The Floors team, sporting a renewed focus and determination along with their new kit took the fight to their opponents and emerged 17-10 victors in a game against a determined Homevale High School team.
FLOORS High School, after quite a few decades, made a triumphant return to the rugby field this past week as they took on old rivals Homevale High School in an intense, hard-fought friendly match hosted at the Kimberley Rugby Club field.
The Floors team, sporting a renewed focus and determination along with their new kit took the fight to their opponents and emerged 17-10 victors in a game against a determined Homevale team.
Once a cornerstone of the Floors High’s identity, rugby had slipped from prominence after the unification of sport in the late 1990s, but a fresh cohort of players now sought to reignite the sport’s flame at the school.
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Their inaugural challenge was no trifling matter; a showdown against their long-standing rival, Homevale High School had students and locals flocking to the field as anticipation crackled in the air.
At the kick-off, with the piercing blast of the referee’s whistle, the teams joined in battle fueled by a passion not seen in decades.
Guided by their captain Jordan van Wyk, the Floors team launched into the fray with gusto, their every move stirring the crowd’s emotions.
The game that followed was a gripping display of skill and tenacity, with both sides refusing to yield an inch. Floors High’s players threw themselves into tackles, their swift footwork and pinpoint passes showcasing a newfound unity. Each try and tackle sent waves of euphoria through the onlookers, igniting the resurgent spirit of the game at the school.
As the final whistle blew, cheers erupted from the sidelines as Floors High emerged victorious with their hard-earned 17-10 triumph. The cheers of elation and celebration was mingled with tears of joy in some eyes, especially from those who had longed to see their school get back to participation in rugby and one day reclaim its former glory.
This victory transcended mere points on the scoreboard; it symbolised resilience, teamwork, and the unwavering spirit of Floors High. The school’s motto, the Latin phrase “Age quod agis” (do what you are doing / concentrate on the task at hand / do what you do, and do it well) could clearly be seen in the attitude of the young team.
As dusk descended upon the field, thoughts must have turned to the future. Plans are already in motion to build upon this success, with hopes of inspiring future generations to carry the torch forward. In the immediate future, the school will face the very real, very challenging task of competing at the 2024 Absa Wildeklawer tournament next week.
But they will be taking to the field with support behind them, the support, prayers and good wishes of former students, teachers and all those young heroes who decades ago ran onto the fields in Kimberley to represent their proud school.
With dedication and community support behind them, Floors High’s rugby revival is poised to leave an indelible mark on the school’s legacy.
