The 29th St John's Easter Rugby Festival, brought to you by Standard Bank, has come and gone, and it was one to remember featuring games that will stick in the memory, record crowds, and the added drama of night rugby on two of the three days.
This year's festival was truly international, with St Joseph's Nudgee College travelling from Australia and Westlake Boys' High School making the journey from New Zealand to join an outstanding group of South African schools. Westlake brought something extra with them – a Haka before each of their games that brought the crowds to a standstill and added to an atmosphere that built throughout the weekend.
The results bore that out. St Joseph's Nudgee produced the result of the opening day, edging Grey College with a drop goal in the final minute in a finish that few who saw it will forget. Hilton College also announced themselves with a commanding 65–14 win over Hoërskool Nelspruit on Thursday, before going on to edge St Joseph's Nudgee 17–12 in a dramatic floodlit finish on Saturday night. Hoërskool Monument were equally impressive, accounting for Westlake 59–35 in a 13-try thriller on Thursday and Kingswood College 43–27 on Saturday.
Saturday produced some of the finest rugby of the festival. Graeme College and Bishops served up a 10-try feast that had the record crowd on their feet throughout, with Graeme running out historic winners 39–26. The St John's Blues were not to be outdone – lock Allan Patu scored the winning try in a 24–19 victory over the Golden Lions Invitation team, with further tries from Tumiso Motshegoa, Herman Basson and Luke Scott, and two conversions from Alec Psillos.
The under-13 boys added a wonderful dimension to the festival, with games running across Burger Field and C Field throughout the weekend. While no scores are recorded for their games, there were some spectacular tries scored and memories made that will last long after the final whistle.
The festival closed on Monday with three under-16 contests and one final U19 clash between Westlake Boys' High and Hoërskool Randburg. The young Kiwis, having found their stride, won comfortably.
"There are no league tables here, no trophies, no medals. Just rugby in its purest form, and the kind of memories that stay with a young man for the rest of his life," says Dale Jackson, Executive Headmaster of St John's College.
None of this is possible without the support of our sponsors. Standard Bank South Africa has been our partner since 2012, and their belief in what this festival stands for remains the foundation on which everything else is built: "We recognise the powerful role that sport and education play in building character, confidence and unity. Through platforms like this festival, we are not only nurturing athletes, we are shaping responsible, resilient and inspired leaders for tomorrow," says Tshiamo Molanda, Head of Youth and Mass Market, Standard Bank Personal and Private Banking.
SuperSport Schools, our media partner, brought the action to audiences worldwide. Energade, our official hydration partner, kept our players performing throughout. "As the Proud Sponsors of Everyday, Energade is committed to supporting players with the rehydration, replenishment, and refreshment they need to perform at their best, because what you put in is what you get out." The Courier Guy, our official delivery partner, said they were proud to be associated with the festival, "where the passion and power of future legends will be delivered." Busamed, our clinic partner, ensured the wellbeing of every player on the field. And Trade Nation supported the U13 teams and generously provided boots to the boys of Yeoville Boys' Primary School, and we thank them for it.
St John's College thanks Mr Gavin Houlston, Chairman of the Festival Organising Committee, and his team for the care and effort they pour into this event every year.
To our sports masters, Mr Alan Lion-Cachet, Mr Adrian Norris, Mr Khwezi Mqomboti, and Mr Grant Harrison, and to every coach and manager involved, thank you.
To our estate staff, medical teams and First Aiders, catering and boarding personnel, our marketing team and Media Club students, and to the many teachers and parents who give so generously of their time, this festival does not happen without you.
To the participating schools: thank you for making the journey and for the spirit in which you played.
To the players: thank you.
Full photo galleries from every game played at the festival are available at sjc.co.za/rugbyfest.
