Ashton girls give their best shot

The wet weather did not dampen the spirits, or the action at the grand finals of this year’s SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge with Ashton International College giving their all in the competitive playoffs.

In the playoffs, Ashton met King Edward first. The game ended with the scoreline level on one all and the game going to a penalty shootout. King Edward managed to net all of their chances, while Ashton missed one, losing 4-3 to the team from Matatiele.

Their final game in the seventh eighth playoff was a North Coast derby against Grantleigh College from Richards Bay. After 30 minutes of hard-fought hockey, star player, Danelle van der Linde took her team one nil up, winning for them seventh position.

Ashton held Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School, Wartburg Kirchdorf School and Amanzimtoti High School to a draw in their pool games.

They finally lost 3-1 to eventual bronze medal winners, St Anne’s, finishing seventh overall out of ten teams.

This was Ashton’s third appearance and the end result has proven steady and consistent play.

In their first appearance, they finished ninth overall in 2013, and last year they also ended seventh overall.

St Mary’s DSG bagged the coveted 1st place.

Managing director for SPAR KZN said each and every one of the players battled the chilly weather and did so superbly.

“After 29 games this weekend, 160 young ladies can be extremely proud of themselves for their achievement. They not only represented their school, but their region with great pride and grace. Well done ladies to your successes at this wonderful tournament,” said Rob Philipson.

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