Local primary schools clash on the hockey field
Around 560 hockey players of local primary schools scrambled for goals during Flamboyant’s annual Twilight Hockey Festival.
Dressed in hockey gear and with loads of enthusiam, primary school pupils arrived at the White River Country Club on Friday, ready to take on rival teams.
Curro Nelspruit, Penryn Prep, Uplands Prep, St Peter’s, Woodlands, Riverview, King’s School, White River Primary and the hosts, Flamboyant School, participated in the friendly matches during the Twilight Hockey Festival. Each institution could bring six teams, one each for girls and boys in the u/9, u/11 and u/13 categories.
There were no assigned score keepers, but each school could informally keep score to track teams’ performances. Players stood a chance of winning spot prizes and each team received a goody bag after their matches.
Matches only lasted 15 minutes, which meant the pace was fast and players were determined to do their best within the allotted time.
Safety was a priority and players were required to wear shin protectors and mouth guards while on the field and no rough or dangerous play was allowed.
The school expected over 2 000 spectators, as parents, friends and family came to support. Stalls with sweets, food and drinks were constantly busy and paramedics ensured that any injuries were quickly treated.
The festival was a good way for young hockey players to practise against teams of roughly the same strength, learn more and refine their skills and experience the pressures of matches.
Despite great weather during the first few hours of the festival, rain had players and spectators running for cover later that evening. After deliberation by organisers and school representatives, it was decided to cancel the last few matches.
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