Ashton U14A girls’ hockey team unbeaten on way to national title
The team claimed the prestigious Rising Champions Cup in Cape Town with six wins and a draw.
Ashton International College Ballito’s U14A girls’ hockey team etched their name into the history books in Cape Town last week.
The team went undefeated to win the prestigious Girls Rising Champions Cup, hosted at St Cyprian’s Diocesan School for Girls from August 7-10.
The tournament featured 12 schools from across the country, ranked 13th to 24th on the 2025 SA School Sports Hockey Rankings
The competition was only open to teams that had played at least 12 competitive matches by June 12. Ashton, who had never been in the top 25 before, played seven matches, winning six and drawing one, to emerge as worthy champions.
Coach Tyler Tomsett praised the team’s unity and resilience.
“This weekend was amazing!” said Tomsett.
“I am incredibly proud of how hard the girls worked and the dedication they showed to go unbeaten against tough opposition.”
The semi-final against Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof was a tense, goalless affair, with Ashton holding their nerve to win 3-2 in a penalty shootout.
In the final, they faced Eunice High School once again, edging a 1-0 victory to lift the trophy.
Tomsett highlighted the team’s composure throughout the tournament.
“From the pool matches to the intense semi-final shootout, the girls kept their cool, fought through every challenge and never gave up,” he said.
Erdine Coetzee, Head of Girls’ Sport at Ashton, also praised the players.
“This is a massive achievement. I am incredibly proud of the growth they have shown and look forward to seeing them perform next year,” said Coetzee.
Girls Rising Champions Cup Results:
• Pool Stage vs Eunice High School: Won 2-2
• Pool Stage vs Curro Durbanville: Won 3-1
• Pool Stage vs Parel Vallei High School: Won 2-0
• Pool Stage vs The Wykeham Collegiate: Won 2-1
• Pool Stage vs La Rochelle Girls’ High School: Won 1-0
• Semi-final vs Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof: Drew 0-0 (won 3-2, pens)
• Final vs Eunice High School: Won 1-0
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