UNION SCHOOLS’S CENTENARY ROSE
The Union Schools Rose embodies the spirit of our beautiful school. Reflecting Union’s colours of green and gold, it is a neat, hardy, tough little bloom that flourishes in the Karoo – very much like our Union learners and educators who work together for the good of the whole.
SENIOR CRICKET – 1ST TEAM SPONSORS
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JUNIOR CRICKET
We won the toss and elected to bat. We got off to a decent start at 25/1 after 11 overs. Peter Michaels batted patiently, a middle order collapse resulted in us losing 6 wickets for just 8 runs. Dylan Kivedo joined Sam Reeve at the crease and the pair put on 34 for the 8th wicket. Sam was a shining light throughout the innings, scoring a superb 46 not out off just 47 deliveries. We were bowled out for 104 in 28 overs. They reached our score in the 34th over without losing another wicket. The pick of the bowlers was Cameron Swarts who claimed 2 wickets for 16 runs in 6 overs. Laythan Carelse took the other wicket and Dylan Kivedo executed a run out. We lost the match by 6 wickets.
INTERSCHOOLS GALA VS VOLKSKOOL
Union hosted the 2018 Interschools Gala at the Hoër Volkskool pool on Tuesday. Although we were represented well in all age groups, Union swam against incredibly strong competition at this year’s Interschools gala, especially in the senior age groups. Our swimmers made Union proud by truly giving their all, many of them competing in every event they could to ensure points for Union. Our Juniorr section lost by roughly 100 points, while our seniors lost by a margin of just over 40 points.
While the loss is disappointing, we would like to thank the swimmers for their participation and determination, and congratulate them on their good behavior throughout the event. Thank you to Hoër Volkskool for allowing us to host this event in their wonderful facilities; and, of course, to all the staff and pupils who gave up their time to officiate at the event.
SENIOR TENNIS
It was a very close encounter for the girls, who managed to win their match with 42 games to 38. The four girls, Kelly Rose-Innes, Jenna McNaughton, Jeanne-Marie Brummer and Christine Harris were too strong for their opponents in their singles matches.
The boys also played very well, but lost 7 matches to 2 against a very strong Cradock team.
BIATHLON – EP TEAM
Congratulations to the following on their selection to the EP Team to attend SA Championships:
Girls U/15: Kendal Krige
Boys U/15: Corniel Vorster (Reserve)
Girls U/17: Micela Loock (Reserve); Jenna McNaughton (Reserve)
Both Micela and Jenna have been included in the Senior Ladies Team
Girls U/19: Candice Russel
Boys U/19: Cameron Muir
BIATHLON – EP CHAMPIONSHIPS
Nine of our Union Biathletes were invited to participate in the event and certainly did Union proud.Congratulations to the following medal winners (left to right):
U/19 Boys
Cameron Muir – Gold
U/17 Girls
Micela Loock – Silver
Jenna McNaughton – Bronze
U/19 Girls
Candice Russell – Silver
Individual results
| Run time | Score | Swim time | Score | Total | |
| Drew Dobinson (U/13) | 3:56,74 | 972 | 1:34,53 | 935 | 1907 |
| Kendall Krige (U/15) | 4:05,89 | 891 | 1:25,09 | 1000 | 1891 |
| Corniel Vorster (U/15) | 5:09,87 | 1001 | 1:26,32 | 957 | 1958 |
| Micela Loocke (U/17) | 3:41,76 | 1011 | 1:28,62 | 964 | 1975 |
| Jenna McNaughton (U/17) | 3:46,61 | 997 | 1:30,72 | 943 | 1940 |
| Candice Russel (U/19) | 3:34,34 | 1053 | 1:23,18 | 1029 | 2082 |
| Cameron Muir (U/19) | 6:25,87 | 1026 | 1:10,41 | 1106 | 2132 |
| VC Beldon | 7:49,95 | 606 | 1:30,53 | 905 | 1511 |
| Ben Kroon | 8:55,72 | 277 | 1:16,00 | 1050 | 1327 |
JUNIOR CRICKET
The U/13 A’s travelled to Beaufort West on Wednesday to play in a T20 match against Nico Brummer. We lost the toss and were asked to bowl first. At 33/2 after 10 overs, it seemed like we would restrict the opposition to under 100 runs. However, after the drinks break, we lost control of the game and Nico Brummer ended on 102/4 after 20 overs.
Our batsmen failed to occupy the crease and pressure kept shifting from one player to the next. No batsman reached double-figures which meant we were never in with a chance of reaching our target. We were bowled out for 56, losing the match by 46 runs.
GRADE 8 SPEECH COMPETITION
The Grade 8 Interhouse Speech Competition took place last week. Speakers were very well prepared and delivered interesting speeches. The audience also got the opportunity to take part in informal speaking and assessing.
Ekaterina Duvenhage (left) finished in 2nd place and Amber Binney (right) was the overall winner.
House points were awarded: Daly 9 and Arnott 8.
Congratulations to all the participants and a very big thank you to Matthew Light and Kelly Rose-Innes for their assistance on the evening.
We look forward to the Grade 9 speeches in a week’s time.
