SPAR KZN Regional Hockey Tournament

Durban Girls’ High School clinched the title against Amanzimtoti in a nail-biting final at the Durban South Regional of the SPAR KZN Regional Hockey Tournament that took place on Sunday.

The two teams met in the first pool game of the day and after fifteen minutes, the scores were a hard fought nil nil revealing how level they both were. As they proceeded during the pool games, both Toti and Girls’ High were neck and neck on points until Toti met Kuswag, beating them 1-0 while Girls’ High drew against the Afrikaans school. Toti placed first in the pool game, with Girls’ High second.

In the second pool, Werda topped the log having won all of their pool games and host school Kingsway High School finishing off in second place.

The first semi-final saw Toti take on Kingsway High School winning the game 1-0. Kingsway dominated most of the game; looking to surprise all but they were just unable to reap the rewards of their attacks. Girls’ High took on Werda in the second semi-final. The game looked to be heading towards a draw and penalty shoothout with the score level at nil nil with 1minute on the clock. As time was ticking away, Girls’ High secured a short corner and with a mere 10seconds on the clock, netted the ball advancing to the finals.

In a fast flowing, action packed final the teams took turns on attacking and defending. Girls’ High earned themselves four short corners during the game but Toti defended like champs, clearing the ball out of their danger area. As the clock trickled down to full time, Girls’ High got another short corner and looked to replay the conclusion of the semi-final. On the defence, Toti knuckled down and cleared the ball as the final whistle blew. The score was nil nil and the final going through to another 5mintues of play.

Five minutes went quickly and both goal keepers got involved not allowing the ball into their goals. At the end of the extra time, the score remained on nil nil. The final would be decided on a penalty shootout. Girls’ High went first shooting wide, with Toti following suit and also missing the goals. Girls’ High second shot was blocked by the keeper but Toti High managed a shot that beat the keeper, going 1 up.

Both schools missed their third attempts. Girls’ High netted their fourth and fifth shot, with the team’s youngest player, Tuscany Lambrechts putting her hand up for the opportunity. The tiny player calmly rounded Toti’s goalkeeper slotting in her shot. The score was 2-1 to DGHS, Toti had one chance left to level which they coolly did. The penalty shootout now went into sudden death.

Young Lambrechts had the ball tossed to her after her immaculate execution in her previous penalty. As cool as a cucumber she rounded the keeper and gently rolled the ball across the Toti line. Girls’ High were ahead and the pressure was back on Toti, Toti attacked but were unable to score with solid keeping from Girls’ High. Girls High won and gives them their third appearance at the grand finals.

Les Galloway, Tournament Director commented, “All the games were evenly matched which makes the tournament so much more exciting for all involved. I am extremely impressed with how the level of hockey is improving in this region with some talented players coming through the ranks.”

The umpires at the tournaments are also recognised for their hard work on the pitch. Amanzimtoti’s Enza Ngubane was voted as the Most Promising Umpire for the Durban South Region and will be heading to the finals to gain more experience.

MD for SPAR KZN, Rob Philipson said, “Durban South proved yet again how festive their region is. The games came to a standstill so that all the teams could do the Harlem Shake on the pitch – in what other tournament do these festivities happen? It is great to see that there is such a balance between playing hard on the field but still being able to enjoy yourself off it. Well done to all the teams that played!”

Eight of the ten regionals have concluded. Schools through are Ferrum High School, Kokstad College, Durban Girls’ College, Danville Girls’ High, Westville Girls High, Pietermaritzburg Girls High, St Annes and Durban Girls’ High. Still to play are the Northern KZN Regional and the Inland Regional that will take place in May.

For more info, like the Facebook page SPAR KZN Regional Hockey Tournament.

Photographs by Sophie Thompson