The Cambridge U13 rugby team closed off their season on a high note with a thrilling 10-5 victory over Dale Junior, a result that not only avenged an earlier narrow defeat but also signified a powerful revival for the team and the school’s extensive identity.
Head of sport Carter Wesley described the season as a moment marked by resilience, growth, and a renewed sense of hope.
“We had a solid season and achieved the goals we had set out at the start. The boys worked hard, and it showed in both their results and their growth as a team.”
Defeating a powerhouse such as Dale Junior was a huge achievement for the team, it was a moment of redemption and proof of progress.
“It meant a great deal not only for our players but also for the entire school, our parents and the new chargers’ brand,” Wesley said.
“To beat Dale, a school we narrowly lost to earlier in the season, was massive. Victories against such established rugby schools always carry weight, but more importantly, it reignited belief that Cambridge can compete with the best and be great again. It was bigger than rugby, it lifted the whole community.”
The victory was achieved through determination, hard work and team unity.
“There wasn’t one standout player or a single defining the moment. The real standout was the collective effort, every boy showed up, committed, and played their part to secure the win. It was truly a team performance.”
Wesley described the Jesse Kriel Rugby Festival at Martizburg College as a critical turning point.
“That experience really prepared the boys for the season ahead,” he said. “Statistically you could see the growth, in term two we played eight matches and won three, while in term three we played six and won four. That improvement speaks volumes about the team’s development and resilience.”
He said their biggest obstacle had been a mindset.
Wesley said that the boys struggled to believe in their ability to win against a strong opposition. However, through the guidance, encouragement and high standards instilled by their couches the team approached every match with a sense of belief and confidence.
The season also introduced a new identity: the Cambridge charger, a new name symbolising more than just a jersey.
“It’s more than just a name, it’s an identity built on pride, discipline, respect and hard work. Every player is taught that wearing the charger’s jersey means representing not just themselves but their teams, the school and the community,” Wesley said.