UHS & HVS PREFECT SOCIAL
On Monday evening the prefects of Union High and Volkskool enjoyed a lovely social evening in the Tony Burrell Union getting to know each other. After having dinner together, the Volkskool prefects even offered some sokkie lessons!
ECO CLUB REPRESENTATIVES
| Eco Representatives 2018 | |
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| Back (left to right): Hannah Bodenstein, Kirsten King, Tracy Petitt, Chevonne Prinsloo, Lunga Zantsi, Edward Whitlock, Iviwe Ndamane, Katherine Imrie, Buntu Sota, Josh Calitz and Elijah Japhta 2nd from back (left to right): Ryan Jenneke, Somila Batala, Bavuyise Hermans, Grace Merrifield, Matthew Basson, Sayma Wajid, Sulungeka Sibeku, Jemimah Mangunda, Caitrin Spence and Shazia Ahmed 2nd row (left to right): Asa Matross, Finn Cilliers, Daniel Nell, Sisipho Arnols, Ann-Noleen Koeberg, Liyema Sonjani, Alistair Imrie, Jenna Harvey, Cadee Arends, Shayna Japhta Front (left to right): Erin Gedult, Megan Nortje, Na’eem Mohamed, Zeraida Deysel, Caytah-Leigh Koeberg |
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The 2018 Eco-Club Committee
Back (left to right): Mrs Gedult, Chevonne Prinsloo, Lunga Zantsi, Iviwe Ndumane, Buntu Sota and Jemimah Manguado |
SENIOR CRICKET
On Friday night Union played a T20 match without their matric players against Otto du Plessis’ 1st XI. Union won the toss and elected to bat. The Union boys started off well, but lost untimely wickets. Union struggled to score freely and ended ons 107 after 20 overs.
When they went in to bat Otto du Plessis was chasing a low score, and Union could not afford to give away any extras. They missed some opportunities in the field that costed Union the match. Hopefully this young side could learn from this match. Otto du Plessis passed the score 19.4 overs with 3 wickets in hand.
1st Team vs Daniel Pienaar (Declaration)
On Saturday, in a declaration match against Daniel Pienaar, Union won the toss and elected to bat. The Union boys made full use of their overs and almost succeeded, but got bowled out in the 65th over with a score of 182. Cowan Swartz scored 50 runs and Brett Amsterdam 42.
Daniel Pienaar went in to bat and once again the Union bowling attack was on form. The wicket takers were Matt Harpur 3, Sinethemba Ndudula 3, Terrence Siyaya 2 and Cowan Swartz 2.
Union won by 88 runs
U/15 Team vs Cradock (T20)
Union won the toss and elected to bat. Sisipho Arnols and Kyle-Luke du Preez got the innings off to a solid start with a good 30 run partnership. However, the Union boys kept losing wickets at regular intervals and did not take advantage of the starts they got. In the end Union managed to score 91 in their allotted 20 overs, with Kyle-Luke du Preez and Hlaki Skepe both scoring 17 each, James Pienaar 16 and Josh Calitz 11.
Cradock then proceeded to bat and proved to be resilient. They made our bowlers work hard. Coupled with a few missed chances, the Union team made life very difficult for themselves. Eventually the Union boys managed to beat Cradock by 10 runs. The pick of the bowlers were James Pienaar with 2 wickets for 15 runs in 4 overs and Josh Calitz with 1 for 14 in 4 overs.
U/15 Team vs Otto du Plessis (T20)
Otto du Plessis won the toss and elected to bat. A good all-round disciplined bowling and fielding effort allowed Union to restrict Otto du Plessis to only 87 runs in their allotted overs.
The pick of the bowlers were Kwande Mhlabeni, who took 2 wickets for only 9 runs in 4 overs, and Ruzhe Hendricks with 2 for 19 in 4 overs.
Union came in to bat and despite good innings’ from MJ Newton (14) and Matthew Basson (21), the boys could never quite put together a meaningful partnership, resulting in them being bowled out for 59; losing the match by 28 runs.
U/15 Team vs Daniel Pienaar (50 overs)
Daniel Pienaar won the toss and sent Union in to bat first.
Despite losing a very quick wicket, Kyle-Luke du Preez (33) and James Pienaar (28) managed to show fantastic application, and put on an outstanding 72 run partnership. Hlaki Skepe also contributed a good 18 runs. This gave Union a wonderful platform on which to build, on what looked to be a terrific total. However, once this partnership was broken, the Union boys never seemed to be able to recover and were bowled out for 165 runs.
Daniel Pienaar came in to bat and were met with some inconsistent bowling from the Union boys. Despite taking 3 critical wickets, Union continued to leak too many runs and struggled to find any rhythm and consistency. Daniel Pienaar continued to capitalise on Union’s poor bowling, coupled with missed chances at critical stages. This allowed Daniel Pienaar to reach the Union total with 7 wickets down, winning the match with 3 wickets. Well done to Hlaki Skepe, who took 3 wickets for 14 runs in 5 overs.
A disappointing result in the end. However, despite being unable to be accurate in their execution, the Union boys showed tremendous fight, never giving up, and played the game with great team spirit – always encouraging each other, even during the toughest of moments. They can be proud of the manner in which they played.
