GLENWOOD High School’s 1st XI hockey team travelled to Pretoria as part of the school’s outbound tour to Affies.
After their success against Grey College the previous week, the boys in green were determined to follow up their performance with another solid outing.
Glenwood started the stronger of the teams, passing the ball around and finding open space in the midfield. Although Hayden Roberts and Tanner Bottomley were able to control the majority of the midfield play, Glenwood were unable to put the finishing touches when they entered the D.
It was Affies who created the first clear scoring opportunity through a counter defence movement which left the Affies striker with a one-on-one with keeper Michael Labuschagne. The Glenwood skipper pulled off a crucial save which seemed to inspire the Glenwood team even more.
Despite a number of attempts on goal, including a handful of short corners, the half time score remained 0-0.
The second half continued in the same vein as the first with Glenwood creating most of the play and opportunities whilst Affies relied on counter attacks to keep the game evenly poised. Labuschagne had an inspirational game in the goals, making a number of crucial saves. Youngster Jarred Cass played a significant role in the defence whilst Keagan Hezlett and Okuhle Cele continued to open up the Affies defence.
With 10 minutes remaining, Glenwood were awarded a penalty corner and it was Hezlett who finally broke the deadlock with a strong backstick shot into the bottom left hand corner.
The remaining 10 minutes were frenetic with Affies pushing hard for the equaliser whilst Glenwood worked methodically maintaining their shape and discipline.
The final score of 1-0 to Glenwood was a deserved win.
