Top teams converge for hockey tournament
Fantastic hockey was played by Uplands, Curro Nelspruit, Mpumalanga u/14 as well as a number of independent schools.
It was a festival of hockey boasting some of South Africa’s top talent during the u/14 Independent Schools Hockey. Uplands College hosted the event, for which a total of 12 teams from top independent schools travelled from around the country to take part in.
Each team played five games over the three days of competition. Uplands’ Alex Gitlin said the level of hockey was strong and exemplified the modern requirement for individual skill, spatial awareness, pace and full field utilisation.
All the teams played their matches on the AstroTurf fields at Uplands and Curro School Nelspruit.
Boys’ hockey at Uplands has seen huge growth at the school since its inception. It is compulsory for junior boys to participate in the sport.
Fantastic hockey was being played by Uplands, Curro Nelspruit, Mpumalanga u/14, St David’s, St John’s, St Charles’, Michaelhouse, Clifton Durban, Jeppe Boys, St Alban’s as well as Bishops from the Western Cape and St Andrew’s in the Free State last weekend.
The school said it trusted that all the players, coaches and parents enjoyed their time in the Lowveld.
Uplands faced a few tough matches, but the local lads demonstrated that they were eager to learn from strong opposition teams.
Gitlin thanked all those who supported the event.
• The u/16 event kicked off on Friday at St Andrew’s College in Grahamstown.
The Uplands College Boys 1st XI also travelled to Cape Town at the end of last week to attend the u/18 Independent Schools Hockey Festival as hosted by Bishops.
