24 September 2024
(Article by Marlowe Bloem)
Residents of Durban know that Clifton School is in the heart of the city; which is where they are hosting their 2024 Water Polo tournament. Top traditional schools from all over the country are competing in the tournament from Thursday, 26 September, to Sunday, 29 September.
After opening their challenge with a tough 8-5 win over Durban High School (DHS) in the morning, Clifton faced King Edward VII School (KES) in an early evening clash. When last they had met, at the Standard Bank King Edward VII Tournament in March, KES shocked Clifton, winning comfortably against the recently crowned Vides Water Polo Tournament champions.
From the opening whistle on Thursday, Clifton exhibited a tight defence and creative chemistry when in possession. KES created some chances, but they were put under pressure to shoot early, or from narrow spaces. Meanwhile, Clifton’s wingers and hole put together a network of passes to create shooting chances; of which three nestled in the the back of the net.
First-quarter score: 3-0 to Clifton.
The KES defense sharpened to limit the host’s chances in the second-quarter. Their attack put them on the score-sheet, via a piercing long shot from no. 5, Harry Wilkins. Clifton soon retaliated through captain Oliver Ditz (feature photo), who calmly bested the keeper in a one-on-one.
Second-quarter score: 4-1 to the Durbanites.
After half-time, the blue caps began gaining possession in the midfield, which led to many attacking opportunities for KES. However, the home ‘keeper, Ross Strauss, served as a red wall, to help Clifton maintain their comfortable lead. When in possession, the red caps looked lethal, most notably when they scored their sixth goal.
Starting from their ‘keeper, they played the ball all the way across the pool, and beyond the KES defence. With a trebuchet-like action, no.5, Nathan Burger blasted the ball into the back of the net.
Third-quarter score: 6-2 in Clifton’s favour.
The game ended with plenty of action as five goals were slotted in the last quarter, which included Clifton scoring three in the final three minutes.
Both squads of players showed depth to keep up the pace of the game through to the final whistle. Despite a five-goal difference on the scoreboard at its conclusion, the game was tightly contested. But Clifton’s early and late flourishes made the difference between the two outfits.
Full-time: 9-4 in favour of the hosts. That was the exact score that KES had won by when they met Clifton earlier in the year.
Clifton will be aiming to finish their pool assignments with an unbeaten record when they meet Reddam House Constantia mid-morning on Friday. Topping the pool would enhance their chances of winning their own tournament on Sunday.
KES is a promising side and they will be eager to bounce back after a good night’s rest. They face DHS, who played some good water polo on day one, in their last Pool D game.
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