Dates for 2025 SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Regionals and Finals Announced

Turning fifteen, the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge celebrates an incredible milestone as it continues to be a much-anticipated highlight in the school sports calendar.

Since the Challenges inception in 2011, there have been 1,114 teams participating with 16,710 players taking to the turf. Over 3,300 coaches, managers and referees have assisted in 143 tournaments.

Growing the love of hockey. Celebrating the 15th anniversary of SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge, Nozipho Mkhize (Advertising and Sponsorship Manager, SPAR KZN), Les Galloway (Tournament Director and Head of Hockey, SchoolGirl Sport), and Nomfundo Shezi (Sponsorship Controller and Events) are pictured at the 2025 tournament announcement at one of the venues, Durban Girls’ College. Pic: Val Adamson

Fifteen years later, the tournament has had 130 victorious teams proudly hoisting their trophies at their respective regionals. The tournament comprises ten regionals across KZN, with a Grand Final rounding off the annual challenge where the ten regional winners meet in a highly competitive weekend of hockey. So far, 32 schools have participated in the Grand Finals, with only three schools being crowned the overall Grand Finals champions: St Anne’s College, St Mary’s D.S.G. and Durban Girls’ College.

Tipping off the sporting year for SPAR KZN, the first of ten hockey tournaments takes place at Curro Hillcrest with the Highway Regional on Saturday 8 March. In the first of three back-to-back weekends, the Durban Central Regional heads to Durban Girls’ College’s turf the following day on Sunday 9 March. St John’s D.S.G. welcomes teams for the Pietermaritzburg Central Regional on Saturday 15 March followed by Treverton School hosting the Pietermaritzburg North Regional for the first time, on Sunday 16 March.

Mid-April is the slot for concluding the Durban based challenges, with Werda Skool hosting the Durban South Regional at the 3 Schools Trust turf in Glenwood on Saturday 12 April. Then Ashton International College is the venue for the Durban North Regional the next day on Sunday 13 April.

The final four regionals roll out in an action-packed May. Another milestone, within the milestone year, Grantleigh School holds the 150th overall regional in KZN. Schools located around Richards Bay and Empangeni take to the scenic field on Saturday 10 May for the KZN North Coastal Regional. Heading south, one of the biggest geographic regions will run out onto the Creston College turf on Saturday 17 May for the Southern KZN Regional with teams from Sisonke & Ugu participating.

For the penultimate regional, Ladysmith High School is the host for the uMvoti and oThukela Regional on Saturday 24 May. Wrapping up the 2025 challenges, St Dominic’s Newcastle will greet teams from Dundee, Vryheid, Pongola, Glencoe and Newcastle on Saturday 31 May for the Northern KZN Regional.

Once all the ten regionals have been played, the top teams will congregate at St Mary’s D.S.G. in Kloof for the Grand Finals on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 July.

All games will be live streamed on SuperSport Schools. For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page (SparSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament) or follow on Instagram (sparkznhockey). 

ENDS

Results SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Northern KZN Regional

Ferrum High School is back, reclaiming the title of the Northern KZN Regional at the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that took place on their turf on Saturday 11 May.

This is the ninth time they have raised the trophy since the tournament’s inception in 2011, with the last time being in 2019. In the regional final, the hosts met travelling team, a surprise package, Vryheid High School for the second time that day, having clashed earlier in their third pool game. A humdinger of a game took place midway through the fixtures, with the score ending 1 all.

Vryheid, led by feisty captain, Kunene Sphesihle, pushed hard during both games, keeping Ferrum on their toes. Kunene was never far from the action, with several exciting runs midfield, charging into her opponent's circle. Ferrum’s captain, Joey du Preez was equally involved, choreographing play from the middle, threading the ball up to her powerhouse forwards.

In the main game, Ferrum continued their momentum, threatening first earning the games first short corner with just 43 seconds on the clock. The locals had several set pieces during the game that were exquisitely defended by the visitors. In amongst the corners, both teams crafted some thrilling breakaways, piercing the oppositions’ circle. Nearing 7 minutes, Amahle Mbatha determinedly entered the Vryheid D after a short sharp run, wasting no time, she hammered in an unstoppable attempt that rocketed into the back of the net, taking her team up 1 nil and netting victory for her team.

In the build up to the final Ferrum met defending champions, St Dominic’s Newcastle who placed second in their pool. After a fast flowing, action packed game, both teams were unable to score and the game moved to an 8 second penalty shoot-out. Ferrum tipped off the action first, slotting in all their attempts, but St Dom’s were closed down in their second challenge, giving Ferrum the edge.

In the second semi-final, Vryheid took on one-time regional winners, Sarel Cilliers who had a spectacular day out, finishing on top in their pool. An on-her-toes keeper from Sarel, Jenor Joubert shut down a couple of Vryheid runs, bravely advancing off her line and blocking any chances. Similarly to the first semi, both teams were unable to edge the ball across the line, the score at full time sat on nil nil, and the game progressed, for the second time, to an 8 second penalty spot. After three rounds, the scoreboard hadn’t moved, and the game advanced to sudden death. Sarel went first and were unable to score. Kunene stepped up for her second attempt for Vryheid, running the ball goalwards, then drifting right to tap the ball past a charging Jenor to secure a spot in the final.

Umpire of the Day went to Lucrecia Struwig representing her Alma Mater. A 2018 Ferrum matriculant, Struwig has travelled four times to the Grand Finals, twice as a player in 2017 and 2018 and then with her whistle in 2019 and 2020.

All spots have now been filled for the Grand Finals that will be held at St Mary’s D.S.G. in Kloof in July. Ferrum joins the nine teams that have already qualified. They are Durban Girls’ College (Durban Central Regional), The Wykeham Collegiate (Pietermaritzburg North Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (Pietermaritzburg Central Regional); Our Lady of Fatima (Durban North Regional), St Mary’s DSG (Highway Regional); Amanzimtoti High School (Durban South Regional); Grantleigh School (KZN North Coastal Regional); St Patrick’s College (Ugu and Sisonke Regional) and Ladysmith High School (uMvoti and oThukela Regional).