SUNDAYS RIVER MILE
A scorching day in Colchester greeted the 16 Union High Swimmers who made the trip to compete in the 94th annual Sundays River Mile.
The girls were first to race in conditions that were not ideal. The tide turned too late and was of no assistance to the swimmers this year. This, coupled with a slight head wind, made for tough going for the 210 ladies competing in the race. Despite this, our Union girls performed well. Hannah Bodenstein was our first girl to cross the finish line in just under 35 minutes. She was closely followed by Amber Binney and then Kendall Krige. Ekaterina Duvenhage and Drew Dobinson also did well to finish in under 45 minutes.
As the start of the men’s race approached, the skies began to darken and a brewing storm closed in around the field of 267 swimmers. Our boys raced the storm to the finish line and managed to clock some good times in the process. Cameron Muir was our first boy home in 30 minutes flat, with Michael Krige following closely behind. Corniel Vorster, Ben Kroon and James Potgieter finished in rapid succession, all within 5 minutes after Cameron.
It was wonderful to see Union High being so well represented at an event of this stature, and it was encouraging to note the eagerness with which all the first-timers competed. Well done to them all.
JUNIOR ATHLETICS – CMC ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIP
This past weekend Daniel Short and Matthew Paxton both took part in the prestigious CMC Athletics Championship held at The Oval in Port Elizabeth. Vigorous competition brought the best out of both athletes and they competed to the best of their abilities, Matthew came 5th in the Long Jump and Daniel won both the 100m and the 80m races.
CHESS
Last Monday (12 February) Union High hosted a friendly chess tournament against Kroonvale Primêr and Graaff-Reinet Primêr. Both these schools only started playing chess last year and were nervous to play in their first tournament. Union’s players fared extremely well and managed to win most of the matches. After the tournament they all played friendly matches against the same opponent and shared some strategic moves. The opponents were very grateful for the Union learners’ willingness to part with their chess knowledge. It was a good afternoon of thinking, sharing and making new friends.
Senior chess vs Middelburg
Eleven of Union’s chess players from the Bishops League travelled to Middelburg to play against
Middelburg High School. They each played 3 matches of 30 minutes per game, rotating players in each round. Having drawn the first two rounds, Union was determined to make their move against Middelburg in the last round. Our chess players stayed focussed and eventually managed to beat Middelburg High 20 points to 16, regardless of being one player short. This cost Union 3 points. An outstanding game was played by Liano Naidoo, who finished his match in less than 5 minutes.
Well done to Peter Watermeyer and Liano Naidoo who won all their matches.
SENIOR ATHLETICS – KAROO ATHLETICS MEETING
The following learners received Golden Medals:
• Jenna McNaughton, 800 m in 2:50,29 min
• Marché Green, High Jump, 1.35 m
• Erin Mithcell, High Jump, 1,32 m
• Thando Haarmans, Long Jump, 6,18 m
• Ntsika Ngongoma, 400 m, 58,91 sec
• Liyema Mjoli, Shot Put, 9,12 m
• Rosslyn Sparks, Discus Throw, 23,75 m
• Sanja du Plessis, 800 m, 2:38,69 min
• Candice Russell, High Jump, 1,28 m
• Cameron Muir, 5 000 m, 20:04,56 min
The following ten learners qualified to represent the Karoo Athletics Team at the CACADU Mega District Meeting to be held at the PE Oval on Friday, 23 February:
• Erin Mithcell, High Jump, Girls u/15
• Ntisika Ngongoma, 400 m, Boys u/15
• Jenna McNaughton, 800 m, Girls u/17
• Marche Green, High Jump, Girls u/17
• Matthew Carelse, 400 m, Boys u/17
• Candice Russel, High Jump, Girls u/19
• Rosslyn Sparks, Discus, Girls u/19
• Cameron Muir, 5 000 m, Boys u/19
• Thando Haarmans, Long Jump, Boys u/19
Best of luck to all athletes competing on Friday!
ECO CLUB – SUSTAINABILITY
Union High’s Eco Club, which consists of over 30 members this term, visited two places in Graaff-Reinet on Friday 16 February, and learned that balance + social investment = sustainability. Bianca du Preez at Karoo inc. spoke to the group about the by-products of the hunting industry and the knock-on effect of job creation and skills transfer. She emphasized the importance of learning skills. The children understood the big picture and the economic values of the industry. The Eco-Warriors were excited to see all the beautiful articles made here in Graaff-Reinet at Karoo inc.
The group then visited Pick ‘n Pay and Cheryl Waddelow shared the vision and values of the Pick ‘n Pay group with these Eco Warriors. The learners were pleased to discover that UHS and Pick ‘n Pay share a common value: Respect. They were also surprised to hear that Pick ‘n Pay employed only unemployed people when they opened their store in Graaff-Reinet. These employees were then trained to work in various sections of the store: baking or butchery departments, merchandise, tellers, human resources, security and more. Waddelow also shared the big picture of this industry with the learners and “wowed” them with Pick ‘n Pay’s social investment responsibilities. The group learned that it is important to ‘give back’ to society and invest in a better, healthier environment. Before these Eco-Warriors toured the store and did their shopping, they enjoyed a doughnut, from this generous and successful business.
