Over the Easter weekend, Waterstone College’s first hockey team welcomed the exciting opportunity to participate in the annual Best of the West Hockey Festival in Krugersdorp.
The festival, which took place on Thursday and Saturday, saw Waterstone College face off against tough competition, including teams from Falcon, Garsfontein, Heron Bridge, Noordheuwel, and Jeppe.
The atmosphere was electric, with teams from all around the region coming together to showcase their skills, passion, and sportsmanship.
The festival kicked off on Thursday, and Waterstone College was eager to get onto the field and represent the school. The first match was against Falcon, a strong team that tested their defence and attacking play.
The players were determined to give it their all, and although it was a competitive game, they showed grit and determination.
Boys hockey manager Monique Beukes said: “In the next game, we took on Garsfontein, another team with a reputation for solid performances. The intensity of the matches continued to rise, but our team remained focused, displaying great teamwork, tactical awareness, and individual skill.”
The festival concluded on Saturday with an exciting final set of matches. The games of the day saw the Waterstone College boys facing Heron Bridge, Jeppe and Noordheuwel, teams that had shown impressive form leading up to these matches.
Despite the tough competition, the players pushed forward with energy and enthusiasm, making the most of the opportunity to test their skills against some of the best in the region.
“The experience of being part of the festival was rewarding,” added Beukes. “The team had the chance to travel by bus to Krugersdorp, creating a sense of camaraderie among players as we bonded during the journey.”
The festival not only allowed the boys to test their skills against other strong teams but also provided an invaluable opportunity to learn and grow as a team.
“The competitive environment, coupled with the festive atmosphere, made the entire weekend a memorable one,” shared Beukes.
“The team played with heart, determination, and a strong sense of unity, and while the results of the matches were mixed, the overall experience was enjoyable and enriching.
“The festival was a good experience for our school’s first hockey team. We came away with a sense of pride in our performance, a renewed love for the sport, and a deeper understanding of the level of competition in regional hockey. It was a weekend full of excitement, growth, and memories that we will carry with us throughout the rest of the season.”
Waterstone College looks forward to the next festival and the chance to continue developing as a team.
