Hudson Park High enjoyed a successful FNB Classic Clash Derby against Cambridge High, which hosted the schools at the weekend, with the visitors recording a string of impressive results across rugby, hockey, netball, chess, debating and cross country.
Hudson’s first rugby team delivered one of the day’s standout performances, running in a convincing 52-19 victory over Cambridge.
Speaking exclusively to the Go! Hudson first team rugby coach Ntando Kebe said he was pleased with the way his charges handled the intensity of the derby, particularly after receiving two yellow cards during the match.
“They were good in the game.
“They focused on the plan and executed it well,” Kebe said.
“As much as we wanted more from them, there were moments when we received two yellow cards, but despite that, their attitude remained positive.”
Hudson had already secured more than 30 points before half-time, with Kebe crediting the team’s defensive effort, mental strength and preparation for helping them take control of the contest.
“We were already in the 30s before half-time. The boys were on their feet and doing the right things defensively.
“We were mentally fit and, preparation-wise, we were on top of our game,” he said.
Likho Gidi was among the standout performers in attack, scoring three tries in the first half, while Cwenga Bityo contributed with the conversions.
“The players stuck to the plan, and their teammates supported them throughout.
“Likho Gidi, in particular, executed the plan very well and ended up scoring three tries in the first half.
“Cwenga Bityo also did well with the conversions,” he said.
The forwards also provided a strong platform for the attacking players, with Hudson dominating key areas of the forward battle.
“They had the right mentality and gave us a good platform to play from.
“I am very proud of them. They have done so well throughout the season,” he said.
Hudson Park’s success was not limited to the first team.
The second and third teams also came away with victories, beating Cambridge 27-22 and 31-29 respectively.
The U16A, U15A and U15B teams added further rugby wins, recording victories of 35-25, 21-20 and 25-17.
The U14A side produced one of the biggest wins of the day, defeating Cambridge 47-0, while the U14B team narrowly lost 22-17.
On the hockey field, Hudson Park’s first girls’ team produced a dominant 6-0 victory over Cambridge.
The second team also won 6-0, while the U16A and U16C sides recorded 6-1 and 1-0 victories respectively. The U14A girls produced another emphatic result, winning 11-0.
The first boys’ hockey team went down 3-1, while the second team and U16A drew 1-1. Hudson Park’s U14 invitational side, however, secured a comfortable 5-0 victory.
Netball also proved fruitful for Hudson Park, with the first team recording a convincing 43-17 victory.
The second team won 21-12, while the U15B, U14A and U14B sides also secured wins.
The U16A, U16B and U15A teams suffered defeats, while the U14D match ended in an 8-8 draw. The schools shared the honours in tennis, with the fixture ending in a 2-2 draw.
There were also individual successes in cross country.
Kesy Chembe won the Boys U15 race, while Abby Batting and Jessica Farr claimed first place in the Girls U17 and Girls U19 categories respectively.
Oluwajoba Olaitan finished second in the Boys U19 race, while Oluwabunkumni Olaitan was second in the Boys U15 event.
Hudson also dominated the debating and chess fixtures.
Both the Junior and Senior debating teams won their respective debates, with Atipaishe Gondo and Lusekho Zweni named Best Speakers.
The school’s Top 6 chess team completed a clean sweep with a 6-0 victory.
For Kebe, however, the derby was about more than simply the final score.
“I want to say thank you to the boys because it has been a hell of a season for them. We knew that whenever we play Cambridge, especially when it is a home game for them, they always bring their A-game.
“I believe we were more prepared for this match, and that preparation showed on the field,” Kebe said.
The FNB Classic Clash once again highlighted the role of school sport in building camaraderie, resilience, school pride and healthy rivalry between neighbouring schools.
Hudson Park thanked Cambridge High for hosting the derby and for the hospitality and competitive spirit shown throughout the day, while also acknowledging FNB Classic Clashes for its continued investment in school sport, and congratulating all pupils coaches, officials, staff, parents and supporters who contributed to the successful derby.
