Three days of fierce competition and school spirit came to an end at Hudson Park High on Sunday, as the 31st Peter Cuff U14 Water Polo Tournament crowned Grey High and Clarendon High School for Girls as the 2026 champions.
Held from Friday to Sunday, the tournament brought together 22 boys’ and girls’ teams and approximately 286 players from schools across the Eastern Cape.
After competing through the pool stages, teams progressed to the play-offs, semifinals and finals, with 64 matches played throughout the tournament.
In the boys’ section, Grey High U14A claimed the 2026 Peter Cuff title, with Selborne College U14A finishing runners-up and Selborne Boys Primary U13A taking third place.
Clarendon High School for Girls U14A were crowned champions in the girls’ section, followed by Diocesan School for Girls (DSG) U14A in second place and DSG U14B in third.
While the competition remained fierce, the tournament also provided a platform for young players to experience the sportsmanship, friendships and school pride that have become central to the Peter Cuff over its 31-year history.
Hudson Park High headmaster Dennis Vorster told the Go! on Tuesday, the tournament was about more than results. “The Peter Cuff Tournament has always been about far more than results.
“It is about the friendships formed, the rivalries enjoyed and the memories that players carry with them long after the final whistle,” Vorster said.
The tournament is named in honour of Peter Cuff, who joined Hudson Park High School in 1978 and introduced water polo to the school in 1985.
Cuff’s contribution to the school extended beyond the pool, with his involvement also spanning rugby, hockey, tennis, academics and various other cultural activities.
More than three decades later, the tournament bearing his name continues to celebrate the values he championed, including competitive spirit, fair play, humility and a genuine love of school sport.
Vorster extended the school’s appreciation to the organising committee, coaches, officials, staff, volunteers and parents who helped make the tournament possible, as well as the tournament partners whose support contributed to its success.
“Thank you to the families and supporters who travelled to city to support their teams and helped create a vibrant atmosphere around the pool throughout the weekend,” Vorster said.
With two new champions crowned and hundreds of young athletes having represented their schools, the 2026 Peter Cuff Tournament has added another chapter to Hudson Park’s sporting tradition.
Final standings:
Boys: 1. Grey U14A; 2. Selborne U14A; 3. Selborne U13A; 4. Stirling U13A; 5. Woodridge U14A; 6. Grey U13A; 7. Hudson U14A; 8. Grey U14B; 9. Merrifield U14A; 10. Pearson U14A; 11. Selborne U14B.
Girls: 1. Clarendon U14A; 2. DSG U14A; 3. DSG U14B; 4. Woodridge U14A; 5. Hudson U14A; 6. DSG U13A; 7. Clarendon U13A; 8. Pearson U14A; 9. Stirling U14A; 10. Clarendon U14B; 11. Merrifield U14A.
