St Mary’s hockey festival kicks off
The St Mary’s 12th annual hockey festival, sponsored by Investec, takes place from 7 to 10 April.
This year 28 schools from South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe have entered. Matches will be played on the new astroturf at St Mary’s and on some mornings at Kingsmead.
For the first time play will be extended owing to the use of floodlights.
St Mary’s marketing director Lindy Bedborough said, “The festival marks the beginning of the hockey season, and operates within the pool system with playoffs that will give teams plenty of opportunity to demonstrate their skills and fitness.
“The 25-minute one-way games will encourage goal scoring and provide spectators with a fast-moving festival.”
Last year the trophy was shared by St Mary’s first team and Hoerskool Menlopark. Participating schools include Roedean, St Stithians Girls College and Kingsmead College.
The top schools can expect tough competition from Durban Girls College, Pietermaritzburg Girls high, Eunice and Paarl Gymnasium. DF Malan Hoerskool and Paarl Girls high are newcomers to the festival.
Matches will be played from 7 to 9 April from 7.45am until 8.15pm.
On 10 April play begins at 7.20am with the semi-finals at 11.30am and the final at 5.45pm.
