Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof vs Hoër Meisieskool Oranje
What a netball Clash we had on 20 August 2011 in the beautiful town of Stellenbosch when Bloemhof hosted Oranje!
Why the ‘flower girls’?
Oranje is situated in Bloemfontein, often referred to as the city of roses and Bloemhof, from its early history has been referred to as ‘Bloementuintjie (Dutch for flower garden).
The FNB Netball Clash between these two schools was of the highest standard and I was most impressed with both teams, their style of netball, will to win, but mostly the wonderful spirit in which they conducted themselves.
It was goal for goal throughout the match. At half time the score was 15 all and at the end of the third quarter Bloemhof was leading 22 vs Oranje 19. At the end of the final quarter it was Bloemhof 27 vs Oranje 25. What a clash!
I spotted amazing netball talent in both teams and I think every player needs a mention, so congratulations and well played to the following netballers:
Bloemhof:
Mariska Smit, Anriëtte Smit, Rio Lombaard, Alison Scorgie, Cari Swart, Rize-Mari Hugo, Loré Botha, Carin-Marie Engelbrecht, Chrismari Prinsloo and Elizma Freedman.
Oranje:
Alani van Schalkwyk, Christie Gerber, Leresia du Toit, Audrey King, Danell van der Merwe, Loane van Sandwyk, Lucille Makaum, Rozelle Botes and Sonette Swanepoel.
Bloemhof Centre - a supporters’ dream venue
It was so fabulous to see so many supporters at this netball clash. I put it down to the great Bloemhof Centre which allows for so much seating and standing space and it brings me back to my old gripe of why so many schools don’t have seating facilities at our netball fields. Let’s do it, let’s seat them!
The Paul Roos Gimnasium vs Grey College FNB Rugby Clash was another nail biter with the most amazing ‘gees’ ever. Congratulations to all involved.
After the rugby clash I attended a function in honour of retiring Grey College headmaster, Johan Volsteedt. Though I only met Johan Volsteedt briefly and listened to all his accolades mentioned, I have to say: What a man and how fortunate we are to have the Volsteedts of this world teaching our young people!
My life skill learned from this fabulous day comes from Johan Volsteedt’s belief that: ‘If you continually have to tell people that you are a leader, then you are just not a leader.’ This shows on and off the netball field, the leader sets the tone by the way he/she behaves, walks, talks or plays!
Thank you to FNB, Jana Arlow and team, Paul Roos Gimnasium, Grey College, Bloemhof and Oranje Schools for a day to remember.
We are approaching the end of the FNB Netball Classic Clashes and look forward to 2012 and this amazing initiative sponsored by FNB.
Until next time
Pass it on, Netty