Union High thanks both Karoo inc, and Pick ‘n Pay for accommodating the learners and opening their eyes to the bigger picture of business and the sustainability thereof.
INTERHOUSE GALA
On Monday evening (12/02) our Interhouse Gala was held in perfect conditions. Competition between the two houses was keen throughout the evening. Arnott narrowly took the lead within the first few events, but soon both houses were tied on 179 points each. Daly fought hard and overtook Arnott, but within a short while Arnott took the lead again, right to the end. Arnott won by 5 points.
There were events for swimmers from U12 through to Open and it was wonderful to see so many swimmers participating. The open boys’ and girls’ events produced some exciting finishes which were lovely to watch. The 2018 matrics ended off the gala with a fun relay.
The final points position was: Daly – 418 | Arnott – 423
Well done to all the swimmers who participated, especially those who had to find their costumes at the bottom of their cupboards. We look forward to an exciting Interschools clash against Volkskool next week.
EPCD TENNIS REPRESENTATIVES
Country Districts tennis team:
U/12 Caytah-Leigh Koeberg & Matthew Paxton
U/14 Barbara McNaughton
U/16 Kyle-Luke du Preez
U/19 Micela Loock; Rebecca Langmead; Noä Cilliers
Reserves: Kelly Rose-Innes; Matt Harpur
They will represent EPCD on Tuesday, 27 February against Albany in Cradock.
EPCD TENNIS REPRESENTATIVES
We congratulate the following tennis players who have been selected for the 2018 Eastern Province Country Districts tennis team:
U/12 Matthew Paxton (left) & Caytah-Leigh Koeberg (right)
Left to right:Rebecca Langmead (U19), Barbara McNaughton (U14), Kelly Rose-Innes (Reserve), Noä Cilliers (U19), Kyle-Luke du Preez (U16), Micela Loock (U19) and Matt Harpur (Reserve)
They will represent EPCD on Tuesday, 27 February against Albany in Cradock.
BLOOD DRIVE – 13 FEBRUARY
Thank you to all our learners who donated blood today. Some were terrified….some were elated….some did not feel so well afterwards….and some needed a lot of moral support. But in the end you were all life-saving heroes!
EXCITING WEEKEND FOR EXCHANGE BOYS
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Max Firth and Sam Reeve on the zipline. |
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Max Firth’s first encounter with an elephant. |
ART CLUB
The Art Club met for the first time this year. They are going to do a series of exercises with acrylic washes on watercolour paper. Today they used a wet on wet technique with multiple layers, and had lots of fun shaking the paper for a dribble effect. Their inspiration for today was the artist Solly Smook!
UHS HONOURS GROUND-STAFF
Rebecca Langmead spoke about our beautiful school. We would not have a rugby team without a field to play on. We would not have a hockey team if the Astro was not regularly maintained. And learning would not be efficient if our classrooms were untidy.
Mr Kingwill, Oom Arnold, Oom Trevor, Oom Sakhi, Aunty Lillian, Aunty Elizabeth, Oom Dennis, Oom Neil, Oom Gavin, Oom Albern and Oom Melvin, we admire you! Mr Kingwill, you and your team are artists, you’re chauffers, you’re botanists, you’re woodworkers, you’re “doers” and you are inspirations. The title ‘ground-staff’ does not do you justice for all you truly are. We thank you for your selfless dedication to our school, and always just going about your work in your own quiet way!
Everybody is always talking about Union’s lush, green grass, our clean white walls…..but we hardly ever take the time to acknowledge the people who made it this way. Today we salute you, and may every learner take the time to learn your names and great you with the respect that you deserve!
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| Left to right: Arnold du Plessis, Trevor Zali, Joseph Oormeyer, Lillian Williams, Elizabeth Sylvester, Dennis Kathu, Neil Meyer and Melvin Kutchu Absent: Gavin Marlow, Albern Ceasar, Mr Donald Kingwill (Estate Manager) |
CRICKET RESULTS
On Friday afternoon the 1st XI started a two-day 180-over match against traditional rivals Graeme College. Union won the toss and elected to bat, getting off to a pleasing start and were 45/0 after 13 overs. After Luke McNaughton was caught at point, Graeme applied pressure through accurate bowling and sharp fielding and the pressure led to three senseless run outs.
Union never recovered from the loss of unnecessary wickets, but a good effort by the lower order enabled the team to reach 128 runs. Graeme went in to bat and had 20 overs to the end of day one. The Union boys bowled well and at the end of the day Graeme were 35/1 after 19 overs. During the first session on day 2, Union bowled well and took another four wickets. At that stage the game was in balance with Graeme at 116/5 after 48 overs.
Unfortunately after drinks in the second session of the day’s play, Union lost focus. Graeme took full advantage and scored 127 runs in 24 overs. This would eventually take the game away from Union.
