Water polo will be real dogfight
Annual Vides tournament has attracted the best
TOP school water polo action is taking centre stage in East London next week when the extremely competitive annual Vides Tournament is battled out at Selborne College.
It will be the 42nd instalment of the popular showpiece, making it the oldest in the country.
A thrilling field has been confirmed for this years tournament, which should make for an exciting spectacle over the two days of action.
“We are really excited as this is the best field we have had in a decade, 18 teams and one winner in two days,” exclaimed tournament organiser Mike Cousins.
The last seven years the tournament has been dominated by three Eastern Cape teams – defending champs Selborne, also champs in 2015, St Andrews College who triumphed in 2016, 2014 and 2013 and Grey High School who took the title in 2012 and 2011.
However this year that dominance could be threatened with some top out of province schools taking part.
KwaZulu-Natal powerhouse Glenwood and top Western Cape side Reddam will be two of the favourites looking to upset local hopes.
“It is an excellent field. Reddam from Cape Town who also have the SA coach Ryan Weideman and Glenwood from Durban who were in the top 10 in South Africa in 2017 will be two of the favourites,” said Cousins.
A number of other sides including Paul Roos and Glenwood House (WC), St Albans and Crawford Lonehill (Gauteng), Durban High School and Northwood (KZN) and Grey College (FS) will all be wanting to make their mark.
Other Eastern Cape schools taking part will include Kingswood College from Grahamstown, Pearson and Alexander Road from Port Elizabeth and the usual suspects from East London like Stirling, Hudson Park and others.
Last year the tournament was held over three days, with the final on a Sunday. However this year has seen it revert back to a two day affair.
“There were a few reasons to change it back including time constraints missing academic times in schools and costs for teams in terms of accommodation and travel being high on the list,” explained Cousins.
The action will be played between two schools next week Friday, with pool B and D being battled out at Hudson Park High School and pool A and C played at Selborne.
From the quarterfinals onward all matches will be played at Selborne, with the final scheduled for 5pm next week Saturday afternoon.
“It is going to be a tough competition from the quarters as any of the top eight teams could win it,” admitted Cousins.
“South African Schools’ players will be on show, with some of the biggest and most skilled players at schoolboy level. We will also have six top refs on show.”
“Games can be followed on mycom.link and scores will be recorded on the Selborne website.
“Parents and supporters are welcome to join us on Friday night from 7.30pm at the Whippett. Action gets under way from 7am next week Friday.