Chukka on chukka on

KNYSNA NEWS - The second instalment in the 2022 Oakhill Waterfront Chukka Festival series, held last week, saw four days of enthralling action.

The U19 edition of the festival saw roughly 500 children from around the country flock to the waterfront for their turn in the makeshift "pools" that Oakhill sets up for every Chukka Fest.

The event was treated to lovely weather from start to finish with Saturday coming to play in every way, as sunny skies shone down on the players throughout the day.

There were 25 schools and 35 teams taking part, and a total of 115 games were played from Thursday to Sunday, 10 to 13 February. The U19 water polo players always offer a spectacle when they don their costumes and jump into the water, with exhilarating action on show every moment.

Goals were as bountiful as any could have asked for during the course of the festival, with a total of 1 164 scored at an average of just over 10 per game.

The highest scoring day was Friday, when 381 goals were scored in 39 games, while the most prolific day was Sunday, which saw 101 goals scored in nine games at an average of 11,22 per game.

The waterfront was a hive of activity day in and day out, with the sound of the referees' whistles and parents and players cheering their support for every goal or positive move.

Between the two pools, outside 34 South and Drydock restaurants, the action was non-stop, and local water polo players will be chomping at the bit for the final Chukka Festival of the year from 24 to 27 February when the U15s are due to enjoy their time in the water.

Ella September carries the ball for Oakhill.