Field fixture yields fantastic finish for Pearson
PEARSON started their sporting weekend’s field fixtures by honouring former pupils Hannes Strydom and George Smith, who both played rugby for South Africa.
The main rugby field was named “The Strydom”, in honour of the former Springbok lock who attended Pearson from 1979 to 1983. Strydom made his Bok debut in 1993 and played in the World Cup-winning side of 1995.
The B field was named in honour of George Smith and will be known as “The Smith Field”.
Smith made his Bok debut in 1938 against the British Lions.
Rugby
PEARSON tackled co-ed rivals Hudson Park of East London and ended up winning a thrilling game 19-18.
Hudson Park were first out of the blocks with an unconverted try by wing Sirra Ntsibantu, followed by a penalty to make it 8-0.
Pearson hit back with a try by fullback Robert van Onselen before Hudson pounced on a mistake deep in the Pearson 22 to score their second try. They added a penalty for an 18-5 lead.
Pearson fought back with a try by robust flank Xolisa Matshoba converted by flyhalf Duwayne Baartman to set up a tense last five minutes.
A fine run by Baartman then set up a try for big prop Luthando Fini, which was converted under immense pressure by the flyhalf to give Pearson the narrow win.
Boys’ hockey
IT was one-way-traffic in the first team hockey match with Pearson registering a 6-0 victory.
Dominating the first half, Pearson scored goals through Brendon Gauld and Wade van Zyl.
After the break, Pearson’s fastpaced passing netted four more goals, through Keeran Forbes and Andre Potgieter, who slotted his third hat-trick of the season.
Netball
PEARSON started a highly successful week with a remarkable performance, defeating Brandwag for the first time since 1978. In a superb encounter, Pearson edged their Uitenhage rivals 24-23.
That win was followed by a fine performance against Hudson Park, with Pearson winning 26-20.
The Pearson team had to work hard after an energy-sapping clash against Brandwag, but still outclassed a Hudson team ranked second in the Buffalo City metro.
Girls’ hockey
THE highlight of the five hockey encounters against Hudson Park was a 3-0 win for Pearson’s first team.
Following a good pass from Jamie Banks to Simone Upman, the Pearson striker entered the Hudson circle to slot the opening goal.
Hudson fought back with determination, but Pearson went 2-0 ahead when Lise de Villiers fed Ashleigh Vaughn in the circle.
In the second half, Hudson fought hard, but Pearson held their structure and, through a well-organised defence in the midfield, forced a turnover and Upman slotted in their third goal.