Hockey 5s began at Northerns on October 17 and 18 and will continue for the next eight weeks.
The 5s is a fast-paced, high-action spectacle that showcases the best skills, talent and goalmouth action.
Owner of the franchise Shaun Taylor said it was a great first day and everyone was happy to be back out on the field.
“It was just so wonderful to be back after losing the whole season to lockdown.
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“Once we were given the go-ahead, we were inundated with team entries and we had to cap them at 46 teams due to time constraints,” he explained.
“It was wonderful to see the talent we have in this province, especially coming through the schools and club teams (u-14 to u-18). It is looking great for the sport in the future.
“From young to old, everyone can enjoy the sport. Our youngest player is 11 and our oldest in their 50s.”
Many players felt ready to be back but also unfit and knowing they have plenty of work to do.
“I was told by so many on Sunday I will have to phone their bosses if they can’t walk in the morning,” said Taylor.
Many players on the day commented on the loss of atmosphere due to them not being able to play in front of spectators.
“Although it was sad not having spectators, we all fully understand the protocols that need to be followed in order for us to play, but we are hopeful restrictions will be relaxed soon,” he said.
Taylor started Hockey 5s over five years ago.
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“It is phenomenal for the players’ skill and fitness and also has a fast pace, bringing back the excitement of hockey,” he said.
Hockey 5s is the latest format introduced by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) to create a shortened version of the game that aligns with other international sporting codes like Cricket (T20), Rugby (Sevens), Soccer (5s).
Results:
• u-14 Girls Naledi Stars 9 vs 2 Naledi Kings
• u-14 Girls Blou Buffels 11 vs 3 Naledi Gryphons
• u-18 Girls A St Dunstan’s (1) 10 vs 5 Pony Tails
• u-14 Girls Rooi Buffels 26 vs 2 Brat Pack
• u-18 Girls A Naledi Chiefs 4 vs 5 AHA Girls
• u-18 Girls A Hugenote (1) 10 vs 4 Dashing Divas
• u-18 Girls B Rug Rats 2 vs 13 Hugenote (2)
• u-18 Girls B Naledi Warriors 7 vs 5 Hugenote (3)
• Ladies B Pink Flamingos 2 vs 11 Panthers
• Ladies A Wonder Woman 4 vs 6 Benoni Bennies
• Men Cunning Stunts 5 vs 7 Multiple Scorgasms
• Ladies A Dragons 10 vs 2 Beaver Keepers
• u-18 Girls B Cereal Killers 4 vs 13 St Duntans Girls (2)
• u-18 Boys Finesse Hockey 7 vs 3 St Dunstans Boys
• Ladies A Harambee Stars 4 vs 17 Thrashers
• Men Nomads 2 vs 12 Eastern Legends
• u-18 Boys Aha Boys 2 vs 12 St Dunstans Boys
• Ladies A Chargers 4 vs 4 Falcons
• Ladies B Pixies 1 vs 5 Crowned Eagles
• Men Benoni Men 5 vs 7 Hang 5s
• Ladies B TFF 5 vs 7 Foxy Fossils
• Ladies B Golden Eagles 15 vs 1 Dolls with Balls
The next lot of games will be held at Northern’s Hockey fields on Saturday October 24 and Sunday October 25.
