has to offer.

 

One of the highlights of the year was once again our annual Pearson Cricket Festival. With our new title sponsors Home & Equity, we once again attracted top schools to participate in the 13th annual edition of the 4-day festival.

 

Our Boland and Western Cape Tour for our U14A, U15A, 2nd and 1st XI teams was also a great success. Pearson secured top opposition in SACS and Paul Roos on our tour and produced good results.

 

Notable victories for the year included clean sweeps against Westering High School, die Hoërskool Brandwag and Woodridge College in our annual fixture whilst our 1st XI recorded great wins against Glenwood Boys and Queens College. We recorded notable wins for our 1st, 2nd and U/14A teams against Bishops in term 1 and a superb set of results during our end of season fixture against Kingswood College. Pearson’s U14A team won by 88 runs, U15A team by 10 wickets and our 2nd XI achieved a 246 run win while our 1st XI recorded a good draw.

 

During the October holidays, our 1st team was invited to take part in the Cape Youth Cricket Festival for the first time. Hosted by Muir College this year, our team was unbeaten at the tournament, producing some good results. Our U15A team once again participated in the Grey High School Colts week where we recorded a notable victory against Bishops. Our U15A team also took part in the annual Bun Hopley Cricket Festival hosted by Muir College where they recorded a good victory against Queens College.

 

During term 4, Pearson’s 1st team cricketers produced 4 centuries. Brad Renkin scored 134 against Marlow and 105 against Brandwag, while Ethan Frösler scored 119 against Pinelands and Micaiah Coltman 101 not out against Queens College. In term 1, Ethan Frosler took 5/57 vs Bishops and 5/27 vs DP and Chad Quantoi took 5/20 vs Northwood.

 

Three boys were selected for various Eastern Province teams. Ethan Frösler was selected for the Coca Cola U18 team while Connor Roff and Connor Mitchell is both selected for the E.P. U15 team. These boys will play in the National Cricket South Africa Weeks in December.

 

In March the annual end of season breakfast was hosted at Crusaders Sports Club. The bond between Pearson and Crusaders has grown, and the event has now become a traditional annual event on our calendar. Pearson and Crusaders Sports Club joined forces a few years ago, and Crusaders Sports Club is the home of the Pearson past Pupils, and for this reason, this prestigious annual event, is held at Crusaders, the oldest test cricket venue in South Africa.

During the breakfast we reflect on and celebrated the performances of the past cricket season of all the top playing cricket teams – our U14A, U15A, 2nd and 1st boys’ teams, as well as the 1st XI Girls’ cricket team.

 

Dogterskrieket Raport 2019

Cricket is a team game. If you want fame for yourself, go play an individual game.

Gautam Gambhir

Die aantal meisies wat krieket speel, vermeerder elke jaar.   Hierdie jaar was daar 5 spanne.  Ons eerste- en tweedespanne het in die eerste liga gespeel en die ander drie in die tweede liga.

Die eerstespan het baie goeie resultate behaal en was onoorwonne in die eerste helfte van die die jaar.  Hulle harde werk en toewyding het vrugte afgewerp en hulle kan met reg trots wees op ’n goeie seisoen.  Pearson is definitief een van die sterkste dogterkrieketskole.

Verskeie spelers het SA en OP verteenwoordig.  Dit wys dat ons dogters op hoë ’n vlak kan deelneem.

Ons het weer aan die Framesby “6-a-side”-toernooi deelgeneem en die eerstespan het ongelukkig in die finaal teen Framesby verloor.  Die tweede ligaspan het hulle afdeling gewen vir die derde jaar.  Jade Singleton het die trofee vir die Speler van die toernooi vir die tweede liga gewen.  Jessy Coltman het die trofee vir die beste kolwer in die eerste liga ontvang.

Daar is baie individuele hoogtepunte:

4 van ons spelers word gekies om die provinisie by die Interprovinsiale toernooi te verteenwoordig, nl. Hayley Wilson, Jessy Coltman, Alu Dunga en Jordan Cole.

Hayley Wilson het SA in die binneshuise kriekettoernooi verteenwoordig.

Ons boulers het 2 driekunste behaal: Jessy Coltman en Alu Dunga.  Jordan Cole het vier paaltjies in vier balle geneem.

Kaptein Alu Dunga het ook getoon dat sy lopies kan aanteken en het 2 vyftigtalle aangeteken.

