27 October 2026

The Bishops 1st Water Polo Team travelled to Johannesburg for the prestigious St Stithians Invitational Stayers Water Polo Tournament, producing several outstanding performances against some of South Africa's top schoolboy sides.

Bishops were solid throughout the pool stages, finishing unbeaten to top Group B. The team opened with an impressive 11-6 victory over Michaelhouse before a dominant 20-3 win against Pretoria Boys' High. Further wins over St Benedict's (12-8) and Reddam House Constantia (8-6) secured first place in the group and a quarter-final berth.

The quarter-final against hosts St Stithians proved to be one of the matches of the tournament. In a fiercely contested encounter, neither side could be separated after regulation time, with the scores locked at 6-6. Bishops had a great opportunity to win having won a man-up in the last 30 seconds, but unfortunately not converted. In the penalty shootout, Bishops fought back due to some exceptional goalkeeping by Thomas Jenman, to level the penalties at 5 a piece. Unfortunately in sudden death penalties, Saints won the match.

To their credit, Bishops responded superbly. A very convincing victory over Affies saw Bishops return to their best and book a place in the 5th-place playoff. There, they faced a talented Kearsney College side and produced another excellent performance. After a tightly contested opening three quarters, Bishops took control of the match, dominating the final period to secure a deserved 9-7 victory and fifth place overall.

While disappointed not to challenge for the title after an unbeaten regulation-time record throughout the tournament, the squad demonstrated tremendous resilience, depth and character. The manner in which the team responded to the narrow quarter-final defeat reflected the growing maturity and spirit within the group, and the performances over the weekend provided further evidence of the quality and potential within this Bishops side.

a special congratulations to Harry Ford ( centre forward) and Thomas Jenman (goalie) who were selected into the Tournament Team.