Graeme declared at 260/9 after 75 overs and had a lead of 122 runs. Union went in for their second innings, but only had 5 wickets to reach Graeme’s score and to set a target for Graeme to chase; or they had to bat out the day without losing 5 wickets. The Union boys batted well, but the Graeme bowling attack won the battle and Union lost 5 wickets for 70 runs. Union lost the game by an innings and 52 runs.
During the first innings the top batsmen were Luke McNaughton with 40, Sinethemba Ndudula 25 and Noa Cilliers 17 not out. Of the bowlers, Terrance Siyaya took 3 wickets, Cowan Swartz 2 and Matt Harpur 2. In the second innings, Matt Harpur top-scored with 25 runs, Luke McNaughton 16 and Cowan Swartz 14.
2nd Team vs Cradock 1st Team
Union won the toss and elected to bat first in humid, overcast conditions on a very wet outfield. Gregon Jenneke scored 36 runs, Sintu Nkosinkulu 16, Matthew Hesselink 15 and Kwezi Simon 11. Union made 148 all out in 39 overs. Cradock passed the Union score in the 35th over for the loss of 5 wickets. Man-of-the-match Gregon Jenneke took 2 wickets for 16 runs in 7 overs and Gary Shell took a great catch. Cradock won the match by 5 wickets.
Under 15s vs Graeme College
On Friday afternoon the U15 team had an exciting T20 encounter with Graeme College, where the game came down to a nail-biting finish. Union won the toss and elected to bat. A fantastic 51-run opening partnership between Sisipho Arnols and Kyle-Luke du Preez got Union off to an ideal start – setting a platform for a solid score. James Pienaar also played a blistering innings and together with Kyle-Luke, put on a 55-run partnership. This took Union to a total of 106 for 1 in 20 overs. Kyle-Luke du Preez scored 36 not out, James Pienaar 27 and Sisipho Arnols 12.
When Graeme College came in to bat, the Union boys applied pressure from the start with good, accurate bowling and wickets fell at regular intervals. In the end, Graeme managed to get over the line in a nail-biting finish. Josh Calitz took 3 for 19 in 4 overs and Jarrod Naude, Hlaki Skepe and Kyle-Luke du Preez each took 2 wickets. Graeme College won the game by 1 wicket.
On Saturday (40 overs), Union won the toss and elected to bat. Sisipho Arnols and James Pienaar managed a very well-played 46-run partnership – capitalizing on any poor bowling. This was followed by another solid 37-run partnership between Jarrod Naude and Josh Calitz, which set up the innings for a fine finish, achieving a total of 157 for 8, with the help of the remaining batsmen. Sisipho Arnols top scored with 26 runs, Jarrod Naude 18, Josh Calitz 15 and James Pienaar 14.
The Union bowlers struck with two quick wickets by Josh Calitz and James Pienaar. Graeme managed a well-played partnership, but with the Union boys’ great fielding and fine bowling, the pressure took its toll on Graeme who were out for 128 runs. This performance was a great team effort, with good bowling, backed up by excellent fielding, which allowed Union to win by 29 runs. Kyle-Luke du Preez took a magnificent 5 for 34 in 6 overs, backed up by Jarrod Naude, who took 3 for 25 in 7 overs. Josh Calitz and James Pienaar took one wicket each.
This team once again showed amazing team spirit and determination, taking every available chance to ensure a convincing win.
U/13 Team vs Muir College
The U13s travelled to Uitenhage on Saturday to play against Muir College. Union lost the toss and were asked to bat. Muir’s bowlers were assisted by the overcast conditions and the Union boys struggled to cope with the swinging ball. Josh Chester was Union’s standout batsman with 18 runs. He applied himself brilliantly while wickets were falling at the other end. Dylan Kivedo with 9 runs and Cameron Swartz with 8 tried their best to support Josh, but in the end, Union were bowled out for 79.
Union’s bowlers started well and had Muir at 39 for 5 after 11 overs. Two missed opportunities ended up being the difference and Muir reached their target with 5 wickets in hand. Dylan Kivedo took 3 for 15, Laythan Carelse 1 for 14 and Sam Reeve 1 for 21. Muir won the match by 5 wickets.
