‘RAINING’ champions, St Mary’s DSG, didn’t let the weather dampen their spirits as they continued their domination at the Highway Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge at Westville Girls’ High School on Saturday, March 21.

Claiming their 14th title, St Mary’s met Hillcrest High School in the regional final. In a class of their own, Saints were in top form, knocking in one of the highest scores at a regional final since the tournament began 16 years ago in KZN.

The attackers were on song, capitalising on superb pressure throughout the 20-minute final which ended 6-0 in favour of the defending champions.

Also read: Kloof Senior Primary place second in recycling competition

The first was just 63 seconds after the first pass, when Georgia Short slotted in a shot from in front of the goals. Two minutes later, Jenna-Leigh Freese pounded in her team’s second as she pierced the circle, firing off a rocket.

Hillcrest dug deep, having been on the back foot for most of the game, and crafted their first of several attacks with the clock nearing seven minutes.

Their adventurous forward, Sienna Kidgell, darted into the St Mary’s circle and launched an attempt at goal that keeper Ziyanda Mchunu calmly deflected.

The response was instantaneous with a rapid attack by St Mary’s, and 34 seconds later Olivia Sivewright netted the third goal. A minute later Sarah Patterson was left unmarked right in the middle of the Hillcrest circle and popped in her team’s fourth goal. Thirty seconds later Bella Roberts found herself with some space after a good run down the left. Roberts wasted no time as she entered the circle, thumping in her team’s fifth goal.

Nearing midway through the final, Hillcrest managed to send play up, earning themselves a short corner, the first of the final. Saints’ defenders were quick to get up to the D, forcing Hillcrest to move the ball around and upset their set piece with a rushed shot launched left of the goals.

Also read: IEBmatricresults2025: St Marys celebrates a 100% pass rate

Again, Saints responded with a devastating attack right down the middle, the perfect pass finding Freese who gently nudged the ball in for her second goal in the final and her team’s sixth.

The final eight minutes had both teams working hard. Four more short corners were awarded, with Hillcrest earning one and St Mary’s three.

Playing in her first SPAR tournament, Grade 10 goalie for Hillcrest, Theresli Meyers, started enjoying herself as the time wound down. Sliding around, the agile youngster kept the ball out of her goals, as did her counterpart Mchunu on the other side.

Umpiring in her first big tournament, young Amore Laubscher was acknowledged as the Most Promising Umpire. The youngster, representing Gelofte Skool, officiated the semi-final between St Mary’s DSG and Curro Hillcrest, as well as the playoff for seventh place. Another youngster who had a grand day at the challenge was Pinetown High School’s Tayla Zoe Hendricks. The Grade Eight learner won the prize of the Princess stick in the lucky draw in the fun-filled break before the playoff games.

Positions

1 St Mary’s DSG; 2 Hillcrest High School; 3 Thomas More College; 4 Curro Hillcrest; 5 Kloof High School; 6 Westville Girls’ High School; 7 Gelofte Skool; 8 Pinetown High School

For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter here