Queen’s College Makes History with Clean Sweep at 102nd Hirsch Shield

The Hirsch, SF Edwards and Sammy Gunn Shields are on their way back to Queen’s College! For the first time since 2009, Queen’s athletes secured a clean sweep at the prestigious Hirsch Shield Athletics Meeting — a historic achievement that has reignited school pride in Komani.

The 102nd edition of the Hirsch Shield was hosted yesterday at Grey High School on the iconic Kolisi Field. Few school sporting events in South Africa carry as much tradition and weight as this one, with the Hirsch Shield having been contested annually since 1917.

This year’s meeting brought together some of the country’s most competitive boys’ schools, including Grey High, Selborne College, Dale College, Kingswood College, Muir College, Pearson, Cambridge, Marlow, Stirling, and Graeme College. From the opening whistle at 9am, the level of competition was fierce, with every athlete striving to etch their name into the proud legacy of the Shield.

In the end, Queen’s College emerged dominant, capturing all three major trophies — the Hirsch Shield, the SF Edwards Shield, and the Sammy Gunn Shield. Their performances reflected not only individual brilliance but also a collective determination and spirit that carried them through each event.

“This is a day to remember,” a Queen’s coach remarked after the final results were announced. “It’s been 15 years since our last clean sweep. This team, our staff, and the unwavering support from the Queen’s family have made it possible.”

Queen’s College extended heartfelt gratitude to their athletes, staff, photographers, and supporters, as well as to all participating schools, for contributing to an unforgettable day of sport.

The triumph marks a powerful resurgence for Queen’s College Athletics and will be remembered as one of the proudest moments in the school’s long and storied history.