DIAMANTVELD DOMINANT BUT NC HIGH SHOWS GRIT

THE 2025 Classic Clashes between Diamantveld High and Northern Cape High lived up to their fierce legacy, delivering high drama, emotional highs and lows, and a proud display of school spirit.

- DANIE VAN DER LITH

With bragging rights on the line across rugby, hockey, and netball, Diamantveld emerged as the overall dominant side - but not without strong resistance and signs of growth from their Kimberley rivals.

Played across several venues in Kimberley, this year's Classic Clashes saw rugby being played at Suzuki Park, a venue that became a battlefield where players from both sides put their bodies on the line in pursuit of school glory.

RUGBY: Progress, Pain and Promise

Diamantveld completed a whitewash in all the rugby divisions, underlining their physicality and depth. However, one match that truly stood out was the Under-19A showdown, where Northern Cape High’s first team produced a spirited and much-improved performance, pushing their rivals until the final whistle.

Last year, Diamantveld dismantled NC High by 64 points in this age group. This year, the gap narrowed dramatically to just 10 points, with a 34-24 scoreline.

“We didn’t have any matches for over a month, but our boys kept fit and prepared well,” said Heinrich Stride, Head of Sport and Director of Rugby at NC High. “There are areas to improve, like scrums and general play, but what stood out was the mindset and communication.

“The trust the boys had in each other made a big difference.”

Stride also acknowledged the resilience shown amidst adversity. “We don’t have much depth yet, so injuries hit us hard. But we're on the right track, and this performance gives us hope,” he added.