Local hockey players shine at SACD tournament

FIVE local hockey players excelled when they represented the Natal Coastals Country Districts team in bitterly-cold Paarl from 9 to 16 July.

Playing at the South African Country Districts (SACD) tournament was an unforgettable experience the players have grown from.

Five local players from the team were Celeste Denton, Jess Chiazzari, Kirsty Wiggill, Jo Scholtz and Eirean Bowker.

“Our tournament consisted of six games from Monday to Saturday, with us winning in the finals 2-0 against Northern Blues, landing us in seventh position,” said Celeste Denton.” In total the team lost two games, drew two and won two.

In total, only four of the 15 team players had previously participated in the tournament.

“We apparently had one of the strongest Natal Coastals teams in a while so we were disappointed to have only placed seventh. We improved dramatically throughout the week as we got to play more with each other,” said vice captain Kisty Wiggill.

“Unfortunately half our team was from Amanzimtoti and the other half from Zululand, so we didn’t get to practise as often as we would have liked. We definitely had the potential to place higher.”

The vice captain admitted her team struggled to connect initially, but after the first game played they only bettered their game performance. Preparation before the tournament played a huge role in their great performance.

“We were given a fitness and training programme to follow. The team also had a training camp in Richards Bay the weekend before we left, and a group training session at Three Schools Astro before that,” explained Eirean Bowker. “We played a match against Riverside in preparation for the tournament, and another against a different team while we were in Richards Bay.”

Kirsty Wiggill was named player of the match after the fourth game. Jolani Scholtz was the most promising player for Natal Coastals for the entire tournament and Jess Chiazzari was chosen to represent the South African Country Districts B team, which will play in the National Inter Provincial Tournament (IPT) next year.

“The teams we played had great sportsmanship on and off the field,” explained Jess. “I was really tested in my skills but learnt a lot from the players and our coach. I look forward to pushing myself more for the IPT tournament next year and seeing how I as well as the team fair against the other provinces.”

“The astro at Paarl High School overlooked the Paarl mountain range which was exquisite and breathtaking,” explained Kisty. “Jess and I have a passion for climbing mountains, so to have them as our backdrop was really inspiring.”

Celeste explained that the freezing finals definitely shocked the Durbanites. “We played the final game in 7°C temperature and in pouring rain. It was all such an experience,” she said.

The team bonded while visiting the V&A Waterfront, having a blast with all the festivities on the go, as well as visiting the Fairview wine farm for memorable wine and cheese tasting.

“We started off as players of a team and ended off as family,” said Celeste.

We thank Ailsa Blignaut, our manager who received the award for greatest contribution to SACD hockey 2017, and our coach Adin Bennett for all they did for us on and in the lead-up to the tour,” said Kirsty.

Eirean thanks everyone who bought raffle tickets and supported the fundraising, Caroline Bowker for organising the raffle and everyone who donated prizes towards it.

“This amazing tour and our achievement wouldn’t have been what it was without all those who made it possible. We are grateful,” said Celeste.

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