KZN Northerns ladies hockey never back down

The annual ladies South African Country Districts (SACD) hockey tournament is the highlight of the country districts season and brings all the best teams from around the country to go head to head. This year, the smallest union – KZN Northerns, took on various teams on the astro turf in Port Elizabeth that took place from 12 – 18 July.
“We were there to play to the best of our ability,” said Candice Bond, team manager. After the long drive down to Port Elizabeth, 14 player’s, a manager and a coach were ready for the challenge that lay ahead. The KZN Northerns were up against seven teams, winning three games and losing four, they qualified for the semi finals.
On day one, they took on the ‘mighty Inland side’, the defending champs and lost 2 – 0. “From the first to the last whistle we didn’t back down from the fight, dominating passion and territory,” illustrated Candice. Day two, they took on the local Eastern Province ‘Madibaz’ side stunning everyone with a 2-1 victory. On day three, versus Mpumalanga the KZN Northern’s were 2-0 down in the first 10 minutes of the game.

“We managed to calm down, settle and started playing with more confidence. We managed to come back from the two nil trap,” she said. They won the game 3 – 2. On day four the team took on the Natal Coastal side and beat them 3 – 1. Day five after a game against Northern Gauteng, they lost 4-1. Nevertheless, the ladies qualified for the semi finals on day six up against Western Province, the best game of the week. “The ladies went out and there and played with true passion and heart,” expressed Candice. They unfortunately lost 2-1. On day seven and the final day of the tournament, the team played for 3rd and 4th place against Eastern Province Madibaz and went down 3-1.
“We didn’t come home with a medal but we came home with lessons learnt, new friendships and memories that will remain for years to come,” enthused Candice, “we also showed that it’s not size of the dog in the fight but its the size of the fight in the dog.”
At the prize giving they walked away with the following trophies: player of the tournament, Wilma Phillips (Newcastle), most improved player of tournament, Michelle Visser (Newcastle).
KZN Northerns player’s player, Jessica Houareau (Newcastle).
Also a big congratulations to the following ladies selected for the South African Country Districts A and B teams going to the national ladies IPT in Potch at the end of August. Wilma Phillips (Newcastle) A side, Ronel Purchase (Dundee) A side, Michelle Visser (Newcastle) A side, Marelie Devereux (Dundee) A side, Jessica Houareau (Newcastle) B side, Louise Rebeiro (Dundee) B side.
The ladies hockey team would like to thank all the help with the sponsors: Remax Newcastle Team Zanmari, Aon Newcastle for ‘always making us look like the best dressed team.’