Met al die talent en potensiaal is ons verseker dat dogterskrieket ’n blink toekoms het.

By die jaarlikse prysuitdeling ontvang Alu Dunga die Senior speler van die jaar trofee en Jessy Coltman die Junior speler van die jaar trofee.

Cycling Report 2019

The 2019 season brought some tough challenges but nothing that our cyclists could not overcome to achieve some first-rate results.

 

In the Herald Continental Cycle Tour held in February our cyclists achieved good results with our two young female cyclists Lara Lotter in Grade 9 and Rachael Seaman in Grade 8 obtaining 1st positions in their respective age categories. One of our senior riders, Reinhard Strѩmpfer, managed a very impressive 5th overall position in a tough men’s category and a 1st position in his age category in the 55km.

 

At the Track EC Championships, held at Westbourne Oval, Marno van Berg and Reinhard Strümpfer were awarded Eastern Province colours.

 

A highlight this year was the Parel Vallei derby.  Fifteen cyclists travelled down from the Western Cape to participate in this annual fixture and although we competed to the best of our ability, they narrowly beat us on points. Even with this defeat our cyclists made memories and lasting friendships.

 

This year’s league fixture, The Spur School Mountain Bike series, took place at the PE GOLF COURSE where the competition was tougher than before with the series recording the most entries ever. Despite the tough competition our team members obtained note-worthy podium positions. Rachael Seaman, Lara Lotter, Reinhard Strümpfer were awarded Eastern Province colours. These cyclists were invited to participate at the National event held in Brits in the North West and although they did not achieve their desired results, they gained some valuable experience competing amongst the best schools in the country.

 

Other notable events that our cyclists participated in this year included the Scribante Criterium series, ECXCO series, Bay by Bike, Nanaga MTB, Cockscomb Classic and Hayterdale Classic.

 

 

EP and SA Reps Report 2019 Pearson is once again proud to have produced over 120 Eastern Province representatives, 11 South African representatives and 5 South African Federation representatives during 2019. Pearson’s learners travelled to various national and international destinations to take part in various competitions and tournaments. They performed well at all these events and gained valuable experience and improved themselves as sportsmen and -women.

 

Golf Report 2019 2019 has been another year of solid building and development for our golfers.  Even though golf is still played as a second sport we have had a mixed bag of yet good results in our league matches with some fantastic performances by our teams.  We also managed to score 50 more points than the previous year’s derby against Paarl Vallei.  This was the highlight of the year for the players as the tough playing conditions at Humewood Golf club enabled them to mount a come back after a strong start from their opponents.

Going forward they can look forward to a more involved and active golf program for the up-coming 2020 season as we add new faces and more fantastic memories to the ever growing sport.

 

Boys’ Hockey Report 2019

In 2019, Pearson fielded 12 boys’ hockey teams across all the age groups. Eye and Laser again sponsored the boys’ program, and we thank them for their valuable and continued support.

Boys’ hockey introduced an extensive conditioning process, developed in conjunction with our Pearson Sports Institute under the guidance of Mr Brink Eksteen, and the results were clearly visible in the strength and endurance ability of our teams, as well as the reduction in injuries sustained throughout the season.

Our 1st team is becoming a formidable force, and the reward for all their hard work came at the Cape Town International Tournament, where the team finished 4th overall, the highest placing of a Pearson boys’ team to date. As our 1st girls’ team placed 2nd at the same tournament, Pearson was the top Co-Ed school at the tournament. Commendable wins were recorded against Somerset College (4-2), Edgemead (5-1), and the WP Invitational team (2-1). Both the 1st team and u/16A boys’ teams improved their places on the SA Schools’ Sports ranking system by 10 and 11 places respectively. The 2nd team also produced outstanding results, beating Grey High (2-1), Woodridge (3-1), Kingswood (2-0), and St Andrew’s College (6-2) amongst others, to achieve a 70% win/draw average.

The u/16A boys experienced a good season, with notable wins over Stirling, Parktown, Potch Boys, Outeniqua and Parel Vallei. Special mention must also be made of the u/16B team who drew against Grey High this year, and who achieved a 90% win/draw ratio for the season. The u/16B boys produced excellent results at the Southern Cape Sports Tours tournament in George, an A-tournament for schools from all over the country. Pearson was awarded the team of the tournament accolade for its outstanding performance, which included remaining unbeaten at the tournament.