Results

Final

Ferrum High School 1 vs Vryheid High School 0

Semi Final

Ferrum High School 0 (3) vs Curro St Dominics Newcastle 0 (1)

Sarel Cilliers High School 0 (0) vs Vryheid High School 0 (1)

Pool A

1 Ferrum High School 14 points; 2 Vryheid High School 11 points; 3 Ferrum High School Inv 9 points; Pongola Academy 4 points; 5 Utrecht High School

Pool B

1 Sarel Cilliers High School 13 points; 2 Curro St Dominics Newcastle 12 points, 3 Dundee High School 8 points; 4 Newcastle High School 4 points; 5 Amajuba High School 1 point

ENDS

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Sisonke and Ugu Regional St Patrick’s College: Saturday 20 April

St Patrick’s College hosts ten schools in the upcoming Sisonke and Ugu Regional, the eighth regional in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that takes place on Saturday 20 April.

Joining hosts in the regional are Bergview College; Curro Creston; Ixopo High School; King Edward High School; Kokstad College; Port Shepstone High School; Southcity Christian School; St Monica’s Diocesan; and defending champions, Suid-Natal Hoërskool.

Got your back. Defending champs, Suid Natal Hoërskool’s Nikita Grobler (Captain) and Desi Du Plooy (Vice-Captain) gear up to take on schools in the upcoming Sisonke and Ugu Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that takes place at St Patrick’s College in Kokstad on Saturday 20 April. Pic by Val Adamson

The ten teams will be split into two pools with Pool A featuring St Patrick’s; St Monica’s; Kokstad College; Sheppie High and Ixopo High. Pool B has King Edward High, Suid-Natal; Bergview, Creston and Southcity. The duration of the matches is 15 minutes one way, with a win earning the successful team 4 points; a draw with goals, 2 points, a goalless draw 1 point and finally, a loss no points.

The first game tips off at 8am with host school, St Patrick’s meeting St Monica’s in the first game. Next up at 8.15am, from Pool B, Kokstad College will meet the travelling team, Sheppie High. After a game break, St Patrick’s are back on the turf facing Ixopo High at 8.30am.

At the conclusion of the pool games, if two teams find themselves on equal points, goal difference will come into play to see who finishes higher on the log. In the cross-pool games, drawn games will head to a 3 round penalty shootout.

In the 14 years since the tournament’s inception, there have been four teams that have raised the trophy. Recently the inland teams of Kokstad College and King Edward High School have dominated, after dethroning Creston after they won it twice in 2012 and 2013. Kokstad have victories in 2011, 2014 and 2019, with King Edward High School being crowned five times in 2015 – 2018, and 2022. Most recently, the newcomer to the group, Suid-Natal earned their first victory last year after defeating Kokstad College.

The challenge that travels to ten regions annually, has already had seven teams earning their spot at the Grand Finals that will be held in July at St Mary’s D.S.G. The teams are Durban Girls’ College (Durban Central Regional), The Wykeham Collegiate (Pietermaritzburg North Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (Pietermaritzburg Central Regional); Our Lady of Fatima (Durban North Regional), St Mary’s DSG (Highway Regional); Amanzimtoti High School (Durban South Regiona) and at the most recent regional, the winner for the Northern KZN Coastal Regional, Grantleigh School.

All games will be live streamed on SuperSport Schools. For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page (SparSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament) or follow on Instagram (sparkznhockey). 

ENDS

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge KZN North Coastal Regional Grantleigh School: Saturday 13 April

An exceptional day of action ended with hosts, Grantleigh School raising the trophy for the sixth time in the KZN North Coastal Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that took place on their astro on Saturday 13 April.

Seven schools participated in a full day of round robin hockey, with Grantleigh finishing top of the log. A tussle for second place ensued, with two times winner, Felixton College, Eshowe High School and St Catherine’s School all competing valiantly for the ticket to meet Grantleigh.

The final round robin game was all to play for, to reveal who would advance to the regional final. St Catherine’s met Empangeni High School in the penultimate game of the day. Sitting on 11 points, St Catherine’s required a win that would add 4 points, to continue, watched keenly by Eshowe who ended on 14 points. Midway through the riveting game, St Catherine’s netted the all-important goal and then played out the game determinedly, not allowing Empangeni any room to equalise, and finishing their day on 15 points.

This was the first time that St Catherine’s have featured in this regional final, leaving everything on the turf during the day, playing their hearts out, they were thrilled to step onto the astro to meet Grantleigh.

From the whistle, a refreshed Grantleigh dominated. Having had a five game break, the tenacious hosts camped in St Catherine’s half, constantly building pressure. In the first minute, Pipa Saint opened Grantleigh’s account in the game’s first short corner.

The home team’s forwards peppered St Catherine’s courageous keeper, Phakade Mchunu who stood firm deflecting a barrage of attempts. Her gutsy defence wasn’t enough for a slick Grantleigh attack, as the defending champs boldly outnumbered the Saint’s defence, overwhelming them in the circle with a surge of spirited strikes. Nicole Klopper netted the second goal, followed by Lisa Mbhamali and then Klaradyn Kotze got back-to-back goals taking the score up to 5 nil. Three minutes before the final whistle, Amy Scalliet prowling at the goal post was on hand to redirect a fantastic pass that whisked across the goals, nailing in her teams’ sixth goal.

Former Grantleigh player, Beth van Onselen was awarded the Umpire of the Day. Van Onselen matriculated in 2020, having played in two SPAR challenges in her school career. This was her first time appearing at the challenge with a whistle.

Grantleigh is the seventh of ten teams to qualify for the Grand Finals that will be held in July at St Mary’s D.S.G. The six teams that have already secured a spot are Durban Girls’ College (Durban Central Regional); The Wykeham Collegiate (Pietermaritzburg North Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (Pietermaritzburg Central Regional); Our Lady of Fatima (Durban North Regional); St Mary’s DSG (Highway Regional) and Amanzimtoti High School (Durban South Regional).

The next regional takes place this weekend (Saturday 20 April) at St Patrick’s College in Kokstad where ten teams will vie for the Sisonke and Ugu Regional title.

All games will be live streamed on SuperSport Schools. For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page (SparSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament) or follow on Instagram (sparkznhockey). 

Results

Regional Final

Grantleigh School 6 vs St Catherine’s School 0

Round Robin Points

1 Grantleigh School 24 points, 2 St Catherine’s School 15 points, 3 Eshowe High School 14 points, 4 Felixton College 11 points, 5 Empangeni High School 7 points, 6 John Ross High 2 points, 7 Richards Bay Christian School 1 point

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Durban Central Regional 2 March

Kicking off the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge, Maris Stella welcomes teams for the Durban Central Regional on Saturday 2 March. 

