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Sharpening skills for the premier league

Hawston Cricket Club is preparing for its first Boland Premier League campaign after earning promotion last season. With three men’s teams and a developing women’s side, the club is building momentum across its programme.

Pre-season fixtures against the University of the Western Cape and Spes Bona offered valuable experience, despite defeats for the women’s and men’s teams. Strong performances from players including Wade Solomon, Dawid Ge**er, Kyle Philander and Elton Jacobs provided plenty of encouragement ahead of the demanding season.

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Walkerbay lay down early marker

Cruising to a convincing 43-5 victory over Border champions, Mqanduli Sharks, on the weekend, Walkerbay’s rugby squad kicked off its campaign at the Betway Women’s Club Championship in Alberton in impressive fashion.

Delivering a dominant display to secure their place in the semi-finals, the Boland champions proved too strong for their opponents. Walkerbay controlled the match from the outset, combining physicality, determination and disciplined rugby to build a commanding lead and put the Border champions under sustained pressure.

For her outstanding performance, front-rower Zena Swart was rewarded with the Player of the Match award. Walkerbay is hoping to go one better this year after finishing as runners-up in last year’s tournament.

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Local government elections - 2026

With the 4 November local government elections just over a month away, the Overstrand campaign is set to intensify. Eighteen parties, social rights organisations and independent candidates will compete for the support of 70 031 registered voters across 15 wards. Ward 4 is expected to attract the most attention, with 18 candidates on the ballot. Women make up nearly 55% of registered voters, while the largest age group is 40–49, followed by voters aged 30–39 and 50–59, as election day approaches rapidly.

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What's On Whale Coast

Don’t miss out! Lots of exciting events happening this week! Tap the link in the comments to see what's on this coming week.

Taxi shooting claims lives

Two men, including a local taxi owner, were killed and a third injured in a shooting at Zwelihle Taxi Rank on Wednesday morning. Police say the incident is believed to be taxi-related, with murder and attempted murder cases opened.

The taxi ranks in Zwelihle and Hermanus were closed as a safety precaution while authorities increased visible patrols. Violence brings the number of taxi-related killings in the area over the past nine months to seven. No arrests have been made.

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Gelukkige Erfenisdag

Uit die nuuskamer van The Village News, wens ons ons gemeenskap ’n vreugdevolle Erfenisdag toe. Mag hierdie Braai Dag ’n geleentheid wees om saam met familie en vriende te kuier, stories te deel en die ryke kulturele erfenis van Suid-Afrika te vier.

Geniet die musiek, geure, lag en samesyn wat ons as gemeenskap verbind. Ry veilig, wees verantwoordelik en maak waardevolle herinneringe.

The art of chemical warfare

From stink bugs to bombardier beetles, insects have evolved an astonishing arsenal of chemical defences. South Africa’s oogpister beetle can accurately spray an acrid secretion at attackers, while the bombardier beetle launches a hot, noxious spray produced through a remarkable chemical reaction.

Other insects rely on poison, warning colours and mimicry to survive. Even the Acraea caterpillar stores toxins from the wild peach tree in its spiny skin. In nature, looking dangerous—or packing chemical weapons—can be the best protection.

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Overstrand libraries shine at awards ceremony

Hermanus and Hawston libraries have brought home top honours, highlighting the outstanding work being done across the Overstrand. Hermanus Library was named Best Public Library in the Western Cape for a second consecutive year, while Hawston Library won the Community Impact Through Outreach Award.

The recognition celebrates libraries as vital community hubs, supporting literacy, digital access, schools and residents with practical services. Their dedicated teams continue to ensure that reading, learning and opportunity remain accessible to communities throughout the region.

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Swing sharpening at Kleinmond

Junior players at the Kleinmond Golf Club don’t simply take lessons - they have fun,

The club follows a clear pathway to improvement, designed to help young golfers find their talent and level up their skills, confidence, performance, and character.

The year-round coaching programme focuses on beginner golfers aged 9-16. Training includes every component of the game - putting, short game, ball striking, driving, speciality shots, on-course strategy, fitness, equipment knowledge, and the mental game.

Lessons are free - every Monday afternoon. Equipment is supplied. Email [email protected] or phone 028 271 3525 for more information.

Young rugby ace makes her mark

Fifteen-year-old Lyra-Jane Esau is proving that age is no barrier to making an impact on the rugby field. The Hawston Secondary School pupil has been selected for SARU’s prestigious U16 early player development camp in Stellenbosch, marking a historic achievement for her school.

Already the youngest player in the Boland Girls U16 squad, Lyra-Jane’s versatility at scrum-half and fly-half, determination and passion continue to set her apart. Her promising rugby journey is one to watch as she takes this next step.

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