ST Mary’s DSG was elated as their first XI reclaimed the title in the Highway Regional of the SPAR KZN Regional Hockey Tournament on Sunday, 22 March.
Hosted by the defending champions, Westville Girls’ High School, the tournament saw St Mary’s DSG’s dogged determination snatch back the title to ensure a position in the grand finals on home turf and at Thomas More College in July. Playing tight and tactical matches, the team was in great form and dominated this regional, winning all their five games.
This is the fourth time out of the five SPAR tournaments held that St Mary’s DSG will make an appearance in the grand finals.
The Highway Regional got off to a slow start, with only one goal being scored in the first four games. In the opening match, Westville Girls High School drew against Kloof High, not able to regain the upper hand and thwarting their chance of holding onto the trophy.
WGHS moved down to fourth place, while Thomas More, playing a much more fluid game than last year, claimed second place, along with Kloof High, with some solid teamwork and effective defence.
Les Galloway, tournament director, said, “While St Mary’s dominated play at this year’s tournament, it was great to see some incredible defence work from all the teams.
“Often schoolgirl hockey focuses on the goal scoring, but the defence tactics are just as important. There were many short corners awarded during play, but very few were converted because of some fiercely-determined defending,” he said.
Managing director of SPAR, Rob Philipson, said a fun day was had by all.
“Thank you to the host school, Westville Girls’ High, for making everyone feel welcome, and for a well-run tournament enabling schoolgirls to showcase their hockey prowess on their magnificent AstroTurf,” said Philipson.
This tournament also creates opportunities for umpires to develop and hone their skills by giving an award to the Most Promising Umpire in each regional tournament. Chiara Benati, representing St Mary’s DSG, was honoured at this regional and will go on to further develop her skills in July. This is the second time she will be joining fellow umpires in the grand finals.
St Mary’s DSG will go on to join St Anne’s from the PMB North Regionals, Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School from the PMB Central Regionals, Hoërskool Ferrum from the Northern KZN Regionals, Amanzimtoti from the Durban South Regionals, Ashton College from the Durban North Regionals and Durban Girls’ College from the Durban Central Regionals, along with another three teams from three other regions in the grand finals, which will take place in July at Thomas More College and St Mary’s.
Highway Regional Results
Westville Girls High: Sunday, 22 March
1 – St Mary’s DSG, 2 – Thomas More College, tied with Kloof High School, 4 – Westville Girls’ High School, 5 – Hillcrest High School, tied with Gelofte Hoërskool.