The first tournament will take place at a new venue for this regional, on Durban High School’s smart blue astro turf. Maris Stella will host six schools in a round robin tournament. They will be taking on Durban Girls’ College, Durban Girls’ High School, Inanda Seminary, INK Schools (comprising players from Inanda and KwaMashu), Port Natal High School and St Henry’s Marist College. 

First to play in the 21 round robin games, will be defending champions Durban Girls’ College. They will meet Inanda Seminary. All games will be 18 minutes running time, with a win earning 4 points, a draw with goals adding 2 points to the tally, a goalless draw only 1 point and a loss amounting to zero. 

In the build up to the main game, Durban Girls’ College will take on Durban Girls’ High School in the concluding round robin game. The two met in an action-packed gold medal game last year. The only team in the KZN tournament with a 100% record in the regionals is Durban Girls’ College. Having advanced to the Grand Finals each year since the tournament’s inception. 

The top teams from all of the regionals will head to the Grand Finals where they will meet in a two day highly contested conclusion that will take place in July at St Mary’s D.S.G. 

Scouts from eta College will be at each of the regionals, watching potential players that they can offer a bursary to their Durban Campus. 

All games will be live streamed on SuperSport Schools. For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page - SparSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament or follow on Instagram - sparkznhockey.
ENDS

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls' Hockey Challenge - Durban Central Regional hosted by Durban Girls’ College: Sunday 15 May

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Durban Central Regional

Durban Girls’ College: Sunday 15 May

Tournament number nine gets underway at Durban Girls’ College on Sunday 15 May where teams from the Durban Central Regional will be eager to hit the turf at the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge.

Six schools join hosts, Durban Girls’ College on their turf to play in a full round robin programme of 18 minute quick fire games. Raring to get the ball rolling alongside College are first teams from Durban Girls’ High School, Inanda Seminary School, INK, Port Natal Skool, Maris Stella and St Henry’s Marist College.

After the 21 scheduled games, the top two teams will meet each other in the deciding regional final. Following the pattern of previous tournaments, a win puts 4 points on the board for your team, a draw with goals 2 points, a goalless draw only 1 point and a loss zero points.

The only team in the history of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge with the proud statistics of a 100% record, winning all their regionals is Durban Girls’ College. College have been crowned regional champions since the tournament’s inception in 2011 and they will be keen to continue their domination at this competitive region.

At the conclusion of the ten KZN regionals, the top team representing their area heads to the Grand Finals that takes place at St Mary’s D.S.G. in Kloof in July. The winner of this region will join eight victorious teams that have already earned their spot, they are Pionier Hoërskool (Northern KZN Regional); St Anne’s College (PMB North Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (PMB Central Regional); Our Lady of Fatima (DBN North Regional); St Mary’s D.S.G. (Highway Regional); Kuswag Hoërskool (DBN South Regional); King Edward High School (Ugu and Sisonke Regional) and most recently crowned team Domino Servite from the uMvoti and oThukela Regional this weekend (7 May).

Following this tournament, the challenge heads to Grantleigh College in Richards Bay next Saturday 21 May for the conclusion of the 2022 SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge regionals.

If you are unable to support the tournament at the games, you can watch all the action on the SuperSport Schools mobile App or on their website.

For more info like the tournaments Facebook page or follow on Instagram.

ENDS

Results Durban Central Regionals - Durban Girls' College wins 16 May

Media Release

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Durban Girls’ High School: Sunday 16 May

Continuing their legendary record, Durban Girls’ College defended their tenth title in the Durban Central Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on Sunday 16 May at 3 Schools Trust.

College is the only team in the history of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge to have won this regional every year since the tournament’s inception in 2011. In this year’s final, they met age old opponents Durban Girls’ High School.

Manager for Durban Girls’ College, Bell Meek who has been part of every victory, stated simply after the win, “The girls played beautiful hockey today.”

In their first encounter during the Round Robin, Girls’ High held College for 18 and a half minutes, defending like trojans, before letting College get in the first goal. With the seconds counting down, College managed to knock in a shot from the top of the circle, beyond the valiant attempt from Girls’ High’s keeper. The dress rehearsal for the final ended on 2-0 to College.

In the main game of the day, 70 seconds into the final, College were awarded their first short corner. In their set piece, the ball travelled quickly from the top of the D to Julia Burnett, situated on the penalty spot. She tried to turn and flick but Akum Mkhwanazi, keeper for Girls’ High was savvy to her intentions and was right behind her not allowing her any room.  College continued to persevere, with their next attempt hitting the right post and in the flurry in the goals, Girls’ High calmly cleared the ball over the baseline, allowing for College to earn another short corner.

In their second set play, College tried the traditional, uncomplicated pass to the castle with the ball then being fired in. First wave, Cortney Whitfield from Girls High was bravely charging down the rocket, putting her body on the line and saving her team from the second attempt. 

With just under 5 minutes of play, College got into some free space, dashing into the circle with a beautifully timed reverse stick shot that went clanging into the right post and rebounding back into play. Erin Watson who was on hand in support, was gifted the rebound ball and neatly took her chance slotting in College’s tournament-winning goal. 

Girls’ High worked nobly at the back defending four more short corners. But the hosts also took the game right up into the visitor’s circle with several well-crafted attacks. Here they met a strong back line who quickly worked the ball out of their danger zone and returned the play up to the midfield. 

Three quarters of the way through the final, the small, dynamite package of Burnett ignited play as she bolted down the sideline, zipped along the baseline and balanced herself to let off a cracker but was met by Mkhwanazi who continued her sterling performance, and booted out the attempt. 

In the final short corner, College tried yet another creative set piece but were unable to pierce through solid defense of the home team who really put their hearts, and their bodies on the line. The game ended with only the one goal being netted, and a well-deserved victory to the visitors. 

College join four other teams who have been crowned regional winners in the Take Two of the milestone celebratory tenth year of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge. Danville Park Girls’ High won the Durban Central Regional, Wembley College took the title in the uMvoti, uThukela and uMzinyathi Regional, St Mary’s D.S.G. from the Highway Regional, and most recently Grantleigh College won the North Coast Regional. 

For more info, like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow on Instagram.