The u/14A team found the 2019 season tough going, but nevertheless showed good improvement throughout the year. The team recorded wins against Hudson Park, (2-0), Westering (5-2), and Kingswood (1-0), and they achieved credible draws against St Andrew’s College (1-1), and Woodridge (1-1) respectively.

This year, Pearson produced 15 EP representatives across all age-groups. Matthew Lewis was selected for the EP u/18A team, and team captain Josh Honey, along with Andrew Roche and Jesse de Kock all made the EP u/18B team. First-team players who were selected to the two EP u/16 teams included Dennis de Villiers and Ryan Jordan, who were both selected to the EP u/16A team, and Connor Chapple, Bjorn Slabbert, Mika-eel Osman and Roger Arries, who all made the EP u/16B team. At u/14 level, two players made the u/14A team, namely Landon Peterson and Cody Jacobs, while Lolo Soji was selected to the u/14B team and Xylon Coombs and Kai Brackenridge were selected as non-traveling reserves. We also had two players who achieved 50 caps for the school’s first team, namely Josh Honey and Justin Grieb. Matthew Lewis came agonisingly close to achieving 100 caps, finishing his time at Pearson on an excellent 96 matches.

The school also wishes to congratulate 1st team coach, Karl Lavender, who coached the EP boys’ u/16B team to a bronze medal at the IPT.

Girls’ Hockey Report 2019

In 2019, Pearson fielded 14 Girls’ teams across all the age groups. This resulted in 207 girls participating in hockey this year, and our teams played 231 matches during the season across all age groups. This figure includes the various tours and tournaments that the senior and A-teams participated in as well. In 2019 our B-teams were also afforded an opportunity to go on tour. The U16B girls’ results at the Southern Cape Sports Tours tournament in George were especially good because this is an A-tournament for schools from all over the country where Pearson was awarded the team of the tournament accolade for their outstanding performances.

In 2019, new sponsors came on board for the girls’ programme, and Pearson thank Steers, Mugg & Bean and Total, for their valued support. In 2019 there were 8 outside coaches for the girls, with 1 specialised goalkeeper coach.

The 1st team recovered from a mediocre first half of the season to finish on a high at the Cape Town International Tournament, where the team finished 2nd overall, competing against the best schools in the country as well as teams from abroad. The girls lost the final in a heart-breaking penalty shoot-out, but this result takes nothing away from their superb achievement. Because our 1st team boys placed 4th at the same tournament, Pearson was the top Co-Ed school at the 2019 edition of the tournament. Notable wins were recorded against Belville (1-0), Stellenberg (3-1), Paarl Girls (1-0) and Chisipite from Zimbabwe (in an 8-sec shoot-out).

The u16A girls experienced a tough season, and they never really gained forward momentum. However, it is important to mention the following teams who all experienced a great 2019 season and produced outstanding results: - U16B team (79% win/draws); U16C team (92% win/draws) and U16D team (75% win/draws).

The U14A team completed a challenging season as well, but showed satisfactory improvement throughout the year. The team recorded good wins against Queens GHS (6-1), Parel Vallei (3-0), Oakhill (2-1), St Cyprians (2-0), and Kingswood (3-0) respectively.

This year the girls’ programme produced 14 EP representatives across all age-groups. Captain Megan Snyman, along with Kirsten Barnard were selected for the EP U18A team, and Chelsea Baumgarten, together with Tori White both made the EP U18B team. First-team players who were selected to the two EP U16 teams included Izaiah April, Jess Coltman, Jade Singleton, Siya Bakaco, who were all selected to the EP U16A team, and Lea de Villiers who made the EP U16B team. Three Pearsonites made the SA U17 HP squad for 2019, namely Izaiah April; Jess Coltman and Siya Bakaco, whilst Hayley Engler and Silja Ferreira were named as non-travelling reserves for the U16 age group. At U14 level, three players made the U14B team, namely Isabelle Hofmeyer, Somila Xego and Isabella Roche. We also had two players who each achieved 100 caps for the school’s first team, namely Tori White and Kirsten Barnard. Megan Snyman reached 150 caps for the first team this year, completing her time at Pearson with a phenomenal 165 matches.

In terms of staff, Pearson 1st team coach, Jeanette Makkie was again invited to be a national U16 Girls’ selector this year.

The school is extremely proud of all the achievements of our hockey girls!