ACADEMIC AWARDS
ACADEMIC BARS
Grade 6 (Based on Grade 5 results of 2017)
Caytah-Leigh Koeberg
Na’eem Mahomed
Sadé May
Grade 7 (Based on Grade 6 results of 2017)
Lana Bouwer
Rachael Houseman
Tayla Kingwill
Jude Langmead
Brent Hesselink (Re-award)
Cadee Arends (Re-award)
Siphosethu Malotana (Re-award)
Gemma Naudé (Re-award)
Brigette Oelofsen (Re-award)
Anna Pringle (Re-award)
Jamie Rudlin (Re-award)
Caitrin Spence (Re-award)
Grade 8 (Based on Grade 7 results of 2017)
Amber Binney
Michelle Doyle
Jamie Jaftha
Kendall Krige
Barbara McNaughton
Chloe Shires
Matthew Basson (Re-award)
Hannah Bodenstein (Re-award)
ACADEMIC TIES
Grade 9 (Based on Grade 8 results of 2017)
Catelyn Anthony
Marthinus van den Berg
Carmen Beaumont (Re-award)
Kyle-Luke du Preez (Re-award)
Shayna Japhta (Re-award)
Amzolele Relu (Re-award)
James Rose-Innes (Re-award)
Hannah Watermeyer (Re-award)
Grade 10 (Based on Grade 9 results of 2017)
Katherine Imrie
Erin Mitchell
Laetitia Theron
Deger Williams
Matthew Hesselink (Re-award)
Sara Kingwill (Re-award)
Bowen Langmead (Re-award)
Erin O’Halloran (Re-award)
HALF COLOURS/FULL COLOURS
Grade 11 (Based on Grade 10 results of 2017)
Full colours
Megan Doyle
Sanja Du Plessis
Ethan Gedult
Zintle Maki
Jenna McNaughton
Taylyn Miller
Yu-Pei Rong
Bridget Stander
Peter Watermeyer
Grade 12 (Based on Grade 11 results of 2017)
Half colours
Faith Macdonald
Ronan Potgieter
Uthimna Somi
Michael Krige (Re-award)
Full colours
Megan Meintjes
Amanda Brink (Re-award)
Rebecca Langmead (Re-award)
Kelly Rose-Innes (Re-award)
Kirsten van den Berg (Re-award)
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Back (left to right): Hannah Watermeyer, Erin Mitchell, Peter Watermeyer, Amanda Brink, Yu-Pei Rong, Katherine Imrie, Bowen Langmead, Megan Doyle, Carmen Beaumont and Matthew Hesselink
2nd Row (left to right): Rebecca Langmead, Jenna McNaughton, Leatitia Theron, Jade Shires, Kendall Krige, James Rose-Innes, Kelly Rose-Innes, Bridget Stander, Taylyn Miller and Zintle Maki
3rd Rown (left to right): Gemma Naude, Rachel Houseman, Ethan Gedult, Kyle-Luke du Preez, Sanja du Plessis, Anna Pringle, Erin O’Halloran, Barbara McNaughton and Caitrin Spence
Front (left to right): Shayna Jaftha, Lana Bouwer, Jamie Jaftha, Siphosethu Malotana and Brigette Oelofsen
BLOOD DRIVE – PEER PROMOTERS
Congratulations to Union High’s Peer Promoters for 2018! We appreciate your selfless service.
Back: Peter Watermeyer, Cameron Muir, Yu-Pei Rong, Pholani Yayi and Kiah Hoffman
Front: Jenna Harvey and Rosslyn Sparks
Absent: Mtha Mzimba
SENIOR CRICKET VS GILL COLLEGE
1st TeamOn Thursday afternoon (8 February), the Union 1st XI played in the National T20 tournament against Gill College.
Union won the toss and elected to bat first. The opening batsmen provided a good start to the innings as they maintained a steady run rate. It was a real team effort as all the batsmen contributed to a satisfying 231 for 6 in 20 overs. Luke McNaughton once again top-scored with 74 runs, Matt Harpur scored 36 and Sinethemba Ndudula 29.
In response, Gill could not maintain the run rate and lost wickets regularly. The pick of the Union bowlers was Ronan Retief (photograph), who took 4 wickets with his leg-breaks. Gill mustered 60 for 9 in 20 overs.
Union won the match by 171 runs.
Under 15s
The U15 XI recorded an emphatic win by 83 runs against Gill College in an outstanding display of well-executed cricketing skills.
Union won the toss and elected to bat. A great opening partnership between Sisipho Arnols and Kyle-Luke du Preez got Union off to a solid start. The boys then lost a few quick wickets, before MJ Newton scored 46 runs, to get Union to a total of 139. MJ Newton top-scored with 46 runs, Sisipho Arnols 15 and Kyle-Luke du Preez 14.
Some good, accurate fast-bowling from James Pienaar and Josh Calitz, who took three wickets between them, had Gill on the back-foot from the start. Once again a great spin-bowling display from Jarrod Naude and Kyle-Luke du Preez saw Union bowl Gill out for 56 runs. Kyle-Luke finished with figures of 4 for 16 in 4 overs, Jarrod 3 for 17 in 4 overs and Josh Calitz 2 for 6 in 3 overs.
Union won by 83 runs. The Union boys are commended for the manner in which they played the game and can be very proud of their efforts in pulling off such a clinical win.
DR ARNOLD MOL: 2 FEBRUARY
On Friday last week, Union High School had the honour of hosting world-renowned motivational speaker, Dr Arnold Mol, where he presented three seminars – to the Matric class of 2018, the teaching staff, followed by one to the Union parents on Friday evening.
During the morning session, Dr Mol addressed the Union matrics on the topic of “The pursuit of status” – the difference between external and internal status, and how to focus on internal status. The success of external status will automatically happen when you live your life concentrating on your internal beliefs, morals and standards, and doing good to others. It was a very inspired and motivated group of young adults that left the seminar.