Results

1 Durban Girls’ College, 2 Durban Girls’ High School, 3 Maris Stella, 4 St Henry’s Marist College, 5 INK Team, 6 Inanda Seminary 

Results Highway Regional SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge- 9 May

Wrap Up for Highway Regional

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Curro Hillcrest: Sunday 9 May

St Mary’s D.S.G. have done it again, claiming the Highway Regional title for the ninth time after a spectacular display at the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge at Curro Hillcrest on Sunday 9 May.

Photo by Val Adamson

Throughout the day, Saints played a magnificent flowing and controlled game, dominating all of their games and knocking in 27 goals in their six games. In the regional final, they met host school, Curro Hillcrest, who played out of their boots in the round robin stages, earning themselves a berth against the defending champs. 

Heading into the final, both teams went head to head in their last round robin game. St Mary’s camped out for majority of the game in the Curro half, and peppered Curro’s keeper with wave after wave of attacks. Asanda Makhunga stood tall in the goals, denying Saints surges. Four fantastic goals did manage to sneak beyond Makhunga giving the visitors a 4-0 win in the game. 

In the final, Saints continued their relentless advances but Curro’s defenders held strong. The first charge at goal was 31 seconds into the game, two St Mary’s players drove downfield, with a powered pass gliding just out of reach of the support player running onto the ball, and rolling out of play. 

Nearing 4 minutes, Gemma Wood confidently strode into the Curro circle, stepping into a perfectly crafted reverse stick shot that flew into the net, giving Saints their first goal. Curro knuckled down, and with their sticks to the turf pushed back for over 8 minutes, not allowing any of the constant barrages through. In the period of Curro’s resistance, home team defender, Karla Roberts was a wizard with her stick on the baseline, magically stopping, not one but three rockets smacked in during three consecutive short corners. Roberts, situated on the baseline, quietly halted the balls flight, controlling and clearing it quickly out of the danger zone.

With the clock on 12 and a half minutes, Louisa Combrink hit the ball in for their sixth short corner, from the castle, they shifted play wide, with a quick tap pass finding Combrink who was now posted in front of goals. The wily player, finding a hole in the defense, slapped the ball in for St Mary’s second. 

Their third goal was also a set piece during a short corner. Combrink sent the ball to the castle, and again, they shifted the ball wide and then the ball moved into the centre of the circle, finding Dominque Carbonel who neatly pocketed in another goal. Concluding the game, the fourth goal pinballed around the circle until landing with Daniella De Oliveria who managed to gently tap in out of Makhunga’s reach.

Coach for St Mary’s Nolwazi ‘Chicken’ Nkabinde stated after the game, “It is really good to be back. We missed the action, and this tournament. My girls displayed fantastic skills today, something they can be proud of after the break. And we want to say thank you to our competitors, without them today would not have been possible. Well done to all for a brilliant day of hockey.”

Highway’s St Mary’s join Danville Park Girls High School from the Durban North Regional and Wembley College from Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional as regional winners.

This weekend the tournament heads to Richards Bay where Grantleigh hosts the North Coast Regional, and then back to Durban for the Durban Central Regional where Durban Girls High School hosts teams at their 3 Schools Trust. 

For more info on the tournament, like their Facebook page or follow on Instagram.

ENDS

Highway Regional

Curro Hillcrest: Sunday 9 May

1 St Mary’s DSG, 2 Curro Hillcrest, 3 Thomas More College, 4 Hillcrest High School , 5 Westville Girls High School, 6 Kloof High School

Results Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional Wembley College: Saturday 8 May

Media Release

Wrap Up for the Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional

Wembley College: Saturday 8 May

A joyous performance by host school, Wembley College saw them winning the Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on Saturday 8 May.

Photo by Rogan Ward

Wembley College’s Captain Sarah Barber (right) takes a shot at goals as Wartburg Kirchdorf is Lisa Lea Engelbrecht defends, during the finals of the Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that took place at Wembley College in Greytown on Saturday 8 May. Wembley claimed their 1-0 victory in an exciting penalty shootout.

Wembley College won the inaugural tournament in 2011 but have since not managed to top the podium. In the regional final they took on the 2019 Defending Champs, a young Wartburg Kirchdorf team. Wartburg who have dominated this region with six wins, were luckily to have advanced through to the regional final after a spectacular performance by Domino Servite on the turf, the Tech Officials did the counting for goal differences to see who would be the team to feature against Wembley.

At the whistle, Wembley showed their intention as they charged from the middle into Wartubrg territory. A revitalised and focused Wartburg then got into gear and turned over the play and took the game straight down to Wembley’s circle. 40 seconds into the game, and the umpire blew the first short corner, for Wartburg. Wartburg’s first attack was not successful, with the keeper booting out a soft attempt. Two minutes later, Wartburg had their second short corner, but again were unable to capitalise. 

Play pivoted Wembley’s way with a few chances up at the Wartburg goals, but a Wartburg solid defence, and missed Wembley opportunities meant the scoreline was still on zero each. Nearing ten minutes of play, a fast solo-break by Ncuthukazi Dlatu from Wartburg chasing towards the Wembley keeper, with only one player to beat, agonising watched as the ball got away from her and shot out of play over the line. 

The remainder of play bounced between the two teams 22s, with Wembley claiming more possession than Wartburg. Both teams were unable to net any of their chances in their opponent’s circles until Wembley desperately knocked the ball from close to the 22 and managed to find a Wartburg foot. As the clock ticked to zero, the umpire signalled a Wembley short corner. With pressure mounting, Wembley pushed the ball out to the top of the D and fired off a hurried flick that was easily defended and cleared. Full time with the scoreboard not having moved.

The game moved to a three-person penalty shootout. First to go was Dlatu for Wartburg who fired off her shot as soon as she set foot into the circle, with the ball whizzing past the right post not giving much work for Wembley’s keeper, Sinegugu ‘Sne’ Ngcobo. Next to go was Wembley’s Vice Captain, Leah Tedder who tried valiantly but was unable to shake Wartburg’s Marissa van der Spuy defence.  Wartburg’s Lise-Lea Engelbrecht was unable to bypass the brave charge of Ngcobo who determinedly booted the ball well out of play. Kristen Steyn kept her ball close to her as she advanced for Wembley, just managing to skirt around van der Spuy and with a tight angle tapped the ball into the Wartburg goal, giving her team the big break. Wartburg’s Khanya Mhlophe’s attempt went much the way of Dlatu, as she stepped into the circle, fired off a shot that was easily deflected by a waiting Ngcobo. 