Multisports Report 2019 Biathle, Triathle, Tetrathlon and Lazer run

Four Pearson athletes participated in the events that fall under the auspices of the South African Modern Pentathlon Association.

Bradley Saunders and Jodi Wilson were selected for the Eastern Cape Biathle team to the National Biathle and Triathle championships.

Anke Serfontein was selected for the Eastern Cape Biathle and Triathle team to the National championships where she won gold in the Biathle and bronze in the Triathle and was selected for the national team to world champs.

Ruan Le Roux has had a very busy season having been selected for the Eastern Cape team to all four national championships. He obtained a 5th in the biathle, bronze in the triathle, 4th in the Lazer run and a silver in the tetrathlon. He represented South Africa at the Lazer Run World Championships in Budapest Hungary in early September where he achieved a 14th place in the individual competition and a silver medal as part of the boys u15 relay team.

Netball Report 2019

This was indeed a spectacular season for Pearson Netball as our teams all left an indelible impression in a season which will undoubtedly go down as the best to date in Pearson Netball history. Pearson Netball fielded 24 teams in the 2019 season which all performed well under the guidance of 15 coaches.

 

2019 saw the inclusion of an internal league, for the teams who do not compete regularly in Derby Days. This was run over 4 different Saturdays, and teams were afforded the opportunity to play in competitive matches and receive valuable game time.

 

Our Juniors, the under 14A’s started off very slowly experiencing most of their losses in the early part of the season which included only coming fourth in the Metro Leagues. They certainly were the team showing most improvement as the season progressed being victorious in a string of matches in the latter half of the season but ending their programme with a narrow but unfortunate loss to Parel Vallei in the last home Derby match. Christine le Roux and Caitlyn Franks were selected to represent Eastern Cape this year.

 

The Under 15A team experienced an excellent season, ending Eastern Cape Co-Champions with Despatch in the Provincial Play-Offs in East London in June. This earned them the right to participate in the Kay Motsepe Top Schools U/15 National Championships where they did Pearson proud by being placed thirteenth in South Africa with eight victories of the eleven matches played. A truly stunning result which improved on their eighteenth Top Schools Under 14 position of last year. They were undefeated throughout the season with the exception of one narrow loss in the local Leagues to Despatch, but emerged easily victorious by mostly large goal margins in all their Pre-Season Tournaments, their twelve Derby matches as well as undefeated in their three Provincial Play-Off matches. Este Smith, Abongile Kweyi, Danielle Honiball, Siyo Tiso, Anke Strydom and Kerri-Lee Barnard were all selected to the E Cape Schools team this year. The team also achieved Gold medallist status for the Club in the NM Bay C Reserve League, End-of-Season and Knockouts competitions.

 

Our Under 16A’s experienced a frustrating but relatively successful season faring well in the pre-season Paarl Gymnasium Festival and being defeated only by Framesby (by a single goal) and Despatch (by two goals) in their League matches resulting in them just missing out on the Eastern Cape Provincial Play-Offs. In a Derby season of a further ten matches, they narrowly lost only one further match to Nico Malan. Despite challenges and injuries, the team rose above the obstacles, improving steadily throughout the season and ending on a high with a resounding 32-11 victory over Parel Vallei. Busi Vayo once again represented Eastern Cape Schools this season.

 

The First Team carved a niche for themselves that will be difficult for future teams to match. The experienced First Team ended a dream season with an emphatic defeat of Parel Vallei 34-9 in the last home Derby match. All-in-all, the team emerged as Eastern Cape champions in their first attempt for this prestigious title, and then moving on to earn eleventh position in South Africa, once again in their first appearance at the Top Schools National Championships, held in Boksburg in July.  The season was successfully launched by a first appearance at the Paarl Gymnasium Festival in March following a memorable First Team Retreat. The team achieved further amazing successes: undefeated in twelve Derby matches with the highest victory margins against all opponents in the last ten years; victors in six League matches ensuring their right to represent Eastern Cape as No 1 at the Top Schools National Championships; Gold Medallists in both the Ria Strydom Memorial Tournament and the Grand Challenge Plate Competition. As a result of all these successes, they were nominated for consideration and thereafter selected by an independent panel as one of the three Provincial School Team of the Year finalists, receiving both a Finalist’s plaque as well as a monetary award at the prestigious Eastern Cape MEC Achiever Awards function held in East London in August. Of the twelve players who at various stages during the year represented the First Team, ten were selected to and played for either the Eastern Cape Provincial or Nelson Mandela Bay (EP) District age group teams in 2019, namely Demi-Leigh de Jager, Nina van Niekerk, Busi Vayo, Mieke du Toit, Nadine Burley, Chante Smith, Athandile Plaatjie, Hlumie Vece, Britney van der Merwe and Siya Dingiswayo. To top a stellar season for her, Britney van der Merwe was chosen to the Top 35 Schools u/19 squad and thereafter to the National u/21 squad by Netball South Africa. She is currently undergoing National squad training.

