Hard-fought derby between Pearson, East London rivals

The rainy weather did not deter the enthusiasm of the Pearson High School competitors as they took to the fields and courts for the annual derby against Selborne College and Clarendon Girls’ High School at the weekend.

The crowds attended in their droves to watch the Summerstrand school take on their East London rivals in various sports disciplines, including hockey, tennis, rugby and netball.

The action started on Friday afternoon with boys’ and girls’ hockey programme culminating in the much anticipated first team boys’ match at 6.30pm.

The Pearson team, having just returned from Coastal Cup, were in good form.

In front of a big crowd, Selborne were in control for most of the match, taking their chances and leading 2-0 before Pearson created an opportunity with a wonderful drag flick to close the gap.

Both teams had their chances to score again, but the keepers were in good form and there were no further additions to the score.

The hockey continued on Saturday, with the five girls’ matches ending in favour of the Summerstrand hosts — a remarkable with no goals being conceded on the day.

The boys’ teams were outperformed on the day by the stronger Selborne College sides.

The Pearson first girls’ team were not on campus to challenge Clarendon as they were competing at the St Mary’s Festival in Johannesburg, where more than 30 schools from across the country took part.

The Pearson girls fought hard, finishing in a healthy 15th position, and being the top side from the Eastern Cape.

The netball and tennis courts, slippery underfoot due to the rainy weather, did not change the pace at which the matches were played.

Matches were delayed but courts soon dried and play could continue, starting off with the doubles matches.

The Pearson top eight boys won all of their tennis matches against Selborne, finishing the day with a brilliant 12-0 win.

The top eight Pearson girls also showed their class by beating Clarendon 9-3.

A total of 14 netball matches were played against Clarendon, with Pearson dominating the action with 11 wins.

The highlight of the day was the first team match, which was won by 30 goals.

The Pearson girls stepped on court focused on doing the basics right that ultimately allowed them to be victorious.

They ended the first quarter with a seven-point lead and just accelerated from there. The final score was 43-13. With immaculate defence the Pearson players worked together to block the attacking efforts of Clarendon.

Combined with the ability to capitalise on every opportunity, Pearson’s goal shooters made their chances count with telling effect.