“The girls came into the tournament with the desire to win today, and they did it. It is a really good feeling. And this is the first time since 2011, so makes it very special for us!” said a delighted Wembley coach, Gareth Larkan. 

Wembley earning the win, 1-0 and the Regional Title for the second time in the Take Two of the Milestone celebratory tenth year. They are the second team this year to be crowned, joining Danville Park Girls’ High School from the Durban North Regional. 

The highly contested Highway Regional followed the Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional on Sunday at Curro Hillcrest where St Mary’s D.S.G. took the honours, with another five more regionals rolling out in May, and the final two taking place in early June. 

For more info on the tournament, like the Facebook page or follow on Instagram.

ENDS

Results for SPAR KZN Schoolgirls Hockey Challenge

Umvoti 

Wembley College: Saturday 8 May

1 Wembley College, 2 Wartburg High School, 3 Domino Servite 4 Greytown High School

Fixtures: uMvoti, uThukela and uMzinyathi Regional of SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Media Release

Fixtures for Second SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Wembley College; Greytown: Saturday 8 May

Fixtures for the second tournament of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge have been announced for the uMvoti, uThukela and uMzinyathi Regional on Saturday 8 May.

A fabulous four teams will take to the turf at host school, Wembley College this year. Joining Wembley are Domino Servite and previous regional winners Greytown High School and Wartburg Kirchdorf School.

A round robin format sees six games being played, each game lasting 30 minutes with a five minute break between matches. Following on from the round robin, the top two teams will meet to reveal the overall regional winner.

Of the four teams featured on the day, three have ventured to the Grand Finals in previous years with Wartburg Kirchdorf dominating this area in the ten year history of this SPAR KZN hockey tournament. Greytown High School technically are the defending champs, having lifted the trophy in 2019. 

In an action-filled month of hockey, Danville Park Girls’ High from the Durban North Regional took the top honours in the first tournament this past weekend, and teams from the Highway area take to the turf on Sunday 9 May. Five more tournaments take place around KZN on the remaining weekends in May, and the final two of the ten regions rolling out in early June.

For more info on the tournament, like the Facebook page or follow on Instagram.

ENDS

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls' Hockey - Fixtures for Highway Regional Sunday 9 May

Looking forward to the upcoming SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge, Curro Hillcrest’s Nikita Gironi (Captain) and Asanda Makhunga (Vice Captain) look forward to welcoming teams for the Highway Regional on their turf this Sunday (9 May).

Pic by Rogan Ward

Fixtures for Highway Regional

Curro Hillcrest: Sunday 9 May

In the third of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge, teams from around the Highway area will congregate at Curro Hillcrest on Sunday 9 May.

Host school, Curro Hillcrest will get the ball rolling in the first game of their tournament where they face Kloof High School. Joining them on the turf on the day are Hillcrest High School, St Mary’s DSG, Thomas More College and Westville Girls’ High School.

In one of the most competitive regions in KZN, the six teams will battle it out in the hopes of dethroning St Mary’s DSG who have had a stronghold raising the regional trophy on all but one occasion over the last nine years. Fifteen quick-fire games, with a duration of 20 minutes, will result in the two top teams meeting to conclude the round robin tournament.

Scoring points on the day, a win will earn a team 4 points, a draw with goals 2 points, a goalless draw only 1 point. In the final, if the game ends with a draw, three players from each team will head to the circle for a deciding 8 second penalty shoot-out.

Danville Park Girls’ HIgh from the Durban North Regional lifted the trophy victoriously in the first tournament in the milestone celebratory tenth year. Teams from the uMvoti, uThukela and uMzinyathi Regional meet the day before the Highway Regional at Wembely College and then the remaining seven regionals roll out in quick succession around KZN in the next five weeks.

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow on Instagram.

ENDS

Results of Durban North Regional Crawford La Lucia: Sunday 2 May

Wrap up for Durban North Regional Crawford La Lucia: Sunday 2 May

A victorious Danville Park Girls’ High School claimed their third title in the Durban North Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on Sunday (2 May) at Crawford La Lucia.

In the concluding game of the regional finals, they met local rival Our Lady of Fatima in a close final. Danville got out of the starting blocks eagerly taking the play up to Fatima’s 22 a few times but were not able to find holes in the Fatima defense. Five minutes into the game a chance shot was a result from a run up the left for Fatima but the attempt met the determined gloved hand of the Danville keeper, Chelsea Steyn. With Fatima now in Danville’s danger zone, a second attempt got close to goals but whizzed past with no blue stick able to punch it goal-wards.

Mid-way through the final, Paige Horn from Fatima burst free of her defender and had a blistering dash into the circle but was unable to capitliase.

Nearing the final whistle both teams dished out loads of turn over passes and both managed to intercept plenty of wayward passes. Danville managed an impressive passage of play up the left, with short sharp passes bouncing between open players but again they didn’t manage to penetrate the Fatima 22. 

Fatima’s response was a near fire by Sarah Bright who pounced on an opportunity on the line, right next to the post but was unable to avoid a diving Danville goalie. 

At the final whistle the score was level at nil nil, resulting in the game going to the deciding penalty shoot out. Danville was first up but Savanah Ferrier was unable to find the back of the net. Fatima’s Sarah Bright netted the first goal, taking her team 1 nil up. Danni Mumford from Danville then comfortably equalized. Horn was the second player for Fatima and dragged the ball left falling to her favourite reverse stick, slotting the ball in neatly for Fatima’s 2nd goal. Sian Davies leveled the scores with a no-nonsense slap sending the ball into the right corner of the box. With the pressure mounting, Chelsea Peterson from Fatima faded to her left, and released a superb reverse stick shot that flew wide of the goals. 

In sudden death, Horn went first for Fatima with her attempt running right this time getting smothered by the Danville keeper, resulting in a re-take. Horn then switched her attack and glided in to the circle, veering left and taking to her reverse stick shot that skidded unsuccessfully past the upright. Davies, in almost a repeat of her first attempt, cruised into the circle and sent the ball in to the right corner again for her second goal and earning her team the title.

Coach for Danville Park Girls’ High School, Calvin Price said after the game, “It is so good to be back. The objective of course is to win and today the luck went our way. One on ones are not our best but we managed to score when needed. The girls played so well the entire day and I am so proud of them with their win. And on behalf of our girls, I would like to say a big thank you to SPAR and Tournament Director Les Galloway for getting the tournament back on track this year.”

