Jeppe claims Boden and Aitken victory
The last time Jeppe managed to play in both Boden and Aitken finals was 19 years ago and it has been 13 years since one school has won both trophies in one season.
The prestigious Aitken and Boden tournaments were hosted at Wits University last week Monday and Jeppe High School for Boys claimed the hockey throne.
The Boden team defeated the defending champions, King Edwards VII, at the final play.
The teams both gave their all, however, it was Jeppe that dominated in the first half, forcing the KES boys into numerous errors through their attacks.
After the seventh penalty corner, Jeppe finally managed to break the deadlock when Rowan Huliciar tapped home a Connor Cottam shot.
The Jeppe forwards pressed on with everything they had and continued to create chances.
In the second half, KES was the complete opposite to the first as the boys from Houghton found their rhythm and this was coupled with some clever tactical changes.
Jeppe Boys found themselves under pressure.
Despite all their possession in the second half, KES only managed two shots on target and the Jeppe keeper, Tevin Thompson, dealt with the danger.
When the final hooter sounded, the Jeppe team was victorious; winning the trophy and ensuring the continuation of their fine tradition by winning their sixth Boden trophy and third in the last four years.
The Aitken team did not disappoint as they played after the Boden game.
The defending champions from 2015, Jeppe High School for Boys, managed to keep their title and ended the game with an equaliser.
Jeppe has had a remarkable season this year with no less than 38 provincial players from U/14 to U/18, including five players in each of the U/18A and U/16A provincial teams and seven in the U/14A set up.
Last year the school’s current captain, Chris Makaba, was selected for the SA Schools side while Jesse Martin made the SA schools U/18 training squad and Callum Birkenfield and Keagan Smith the SA Schools U/16 squad.
The first team is currently ranked seventh in the country and the U/16A team is unbeaten in the regular season having only lost in the final of the Top 8 tournament.
The U/14s have won 26 and drawn two of their 28 games thus far.
The last time Jeppe managed to play in both Boden and Aitken finals was 19 years ago and it has been 13 years since one school has won both trophies in one season.
