Penryn hockey girls take on Durban
The open girls hockey team from Penryn Preparatory recently took on Durban's finest.
NELSPRUIT – The open girls hockey team from Penryn Preparatory School recently travelled to Durban North for five hockey-filled days.
The trip, from July 23 to 28th, included games against Maris Stella, Umhlanga College, St Henry’s and Durban Girls College, but the highlight for the girls was – without a doubt – a coaching clinic conducted by current national players, Wade Paton and Gowan Jones. A good four hours was spent on the Riverside Astro, during which the girls practised various skills and even had the opportunity to get some autographs from their heroes on just about anything they could find – even a stick or two.
Later in the week, the Penryn team was privileged enough to be exposed to Riverside Club training sessions, joining their u/12 girls squad under the lights of the artificial turf (Astro), before facing them in a game.
Their last day in KwaZulu-Natal saw them take part in the Durban Girls College Festival, where they played a group of top Durban-based schools. The girls held their own against their opponents although the difficult adjustment from grass to Astro was evident.
“The players gained invaluable experience and returned as a stronger team and unit. I look forward to the season ahead,” said the coach.
