WESTVILLE Boys’ High School’s boys were crowned champions of the inaugural KZN first team hockey schools tournament held at Kearsney College on the weekend.
According to Cameron Mackay, the school’s hockey coach, WBHS was drawn in a group with Thomas Moore, St Charles and Clifton. They ended up finishing top of the group on goal difference over Clifton, scoring 13 goals and conceding just two goals to qualify for the semi-final against Kearsney.
WBHS played St Charles in their first game of the tournament and came out convincing 4-1 winners against a good St Charles outfit, with goals from Mbuso Mgobozi (three) and Matthew Davies. WBHS had some good build-up play, but became too direct as the game went on, allowing St Charles back in the game.
Game two saw WBHS play against Thomas Moore in the night game. They started the game at a really good tempo and continued this throughout the game. They scored some fantastic goals, with a few players getting on the scoresheet: Thomo (two), Davies (two), Gibbon, Careny, Ntshangase and Way.
Game three of the group saw a top of the table clash against Clifton. Clifton looked to play on the counter and WBHS struggled to break down their press consistently and when they did, their finishing and decision-making was poor. Clifton went 1-0 up with a fantastic finish after a good baseline run from Matthew Lewis. Westville found themselves level with a good penalty corner flick from Keagan de Castro. The game ended 1-1 with WBHS finishing top on goal difference.
WBHS and Kearsney watched Clifton play out a comeback victory to beat Michaelhouse and book their place in the final. The semi against Kearsney started at a high tempo, with both teams trying to take control early on. WBHS had the better start. taking the lead with a well-taken goal at the near post by WBHS defender, Ryan Harburn. Kearsney came back strong in the second half and equalised early on.
WBHS found themselves back in the lead 2-1 with a fantastic finish from striker, Caleb Carney. WBHS were then 3-1 up with a good second phase penalty corner finish from Keagan de Castro. Once again, Kearsney fought back to keep the game close at 3-2 with five minutes to go, but WBHS held on to record a fantastic victory against their rivals.
WBHS played the final against Clifton with more intensity and purpose than the earlier game. WBHS got themselves onto the scoreboard with a great finish from, Keegan Gibbon. The second half started at a good pace with Westville dominating possession once again and creating a few early chances with most of them coming through striker, Mbuso Mgobozi. They were 2-0 up 10 minutes into the second half after Mbuso Mgobozi broke away from his defender, who calmly slotted home.
WBHS ended the game midway through the second half with two more goals from Chad Carney and Keegan Gibbon to clinch the inaugural KZN first team schools tournament.
