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The Captains’ Perspective
Ellenor Clews: First Team Netball
Setting off at 4am on 9 July, we were all rearing to go! The bus was filled
with excitement, yet most of us were still half asleep. After a long drive,
we arrived atWoodridge College to play our first match. Pumped up with
Bovril sandwiches, our new first team netball dresses and ribbons in our
hair, nothing could stop us! Although anxious at first, we came through with
a successful victory! The B team drew againstWoodridge, which was an
excellent result, despite the tough competition!
Later that evening, we arrived at the hotel and we were all in awe
at the luxury! After a good night’s sleep and an amazing breakfast, the
Netball, Hockey and Soccer teams checked out of the hotel and headed
to Grahamstown. It was here that we played Kingswood College and DSG,
both considered top ‘Netball’ schools in the Eastern Province. Kingswood
College was our first match in Grahamstown and the competition was tight!
It was not enough to stop us, though, as both the A and B teams won their
matches! Before arriving at DSG, we had already heard of their undefeated
reputation.The B team played first and unfortunately lost their match, but it
did not dampen the spirit because the DSG B team was of the same standard
as many of the first teams we had played against in Cape Town.After a
lengthy warmup, the first team was ready to play - refusing to feel intimidated
as our opposition did their own version of what I could only call a dancing
Haka. I believe that game was the closest game we have ever played! Being
three goals down in the third quarter, we were determined to come back
and we did!Winning by 2 goals, it felt like we had just won the Olympics.The
rush of excitement and adrenaline was still pumping through all of us.Aching
and sore, we all went back to the resort and ice bathed in the pool. Although
the girls hated it at the time, it really did our muscles the world of good.
Therefore, from then on, we ice bathed after every game. We left the resort
in Grahamstown on Friday and headed back to the hotel in PE, stopping off at
Addo Elephant Park along the way. It was an experience of a lifetime seeing
the elephants roam freely. The next day, we played Linkside and they were
by far our weakest competition. Still undefeated, we were prepared to play
our toughest competition, Pearson High, on the Monday. Unfortunately, we
lost to Pearson, but by a mere 4 goals.We walked off the court with great
experience and our heads held high. The spirit on tour was incredible and
not only did the tour prepare us for a successful season ahead, but also
cemented our friendships.We created memories that we can all cherish
forever! The sports tour of 2013 is not one that will be easily forgotten!
Daniella Pazda: Hockey
On 9 July, the hockey touring team departed for Port Elizabeth. It was
the first time the hockey team had been on tour, so no one knew what it
would be like! It was an amazing experience - we met new people and the
hockey girls became closer as friends and bonded as a team. We were fully
committed to every game and all the players tried their best!We learnt
many new skills along the way, greatly benefitting our team. We improved
a lot from the first to the fifth match.The accommodation was really nice,
as well as the meals. It was a good experience playing on the Astroturf and,
hopefully, we could get Astroturf in the future. The team thoroughly enjoyed
the tour and wish we could go back.There were many laughs and memorable
experiences that we will never forget.
Storm Manson: Boys’ Soccer
Parklands took a squad of footballers on the 2013 Sports Tour, hoping not
only to play our best football, but also to improve on our skill and technique.
We went into the first game with enthusiasm and confidence and played our
hearts out. From then on, we made sure to improve on specific areas and to
implement tactics in each game that would utilise our individual talents for
the benefit of the team. Goals from Joshua Jones, Nanga Ntsume and Emirhan
Caner showed off the team’s potential to be a great team in the future. Our
players are closer than ever, as we understand each other’s style of play.We
can see great things in the future from all these young talented players and
look forward to a successful season ahead.
Dante Bagattini: Rugby
This tour was an amazing experience. Our team was made up of players
of various ages, from U16 to U19. Most of us had never played in the same
team, yet when you saw us on the field, you would not have thought so.We
quickly identified our strengths and weaknesses and a great team atmosphere
was built. I was very proud of the boys. After the long bus drive there, we
played our first game. It was a tough game, yet the boys all gave 100%. On
our days off, we had fun training sessions in the mornings or we supported
the other teams playing matches. In our second game, we were privileged
to play St Andrews.This was a game the team will always hold dear as a
memory. It was tough and physical, but once again, the boys stuck it out and
played their hearts out. Our last game ended the tour on the perfect note,
with a victory! We all went on tour as friends, but at the end it felt as if we
were all one big family.We had some great laughs and experiences that will
never be forgotten. I was very proud to lead this touring team and felt highly
privileged. I would like to thank all the coaches who came on tour and made
it such a success.
Miriam Denton: Girls’ Soccer
Asking a teenager to wake up at 03h00 in the morning is as useless as
using a toothpick to move a boulder. However, the Parklands College Sports
Stars were more than willing to tackle the task of waking up for the 2013
Sports Tour. The tour started off with a bang – with all of the teams playing a
game, after an eleven-hour bus drive, atWoodridge College.The Soccer Girls
lost against Victoria Park, but their spirits were not crushed – it was only
a wake-up call for what was awaiting them… The Girls were privileged to
face adversaries in higher leagues.The players faced very strong opponents,
including women who were part of a premier league! They took these
opportunities as learning experiences – to improve themselves as individual
players as well as a team.All of the sporting codes displayed excellent
sportsmanship, regardless of their matches’ outcomes. Nevertheless, the
girls played their hearts out, winning three out of their five games! Despite
injuries, muscle cramps and sore bodies (nothing that a lovely ice bath
couldn’t heal), learners remained motivated, positive and determined not to
let their team down. The Sports Tour of 2013 has united team members and
different sporting codes; created a sense of team pride and has promoted
school spirit.The different teams supported and motivated one another
for the duration of their games.The Sports Tour was definitely the perfect
opportunity to bond with children from different grades and different
backgrounds. It was undeniably a memorable tour for all!