 

Of all the accolades achieved in the year, the cherry on the cake was the awarding to Pearson Netball a Sports Focus School status by the Head Office of Sports and Recreation South Africa.

 

 

Open-water Swimming Report 2019

Pearson’s open-water swimmers have achieved excellent results this year.

Local highlights include second places in various events and age groups at NMB Champs for Wietske van der Westhuizen, Lize Müller, Tyra Roozendaal and Flippie van der Spuy.  Top 5 finishes in their age groups at the Spar River mile, include Lize Muller (1st), Tyra Roozendaal (4th), Caitlin Rademakers (5th), Slater Black (1st), Kyle White (2nd) and Marcell Müller (3rd).  Age group finishes in the Jendamark Bellbuoy Challenge include Paige Black (1st), Tyra Roozendaal (2nd), Kyle White (1st) and Slater Black (3rd).  Paige and Slater Black were both the overall winners of the Ocean Racing Series.

A team consisting of Flippie van der Spuy, Robyn Hough and Dennis de Villiers travelled to Namibia to compete at the CANA Zone IV Championships. Flippie received two gold medals in the 3km and 5km and went on to swim the 5km in Barcelona – racing against some tough opposition from all over the world. He is currently the fastest u16 swimmer for the 10km in South Africa.

Robyn Hough and Wietske van der Westhuisen also competed in Slovenia. Kyle White was selected to swim the 5km at the French Toulouse Cup in France and was placed 2nd overall in his age group.

 

Parel Vallei Derby Report 2019

Pearson’s 2019 interschools exchange programme with Parel Vallei High School from Somerset East in the Western Cape, was even bigger and better this year. Nearly 900 learners and staff from Parel Vallei arrived at Pearson on 15 August for the most enjoyable experience and arguably one of the largest interschools exchange programmes in the country. Over the three-day period, some 1700 learners from Pearson and Parel Vallei participated in 69 sporting matches and events, whilst around 20 cultural and academic competitions and events took place. Many of the learners caught up with friends made over the past few years, as the Pearson families opened their homes to the guests, whilst many new and long-lasting friendships were made. Pearson looks forward to the 2020 exchange in the Western Cape.

 

 

Rugby Report 2019

The season’s fixtures saw the rugby department dominate six out of the eleven derbies across all matches. This year’s fixtures were tough, as we played against five schools that ended the season ranked within the top 20 in the country. Pearson managed to record more victories across all teams against Stirling, Despatch, Daniël Pienaar, Union, Nico Malan and Parel Vallei. We shared the spoils on the day against Hudson Park and Graeme College. Only Framesby, Brandwag and St Andrews managed to record more victories on the day against us – possibly the best overall performance by our rugby department to date. Furthermore, we managed to record three clean sweeps with all our teams winning against Stirling, Union and Parel Vallei.

Our A teams recorded a number of memorable victories throughout the season.

The U14A team progressed well throughout the season with notable victories against Nico Malan and Daniël Pienaar.

The U15 A team had a great season winning most of their games with notable victories against Wynberg Boys’ High and St Andrews College. This team carried over their great form from the 2018 season and grew from strength to strength as the season progressed. We are proud of Amandla Tyali, Corne Erasmus and Jacques Gerber who were selected for the EP U15 A squads.

The highlight of the U16 A team’s season was the victory against Bishops, who ended the season ranked 5th in the country. This result showed the team’s immense potential. We look forward to seeing some of these boys wear the First XV jersey next year and we are proud of Dylan Willis, Edward Kruger, Landile Nkengana and Jordan Swanepoel who represented the Eastern Province this year.

The First XV recorded excellent victories against Stirling, Hudson Park, Tygerberg, Soweto Rugby Club, Newton Technical High School, Union, Nico Malan and Parel Vallei. We are proud of Aqhamile Limba, Ryan Windvogel and Aya Koza who were selected to represent the Eastern Province this year.

