ESK-News

Some readers might be surprised to learn that there are nearly one-hundred international rugby union teams and that the sport has its own World Cup.  Furthermore, it was an Olympic sport until 1924, (USA won on that occasion) and that it will return to the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.  Rugby has long been a game that instills self-discipline and respect, for example, the players still refer to the Referee as ‘Sir’ – perhaps for these reasons, rugby is rapidly gaining in popularity amongst ESK students!

For me, Saturday 12 March 2011 was the proudest moment of my seventeen year teaching career.  I was asked to accompany ESK teams to a school tournament in Heidelberg.  These teams were to contest ten matches against generally more experienced opponents from four larger schools.  The U-16 ‘A’ team played first and they narrowly lost to The International School of Frankfurt. However, following five straight wins, ESK then exacted sweet revenge against Frankfurt in the final by a score of 45-5 (having also beaten in U-16 ‘B’ team in the semi-final)! Meanwhile, our U-14 team recorded impressive wins against both Bretton I and Bretton II.  Over one-hundred spectators watched our teams play and it was clear from their head-nodding and generous applause that they were impressed by the ESK teams!

Finally, after our heroics on the rugger-field, we were invited to watch an entertaining match between Germany and Czechoslovakia (Germany lost 23 - 29).  Our cheerleaders lead both teams on to the pitch in front of a crowd of over 1000 people.  The girls flanked both squads of players during the National Anthems and also performed to the delight of the crowd at half-time.  I think that anyone connected with our school that saw the girls display would have had a lump in their throat and have felt immensely proud.  Having spoken to the cheerleaders, players and ESK fans that travelled with us, there was unanimous agreement that we would like to dedicate our successes on Saturday in equal measure to Mr. Hoyem, Peggy Weir, Eze and Mawuli!!!  Paul Spiring.

Results & Pictures here!