This coming weekend sees the tournament gather momentum for its second and third regional taking place. The first on Saturday 8 May at Wembley College for the uMvoti, uThukela and uMzinyathi Regional and then the Highway Regional taking place on Sunday 9 May at Curro Hillcrest. 

Results

1 Danville Park Girls’ High School, 2 Our Lady of Fatima, 3= Crawford La Lucia, 3= Reddam House uMhlanga, 5= Ashton International College, 5= Northlands Girls High, 5= Curro Mt Richmore, 8 Crawford North Coast 9 Reddam House Ballito

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow on Instagram.

ENDS

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Wrap up for the 99th Tournament St Mary’s DSG, Kloof: 20 & 21 July

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Wrap up for the 99th Tournament

St Mary’s DSG, Kloof: 20 & 21 July

Namibian Kiana Cormack netted a cracker of a goal that earned her team, St Mary’s DSG, the title of the 2019 SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge for the fifth time in a 1 nil win against St Anne’s College.

With just over 12 minutes in the second half remaining, Captain Cormack of the host school was lurking at the top of the castle ready to pounce on the injection of the second short corner of the game. After a clean stop the captain swung into action, firing in a tournament winning drag flick that rocketed into the top right hand corner beyond the out stretched gloves of St Anne’s keeper, Ella Thorburn.

A jubilant captain explained, “I don’t usually score drag flicks so this is the first tournament where I actually pulled it off. I wasn’t expecting it, nobody was but it felt right from the moment I released it and it was a phenomenal feeling watching it go.”

“We went out there knowing it was going to be a tough game – they always are against St Anne’s but it actually was a lot of fun, exciting and intense. For both teams there was some amazing moments of hockey and I don’t think any of us really knew we would take the win today!”

St Mary’s dominated most of the gold medal game, with St Anne’s getting a few runs down to the other end when they had space. In the first half a surge saw St Anne’s hitting the left upright with a drag flick attempt in the first five minutes of the game. In a last gasp attempt, Lusanda Mtshali broke away mid field, striding towards the circle. On the very tip of the circle, her charge was agonizingly stopped by a St Mary’s defender’s foot, the whistle blowing with 3 seconds on the clock. As the offence happened outside the circle, Mtshali’s valiant effort fell centimeters short from an extra time short corner.

In the bronze medal game, Durban Girls’ College met Epworth School for the second year running at the Grand Finals. Only ten minutes were left when Grade 11 star, Bulelwa Mzimela was perfectly in place for a fantastic base line run and a quick fire pass up to Mzimela waiting on the P who confidently tapped in her shot to take the win for the local team. College added to their impressive history in this tournament, notching up their first third this year after nine Grand Final appearances. Their name appears on the trophy three times and they also have three silvers and two fourths from previous years.

In the first semi final, St Anne’s met Epworth for an all round Maritzburg game. Sophie Rebeck and Lusanda Mtshali scored for St Anne’s giving them a 2 nil victory giving them their third opportunity in the main game at the Grand Finals. In the inaugural tournament in 2011, they earned themselves gold with a silver in last year’s tournament.

In the second semi final, St Mary’s took on local rival, Durban Girls’ College. College held off St Mary’s for most of the first half but in the final minute Cerian Fourie netted her team’s first. Cormack advanced the scoring to 2 nil and Fourie got her second of the game to take the game away from College with the final score of 3 nil.

After two days of diverse weather at the 99th overall KZN tournament, 29 games were played with a total of 72 goals being scored in 710 minutes of passionate first team schoolgirls’ hockey at its finest. The first tournament in 2020 rolls the tournament counter over to the milestone of 100.

For more info visit the tournament’s Facebook page.

Results

1 St Mary’s DSG, 2 St Anne’s College, 3 Durban Girls’ College, 4 Epworth School, 5 Crawford La Lucia, 6 Kokstad College, 7 Felixton College, 8 Ferrum High School, 9 Wartburg Kirchdorf School, 10 Amanzimtoti High School

ENDS

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge - Southern KZN Regional Creston College: Saturday 13 April

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge - Southern KZN Regional

Creston College: Saturday 13 April

The sixth regional in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge, the Southern KZN, heads to Creston College on Saturday 13 April.

Geographically, this is one of the biggest regionals, with six teams travelling from Scottburgh, Kokstad, Matatiele and iXopo joining four local south coast teams to participate in a spectacular ‘hockey-filled’ day.

The teams are host school Creston College, Kokstad College, Scottburgh High School, St Patrick’s College and Suid-Natal High School in Pool A and iXopo High School, King Edward High School, Port Shepstone High School, Southcity Christian School and St Monica’s High School.

This region has turned out three winners over its nine year history. The first team to ‘don’ the Southern KZN regional title was the feisty team from inland, Kokstad College, with two appearances in the 2011 and 2014 Grand Finals. They earned themselves a seventh and eighth spot overall out of the ten regions. Host school, Creston College has also represented the region twice in back-to-back appearances in 2012 and 2013. Creston ended up with a sixth spot in their first Grand Final and a fifth in their second.

Travelling the farthest is the gutsy team from King Edward High School in Matatiele. For the last four consecutive years, this team has topped the log. Faring well at the Grand Finals they have an eighth, two sixth places and a seventh in last year’s Grand Final.

The two ladies heading up the King Edward team, Coach and Manager Lizel du Randt and new Coach Tarryn McArthur said, “Our KEHS girls have an unbelievably positive, upbeat spirit this year. Our girls know that when their legs run out, they play with their hearts and this year we have loads of heart.”

The action will be split over two fields, with the first games seeing Creston going up against Scottburgh High, and on the second field Southcity taking on travelling team iXopo. Once all the pool games are complete, the semi finals will get underway, followed by positional games and the gold / silver game capping off a full day of hockey.

The winner of the Southern KZN Regional will join teams from around KZN at the Grand Finals taking place at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof on 20 and 21 July.

The regional winner will join other teams that have already got a ticket to the Grand Finals. They are St Anne’s (PMB North Regional), Epworth School (PMB Central Regional), Crawford La Lucia (DBN North Regional) and Durban Girls’ College (DBN Central Regional) and from last weekend Amanzimtoti High School (DBN South Regional).

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow their Instagram account.

ENDS

Jade leads TWC out on home turf as they play host to the PMB North Regionals

Meet Jade Brandis, Captain of The Wykeham Collegiate first X1 hockey team.

