Middies is ready for Craven Week
The school will be hosting the prestigious tournament for the second time in its history, and will be availing their facilities for the 36 provincial teams scheduled to lock horns from July 6–12.
Hoërskool Middelburg was informed last August that it would be hosting the sporting event, and the school has since been hard at work to prepare its premises for the occasion.
Dave Osborn (vice principal) and Tommie Strydom (chairperson for the school governing body) spoke to the Middelburg Observer about the preparations that have been put in place.
The school has acquired the help of additional workers to maintain the rugby fields. The A-field is covered every evening to protect the pitch from frost.
Additionally, the school's dressing rooms, ablution facilities, hostels, gymnasium, and the pavilion have undergone upgrades.
A new cafeteria has also been built to accommodate the scores of participants and supporters, and a new scoreboard has been erected for the B-field.
There are about 1 060 rugby players and coaches expected on the occasion, and the 36 teams will be playing 56 matches.
Accommodation for the teams is being provided through means of the hostels at Hoërskool Middelburg, Hoër Tegniese Skool Middelburg, Middelburg Primary School and Hoër Tegniese Skool Witbank.
Additional security will also be available to ensure safe passing and transit to the school premises.
The open field behind Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, known as the Prayer Oven grounds, is the main designated parking area.
'It's a big honour and achievement to be selected to host Craven Week. It places Hoërskool Middelburg on the map as an institution that holds itself to a high standard in sport and organisation,' Osborn said.
He added that the upgrades done for the Craven and Academy Week are considered long-term investments into both the school's sports facilities and its general development.
'The school's learners will benefit from the valuable exposure to top-level rugby, which serves as motivation for younger players to work harder and strive towards becoming part of future teams.'
Important information about the Craven Week and Academy Week:
• The matches will be broadcast on SuperSport Schools and SuperSport 1.
• Entertainment will be provided each night in the beer tent.
• The SA Schools teams will be hosted by Middies the week after Craven Week. A match between the A and B teams will take place on July 17, on the MHS A-field.
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