Pearson was fortunate to be invited to the top national festivals, which provides the opportunity for our teams to participate against some of the country’s strongest teams nationally. The 2019 season proved to be one of many firsts. For the first time in the school’s history, Pearson managed to record victories against traditional powerhouses such as Bishops, Wynberg Boys and Nico Malan.

Our U/16 A and First XV had a successful tour to Wynberg Boys where they came up against top opposition. The fixtures included Bishops, Rondebosch Boys, Wynberg and Tygerberg High School – all ranked as top schools in the Western Cape. The U/16 A’s were impressive narrowly losing 7-8 to Rondebosch Boys and 17-24 to Wynberg Boys but managed to beat Bishops (amongst the top 5 in the country). The First XV managed to win two out of the three games with the highlight being a victory against a strong Tygerberg High school (30-26).

Our U14 A and U15 A teams again travelled to George to take on the best in the country at the annual Kwagga festival. This festival consists of teams such as Paarl Boys’ High School, Paul Roos, Monument, Waterkloof and Outeniqua. The U14s put in a strong performance, winning two out of the three games with a narrow 12-17 loss to Durbanville High School, who is currently ranked as one of the top twenty rugby-playing schools nationally. Our U/15s recorded a clean sweep winning all three their games, including a first-ever victory against Wynberg Boys’ High.

Pearson also hosted a very successful primary schools festival for U11 and U13 players within the region, which showcased the abundance of talent here.

Pearson rugby is excited to tackle the challenges that await us in 2020.

Squash Report 2019 The squash numbers continue to grow and this year we entered four teams in the league. The players enjoyed a good season and some notable victories for the 1st team included a 12-1 win over Muir College, a 12-2 victory over Framesby and an emphatic 12-0 win over Hudson Park High School.

 

There is a good spirit and camaraderie among the squash players, especially in the 3rd and 4th teams.

 

Social squash also attracts large numbers despite the limited facilities at our disposal. The social players are keen and some should consider moving across to the league teams.

 

Two players were selected for EP teams this year: Ian Olivier played for the EP U16A boys’ team which achieved a gold medal at the Inter-provincial tournament, and Alexa Prinsloo represented the EP U16A girls’ team.

 

In the annual Pearson Squash Championships, Ian Olivier defeated Matthew Lewis in the final. Alexa Prinsloo won the girls’ title after a round-robin format was held for them.

 

The results for the year are as follows:

 

1st team 2nd team 3rd team 4th team Played 11 13 8 7 Won 6 11 5 3 Lost 5 2 3 4  

 

 

Surfing Report 2019

Pearson’s surfers have had a great year in the ocean with an outstanding result against Parel Vallei as well as some of our surfers excelling in the province.

The result from the Parel Vallei derby is as follows:

Pearson convincingly won overall with a total of 7610 surfing points earned against Parel Vallei’s 6364.

The boy’s division ended with an all Pearson final.

Boys

1st C-Jay Posthumus (PHS)

2nd Justin van Niekerk (PHS)

3rd Travis van Niekerk (PHS)

4th Keagan Walton (PHS)

Girls

1st Chelsea Klots (PHS)

2nd Robyn Truter (PV)

3rd Carla Erasmus (PHS)

Bodyboarding winner: Bianca Nel (PHS)

Thank you to Billabong and Boarding South Africa for sponsoring prizes to the finalists.

Two of Pearson’s surfers are also excelling in the province. C-Jay Posthumus and Justin Van Niekerk were both selected, after surfing in three district trials, for the NMBS Junior team to compete during September in the u14 boys division at SA Champs.  For C-Jay this is the fourth year of making the team and for Justin it is the first time.  They are the only two surfers from Port Elizabeth that have made the team this year.  Each team consist of 23 surfers with only 4 spots being U14 boys. It is quite an accomplishment for them. Both boys made it to the third round at SA Champs which is an outstanding result.

 

Swimming Report 2019

Pearson’s swimmers have done a tremendous job in the pool this year, representing the school on a local, inter-provincial, national and international front.

Several our swimmers competed at the South African Junior Nationals Age Group Championship (a club qualifying gala) held in Durban. Swimmers Alexa Barnard, Connie Pietersen, Ashton Volkwyn, Kyle White, Caitlin Rademakers, Ethan Renze and Flippie van der Spuy all took part and made a combined total of 15 finals. Connie Pietersen received a bronze medal for 100m butterfly and Ashton Volkwyn narrowly missed a bronze medal by 19 split seconds in the 100m breaststroke.