Thirteen top Pietermaritzburg hockey teams will battle it out for two regional titles in the 9th SPAR School Girls’ Hockey Tournament on Sunday 3 March. The Wykeham Collegiate will host the northern regionals and St John’s D.S.G the central regionals.

Jade Brandis, the Wykeham Collegiate’s first team hockey captain, is excited about the team’s upcoming challenge.  The team once held the title in 2012, but were ousted by St. Anne’s the following year, with Saints having dominated this regional.  “But at the end of the day it is all about hockey, how we play and the learnings we take from these tournaments,” she says. “The SPAR tournament is one of our year highlights and is always an enjoyable and exciting event”

Jade is something of a “mean sporting machine”, besides a love for outdoor hockey she also is captain of the first indoor hockey team, and has played provincially for KZN’s U12, U13 and U16 hockey teams, while also finding gaps in her busy diary to cycle and play tennis.

Equally at home in the classroom and on the sports field, Jade has colours for both academics and hockey, and cites completing the gruelling Fish River Canoe Marathon in 2016 and three Midmar Miles as some of her sporting highlights.

Jade enjoys the many leadership roles she plays at school. With two hockey captaincies she is also Head of House, was Head of the Junior Hall, and is Head of the School’s Chamber of Commerce.

Hailing from the farming community of Underberg, Jade says she began playing hockey in Grade one at the local primary school there, and she says that the thing she most enjoys about hockey is “the energy, encouragement and passion within our team.” 

Going out onto the field, is not always about the win she believes, with some wise words coming from her coaches. “They inspire us to be humble in our victories, and find the good in our losses, but in any event many lessons will be learnt during the matches.”

The gutsy twelfth grader, says that her favourite subject is Consumer Studies, as she loves to learn about health and nutrition and then implementing that into great meals. “I am hoping to study Consumer Science when I leave school, and then use that to travel and work.”

When she is not playing one of the myriad sports or pushing ahead with academic commitments, Jade loves to cook, bake, play her guitar, cycle, hike and runs with her dogs.

It seems though the sporting success runs in her family’s veins with her father, Brian, cycling competitively and her sister, Samantha, playing U14 provincial hockey as well as being on the provincial equestrian team.

Jade says that celebrated tennis player Rodger Federer is her all time sporting role model as “I have witnessed his amazingly good sportsmanship from a very young age.”

Heading for the PMB North Regionals, win or lose, Jade shares the words she lives by: “Everything happens for a reason” and “It’s all about confidence.”

The Pietermaritzburg North Regionals, which features TWC, St Anne’s College Voortrekker High, Grace College, Howick High and Treverton, takes place on Sunday 3 March at The Wykeham Collegiate. Fixtures will be published on the SPAR School Girls’ Hockey Facebook page.

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Caption to photo by Jonathan Burton:

TWC’s 1st Hockey X1 Captain Jade Brandis gets ready for the PMB northern regionals of the SPAR School Girls’ Hockey Challenge, hosted by her school on March 3.

Kelsey aims to gently “shake the world”

Kelsey aims to gently “shake the world”

First up in the SPAR School Girls’ Hockey Challenge this year is a derby day of hockey on Sunday 3 March, with St John’s D.S.G. hosting the Pietermaritzburg Central Regionals and The Wykeham Collegiate, the PMB Northern Regionals. We chatted to captain of host school St John’s, Kelsey Paige Dellar, a Grade 12 learner who is passionate about life, learning, sport, and in particular hockey.

Leading the team out onto the field for the ninth SPAR School Girls’ Hockey Challenge, determined midfielder, Kelsey Dellar, will be focused on winning back the regional title which they held in 2017, and lost to Epworth in 2018. “I think one of my best memories of playing the SPAR tournament was in the final against Epworth in 2017. We won and I remember our whole team huddling together and celebrating. It was one of my favourite hockey moments and we all bonded as a family.”

The feisty Deputy Head Girl, not only has excelled in academics with honours, but has proved herself a worthy competitor in a number of sporting codes with colours for hockey and half-colours for soccer, as well as first team awards for indoor and field hockey, swimming, water polo, soccer and cross-country.  Her provincial accolades include playing for hockey for KZN U18B, U16B as well as KZN U16 inland soccer. 

Kelsey began her hockey career in Grade four at Pelham Senior Primary School, and says that she most enjoys playing the game because it gives her the “opportunity to be a part of a team and to be completely selfless.”   

The sport, she says, has also given her opportunities to learn some  important life lessons.  “I started off my hockey career by making the U10D team in Grade four,” she laughs. “I thought that I had no potential and I was absolutely terrified of being hit by a hard, round, white ball. The thing that kept me in the game was my friends. They encouraged me to make a higher team to be with them. Eventually, I moved up to B team the next year and finally made first team in Grade six. If it wasn’t for the motivation of my coaches, family and friends; I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

The hockey bug caught her at a young age and has continued throughout her high school career.  “Hockey continues to give such fantastic life lessons,” she says. “Our coach Lyndal Robertson (aka Binks) once said to me that I must never ask a parent or coach where I went wrong, but ask myself the same question. That’s when I was able to flourish as an individual player and not base my performance on other people’s opinions.”

She cites former St John’s captain Charllene Boshoff who matriculated in 2018, as one of her top role models. “Charllene is currently playing hockey in America but played with me last year for the first team.  She constantly inspires me to give of my best and I admire all the hard work and dedication which she puts into hockey. She is definitely a player whom I look up to and one of my closest friends.”

Off the hockey and soccer fields, and out of the pool, Kelsy also enjoys going for runs, doing yoga and reading as well as creating art. 

Clearly one up for a challenge, she says that her favourite subject is Maths as “I love the feeling of solving a problem and the ability to formulate an answer from a tricky equation.” 

And while she is not 100% sure of what she wants to study yet, she is interested in the finance and business world and will probably go on study a BCom degree when she leaves school.

The fun-loving and quietly spoken sports-lover says she aspires to live by the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “In a gentle way, you can shake the world.”  

The Pietermaritzburg Central Regionals take place on Sunday, 3 March at St John’s D.S.G. Fixtures will be published on the SPAR School Girls’ Hockey Facebook page. 

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Caption to photo by Jonathan Burton:

St John’s 1st Hockey X1 Captain Kelsey Dellar looks forward to the PMB Central regionals of the SPAR School Girls’ Hockey Challenge, hosted by her school on March 3.