During the afternoon seminar, the teaching staff had the opportunity to listen to Dr Mol in a very interactive session on “How to motivate your learners in the classroom” – how motivating your learners is a two-fold task; firstly conveying knowledge and values, and secondly motivating your learners to study. Teachers were encouraged, instead of following a traditional theory of supervising homework and spoon-feeding learners with information, rather to apply the resource theory – helping learners to set their own goals, which puts the responsibility of learning on the learners themselves. One will always get evidence of what a learner is through what you believe them to be. Expect learners to THINK for themselves and start treating your learners like THEY CAN think. Let their schoolwork be a source of pride and let them experience success – at whatever level that may be. But at the end of the day – ENJOY YOUR TEACHING!
On Friday evening, parents were told the characteristics of a teenager – how they search for their own identity, struggling with poor self-image and striving for their independence, and that the main sources of conflict stems from parents still wanting to be in control and teenagers wanting to ‘prove’ that they are no longer children. Parents were advised to give their children unconditional love, unhurried time and “permission without approval”; how rules should always focus on the “consideration of others”, and to be hard on moral standards, but soft on people. Teenagers have the right to choose their own lifestyle and consequences will be at play (with sympathy). Encourage self-control in your teenagers with regard to schoolwork and finances and let them deal with the consequences of their own choices. Dr Mol raised some controversial ideas, which certainly left the parents with some food for thought, and that, at the end of the day, no parents can win a battle of wills with a teenager!
We thank all our matrics, teachers and especially our parents who took advantage of the opportunity to come and listen to this amazing man, who so wilfully shares his knowledge with people across the world. It was a wonderful evening full of laughs, sharing thoughts and ideas and camaraderie amongst our parents. And thank you, Dr Mol, for visiting our school, addressing us all and sharing your knowledge with us. It was an honour and a privilege to be in your company and we at Union High look forward to one day welcoming you back.
SENIOR CRICKET VS STIRLING
1st Team vs Stirling (T20)
In the T20 match on Friday night Union won the toss and elected to bat. The boys batted well and with a slow outfield and long boundaries the batsmen had to run hard between the wickets to score runs. Brett Amsterdam (38) and Luke McNaughton (27) got Union off to a good start and had another 50-run partnership. Cowan Swartz came in in the middle order and played an excellent innings, scoring 54 not out, to take Union to 132/4 after 20 overs.
Stirling went in to bat, and after a few inconsistent bowling overs, Matt Harpur and Cowan Swartz took two wickets each. Caerwyn Spence demolished Stirling’s middle order by taking 4 wickets. Stirling ended on 116 runs. Union won the match by 17 runs.
1st Team vs Stirling (50 overs)
Stirling won the toss and elected to bat. After a slow start, the experience of the Union bowlers came through and Cowan Swartz (5 wickets) and Matt Harpur (4 wickets) ripped through Stirling’s batting line-up. At that stage Stirling’s score was 67/7, but they batted another 20 overs in a 55-run 7th wicket partnership. Stirling scored 152/10.
Luke McNaughton (100) and Brett Amsterdam (27 not out) batted consistently for Union and took the game away from Stirling, with Luke leading the chase and Brett rotating the strike. Luke played his second brilliant innings in one week, scoring another game-changing century.
Union passed the Stirling score with only 3 wickets down, ending on 156/3. Union won the match by 7 wickets.
Congratulations to the Union 1st XI Captain, Matt Harpur, for playing his 50th cap for the 1st XI on Saturday.
Under 15s vs Stirling (T20)
On Friday night Union won the toss and elected to bat. After losing two quick wickets, Kyle-Luke du Preez and Jarrod Naude showed some resistance and put together a well-fought 30-run partnership against a very good and accurate fast-bowling attack. Jarrod showed great determination and application in his innings and finished on an unbeaten 28. The Union boys were bowled out for 73.
Stirling got off to a good start with some aggressive batting and reached 60 for 3 in 12 overs. Jarrod Naude then executed a fine display of accurate spin bowling, taking 4 wickets in one over, including a hat trick, and had Stirling on 69 for 7. However, this proved to be a little too late for the Union boys. Jarrod Naude finished with figures of 4 wickets for 9 runs in 4 overs and Josh Calitz with 2 for 14 in 3 overs.
Credit must go to the whole team for, despite being on the back foot for the majority of the match, showed exceptional fight and never gave up on their belief of winning the game. Union lost the match by 3 wickets.
Under 15s vs Stirling (50 overs)
On Saturday Union won the toss and elected to bat first in a 50-over match. After losing quick wickets again, Sisipho Arnolds showed great character and managed a well-played 20 runs before being dismissed. The rest of the batsmen battled to get a good start until Hlaki Mhlabeni managed to show some resistance and application to manage a well-played 15. Union were bowled out for 98 runs.
Stirling came in to bat and both Josh Calitz and James Pienaar each took quick wickets and had Stirling on the back foot. However, some good, aggressive batting got Stirling to 56 for 3 after 10 overs. Once again Jarrod Naude showed an exceptional display of accurate and clever spin bowling, backed up by a similar effort by Kyle-Luke du Preez, by taking a combined 7 wickets and bowled Stirling out for 69 runs.
Jarrod Naude finished with bowling figures of 5 wickets for 7 runs in 3 overs, Kyle-Luke du Preez 2 for 2 in 2 overs and James Pienaar took 2 wickets for 16 runs in 6 overs. Union won the match by 29 runs.