The South African Youth and Senior Nationals Championship, also held in Durban, took place shortly after SA Junior Nationals. Six of our swimmers, Mark Müller, Marcell Müller, Connie Pietersen, Ashton Volkwyn, Kyle White and Ruben Smith were part of this Eastern Cape side. This gala was also the trials for the FINA World Championships. Mark made three finals and received two silver medals (200m IM and 200m back) for his respective races; Marcell made three finals and received a bronze medal (100m backstroke) and a silver medal (200m butterfly) in the youth category; Connie made two semi-finals; Ruben Smith made a semi-final and received a bronze medal (100m butterfly) and a gold medal (200m butterfly) in the youth category.

Ashton Volkwyn was selected to represent South Africa at the CANA Zone IV Championships in Windhoek, Namibia for the second year in a row. She received three bronze medals in the 50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke.

 

 

Tennis Report 2019

Ons het ʼn suksesvolle tennisseisoen gehad waar daar 14 spanne aan die somerliga deelgeneem het.  Vyf spanne was oorwinnaars in hul onderskeie ligas.  Die seuns het naelskraap teen Hoërskool Grey verloor en 2de in die eerste premierliga geëindig. Die Meisis het ook 2de geeindig in die Eerste liga. Ons het 15 spanne in die winterliga ingeskryf en het oor die algemeen baie goed gevaar en kan trots wees op al ons spanne.

We participated in the Selborne/Clarendon Mixed Tournament and although we did not return as the winners of the tournament we won the spirit trophy.  We also took part in the Gerrie Berner Tournament in which 12 top schools in South Africa competed.  Our Wimbledon day on the 11th of May 2019 was once again a huge success and enjoyed by everyone. Pearson also competed in the Annual Marilie Moolman tennis tournament in Cradock. Our girls did particularly well finishing in 2nd position just a few points behind tournament winners Paarl Girls who we beat in round robin play. The Boys finished 7th overall 2 places better than last year.

In August our learners participated in the annual Marco Wasserman tennis tournament in Middleburg. The tournament format was doubles and mixed doubles and after some high quality tennis Pearson returned home as the winners of this tournament.

Our boys team participated in the Boland Landbou tennisfees in the first weekend of October. This is a very strong tournament where some of the best tennis schools in the country participate in. Our boys put up a brave fight and finished 10th out of 12 schools (2 places better than 2018).

Overall the tennis team had a successful year. Things are looking bright for the future of Pearson tennis.

 

TTS Report 2019 During 2019, Pearson continued the successful Time Tabled Sports (TTS) programme for Grade 8 and 9 learners. One in a two-week cycle, all Grade 8 and Grade 9 learners have an opportunity to spend an hour and a half, being coached by our 1st team and or sport professionals during the academic day. Valuable techniques and specialised skills are coached during these sessions. Our coaches also have the opportunity to identify talent at this age or make recommendations to the age group coaches with regards to the ability of our various sportsmen and -women.

 

Boys’ Water Polo Report 2019

Pearson’s 1st water polo boys have had yet another successful season. The team placed 4th and the Grey College Water Polo Tournament, 7th at the St. Andrew’s College Shield and 9th at the Vides Water Polo Tournament.

 

The second half of the season saw the team placed 8th overall at the JAM Clifton Water Polo Tournament, which is the highest placing Pearson has achieved at the tournament. Pearson placed 2nd at the National Co-Ed Water Polo tournament, where Zeke van Zyl, Andrew Roche, Connor Ackermann and Saeed Abrahams were selected for the tournament team.

 

In the end-of-season tri-angular against Grey and St. Andrew’s, Pearson drew 4 – 4 to Grey and beat St. Andrew’s 6 – 3.

 

NMBA representatives are as follows:

 

u14B

Salmaan Abrahams

 

u15A

Julian Muller

Ethan Price

Arno van Heerden

Logan Hall

 

u15B

Divan Fourie

Alex Willimott

Rourke Deacon

 

u16A

Connor Ackerman

Grant Dickson

 

u19A

Saeed Abrahams

Reece Price

 

Julian Muller made the SA u15 boys’ team as a non-travelling reserve.