Meet Georgina Baker – Captain of St Anne’s - defending champs of the PMB North Regionals of the SPAR Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Meet Georgina Baker – Captain of St Anne’s - defending champs of the PMB North Regionals of the SPAR Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Next Sunday (March 3) 13 Pietermaritzburg hockey teams take to the astroturf in two regional titles in the 9th SPAR School Girls’ Hockey Challenge. 

PMB North Regional champs, St Anne’s DSG will be setting their sights on retaining their title as they battle it out with five other teams at host school The Wykeham Collegiate. Down in the valley the PMB Central Regionals will be hosted by St John’s D.S.G as defending champs, Epworth attempt to hold onto their regional title.

Captain of St Anne’s first hockey X1 Georgina Baker, is eager to lead her team out onto the field as they battle it out with TWC, Grace College, Treverton, Voortrekker and Howick High to retain their regional crown.

The 17 year old Grade 12 learner, has a true passion for sport, holding the prestigious title of “Sportswoman of the Year” at St Anne’s in 2017. Besides a love for outdoor hockey, Georgina also plays indoor hockey, squash and soccer. She currently plays for the KZN U18A hockey team and was also selected for the KZN U18B squash squad but unfortunately was unable to go on tour.

Hailing from the historic midlands town of Nottingham Road, the gutsy centre back started playing hockey in Grade 1 at Clifton Nottingham Road, and says she loves playing hockey as it is a team sport, and she enjoys that team atmosphere of hockey. “But I also enjoy the healthy competition on the pitch,” she laughs.  

Georgina, who is quite at home playing sport or in the classroom, has colours for hockey, squash and academics. She hopes to study business science or occupational therapy when she leaves school, preferably at UCT. “My favourite subject is life science, because I find learning about the human body and evolution, as well as the environment very interesting,” she says.

With the adrenaline pumping as she shoots for goal, or whacks a squash ball, Georgina finds time to quieten down by playing the piano as she says “it takes my mind off things.”

Georgina’s three other siblings all enjoy sport, and she is particularly proud of her brother Murray who played provincial squash, hockey and cricket last year.

She cites Roger Federer as her sporting role model. “I look up to the way he conducts himself both on and off the court,” she says. “He is always humble and grateful in both his wins and defeats, and is always respectful of his opponent.  That is something to truly aspire to.”

In the competitive world of sport, Georgina says that the best bit of inspirational advice she has received from her coach is “Never be complacent and to practice like you play.”

No wonder then, that she lives by the words of her father, "it's all about the mind". 

The Pietermaritzburg North Regionals take place on Sunday 3 March at The Wykeham Collegiate.

For more info, visit the SPAR School Girls’ Hockey Facebook page.

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SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge - Durban North Regional 9 March 2019

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Durban North Regional

Crawford La Lucia: Saturday 9 March

The third regional in the 2019 SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge gets rolling on Saturday 9 March at Crawford La Lucia.

Eight teams will gather at this year’s regional, taking to the pitch to participate in 20 minute one way running time with the teams being split up into two pools. A win will earn the team 4 points, a draw with goals 2 points and a goalless draw 1 point and a loss zero points. The cross-pool playoffs are also 20 minutes in duration, starting just before lunchtime.

Leading Pool A, defending champs Our Lady of Fatima hope to retain their regional title. Joining them are Ashton International College, Northlands Girls’ High and Durban North College. Heading up Pool B are hosts Crawford La Lucia with Danville Park Girls’ High, Crawford North Coast and Reddam House uMhlanga. 

Three teams have previously progressed to the Grand Finals representing the Durban North Regional: Fatima have made three appearances, placing fifth in three grand finals, namely in the inaugural year 2011, and then the last two consecutive years. Similar to Fatima, Ashton have also represented the region three times in the years 2013, 2015 and 2016, with their final positions at the Grand Finals being 6th, 7th and 9th while Danville have made it all the way twice in 2012 and 2014 finishing with a 6th and a 9th.

The first team on the turf are the defending champs, Fatima vs Northlands at 07.30 followed by a Crawford derby with hosts La Lucia taking on their North Coast campus.

Head Coach for Our Lady of Fatima, Jacinta Jubb enthused, “This year our team has a fantastic mix of youthful and experienced players. This powerful mix, I'm sure, will be the changing factor for our team. We have been building as a team for 2 years now, and fine-tuning our technical abilities while developing our structural understanding. The Fatima girls always play with such heart, and I feel this year all our hard work will pay off.”

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow their Instagram account.

ENDS

 Photo: Rogan Ward:

Keeping their eyes on the ball, captains Megan Coreejes (Our Lady of Fatima – defending champions) and Rachel Wilkinson (Crawford La Lucia – host school) are pictured ahead of the Durban North Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge.

Pietermaritzburg Central and Northern Regionals St John’s D.S.G. and The Wykeham Collegiate: Sunday 3 March

SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge

Pietermaritzburg Central and Northern Regionals

St John’s D.S.G. and The Wykeham Collegiate: Sunday 3 March

Firing up the 2019 SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge, the first two regionals tip off in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday 3 March.

Host for the Pietermaritzburg Central Regional is St John’s D.S.G. while up the road, The Wykeham Collegiate will play host to the Pietermaritzburg Northern Regional. The central games get under way at 07.30am and half an hour later for the northern regional. The top two teams for both regionals will duel it out for their regional final at 01.25pm at The Wykeham Collegiate, and at 02.50pm at St John’s D.S.G. The prize givings will follow the finals for each regional.

Central hosts, St John’s are one times winners having advanced to the Grand Finals in 2017, they take on defending champs Epworth School together with six times victrix, Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School. Also part of the central regional are Russell High, Alexandra High, Maritzburg Christian School and Carter High.

Wykeham have also earned the regional title once in the second tournament in 2012. St Anne’s College have dominated the area winning the regional crown seven times. Hoping to topple Saint’s domination are schools from Voortrekker High, Grace College, Howick High and Treverton and of course host The Wykeham Collegiate.

Both regionals will be using the round robin format with a win earning them 4 points, a draw with goals 2 points, a goalless draw 1 point and a loss zero points. The match duration will last 20 minutes rolling time.

Following the first two Pietermaritzburg regionals, the tournament then travels to Durban for the Durban North and Durban Central Regionals taking place the weekend after. Once all the regionals have concluded, the regional finalists converge on the Grand Finals which takes place on 20 and 21 July at St Mary’s D.S.G.

ENDS