Once again the team showed an outstanding display of team spirit and determination – never giving up despite the circumstances of the match. They kept fighting and believing in their abilities, which got them over the line in the end. Each one of the Union boys can be very proud of his efforts and the manner in which he played the two matches over the weekend.
Special mention must be made of Jarrod Naude, who took a total of 9 wickets for only 16 runs in the two matches.
JUNIOR CRICKET VS HERBERT HURD
On Saturday, the U13A team travelled to Port Elizabeth to play against Herbert Hurd in a 40-over match. Union lost the toss and was asked to bowl first. Herbert Hurd batted very well and reached a total of 228 for 8 in their 40 overs. The best bowlers were Laythan Carelse, who took 3 wickets for 37 runs, and Jaden Swart, who took 3 for 43. Salisbury Exchange Student, Max Firth, claimed his first wicket on South African soil.
A lack of practice was evident in the Union batting performance, and the boys were bowled out for 110 runs. Sam Reeve top-scored with 18 runs and Cameron Swartz played well for his 14. Union lost the match by 118 runs.
Under 11’s
Union’s Under 11 cricket team also travelled to Herbert Hurd for a 40-over match. The conditions were perfect and Union won the toss and elected to bat first. It was their first match of the season and the boys were a bit rusty. The Union boys were all out for 67 runs.
Herbert Hurd then went in to bat and slowly chipped away at the Union total. There was a glimmer of hope when the opening partnership was broken by the bowling of Kyle Liebenberg, but it was too little too late as they chased down the Union score with 9 wickets in hand. Union lost the match by 9 wickets.
BIATHLON – INTER-PROVINCIAL
Seven of Union High’s biathletes were selected to represent Eastern Province in the Inter-Provincial Championships held in Oudtshoorn over the weekend(3 February). Six of these athletes participated in the event which hosted over 500 children from around the country. The pace was blistering throughout and we are very proud to say that almost every one of our learners managed to improve on their previous personal best times. These learners represented Union exceedingly well and it was exciting to see them all giving their best and performing so wonderfully. Well done to all of them!
Their individual results were as follows:
| Run time | Score | Swim time | Score | Total | Position overall |
|
| Drew Dobinson (U/13) | 3:55:75 | 977 | 1:32:87 | 952 | 1929 | 23/42 |
| Kendall Krige (U/15) | 4:00:49 | 918 | 1:21:71 | 1073 | 1951 | 19/23 |
| Micela Loocke (U/17) | 3:34:53 | 1047 | 1:25:69 | 994 | 2041 | 17/29 |
| Jenna McNaughton (U/17) | 3:34:02 | 1050 | 1:28:64 | 964 | 2014 | 20/29 |
| Candice Russel (U/19) | 3:40:37 | 1023 | 1:24:15 | 1019 | 2042 | 9/12 |
| Cameron Muir (U/19) | 6:47:69 | 917 | 1:12:74 | 1098 | 2000 | 7/14 |
C AGE GROUP GALA
For many of them, it was their first gala outing at this level and all competed admirably. It is lovely to see Union being so well represented at these events.
Of these swimmers, Caytah-Leigh Koeberg (photograph) deserves special mention as she did very well to place 2nd in the 25m backstroke, 4th in the 25m butterfly and 25m breaststroke; and 6th in the 25m freestyle in her age group.
SENIOR CRICKET VS HVS
On Thursday afternoon, Union High School played Hoër Volkskool in the Nasional Pro 20 tournament at Botanics.
Union won the toss and elected to bat. Union started very steadily and kept the scoreboard ticking – batting at 5 runs an over in the first 6 overs. The opening partnership was 85 runs. Luke McNaughton picked up the run rate with some brilliant batting and he carried the innings, with the rest of the batsmen rotating the strike and giving Luke strike. It was an all-round great batting performance, with Luke leading, and ending on an excellent 131 runs – a truly outstanding performance especially in a Pro 20.
Union ended up on 198/4 after 20 overs.
Volkskool went in to bat and went up against a very experienced opening bowling attack. Sinethemba Ndudula and Cowan Swartz set the standard in taking two quick wickets. All the bowlers bowled very well, and one cannot single out any one bowler, but we want to congratulate Caerwyn Spence and Peter Watermeyer for taking the first wickets for the first team. Volkskool was bowled out for 42 runs
The batsmen that contributed to the total score were Luke McNaughton 131, Matt Harput 20 and Terrence Siyaya 15.
The best bowlers were Cowen Swartz, Caerwyn Spence and Peter Watermeyer, having taken 2 wickets each. Matt Harpur and Sinethemba Ndudula took 1 wicket each.
Union High won the game by 156 runs.
2nd Team
In this 20 over match, Union won the toss and elected to bat. Two good partnerships saw the Union boys to a score of 157 for 4. Zusakhe Ngwane made 36 runs, Kwezi Simon scored 33 not out and Gregon Jenneke 26.
Volkskool was bowled out in the 19th over for 54 runs. Kwezi Simon took 3 wickets for 7 runs, Lunga Zantsi 2 for 13 and Zusakhe Ngwana 3 wickets for 2 runs.
Union won the match by 103 runs.
