Ashton International College Ballito’s hockey teams returned triumphant after an outstanding performance at the Reddam House Umhlanga Festival of Hockey from May 1-3.

Both boys’ and girls’ outdoor teams went unbeaten across the three-day tournament. The girls successfully defended their 2025 title, while the boys outdoor team made it a hat-trick of Reddam Umhlanga titles going back to 2024.

Girls’ first team head coach Nic White praised the squad’s composure and all-round performance.

“What impressed me most was the balance in our performance,” said White.

“We were sharp and organised at the back, and when our chances came, we took them. I’m incredibly proud of this group. The effort, the attitude, and the way you played for eachother stood out all weekend.”

The girls recorded victories over Reddam Umhlanga, Reddam Bedfordview, Thomas More College and Northlands Girls’ High School before edging Thomas More 2-1 in the outdoor final.

Ashton fielded two teams in the indoor competition, splitting their first team players between them. Both teams made it to the final, where a narrow 1-0 score line decided the title.

Captain Anna Angelopolous was named Girls’ Player of the Tournament and reflected on a memorable weekend.

“The Reddam Umhlanga Hockey Festival is always an exciting tournament, and this year was especially memorable,” said Anna.

“I was honoured to be named Girls’ Player of the Tournament, which reflects the support and effort of my team. Overall, it was a memorable weekend of quality hockey and strong team spirit and moments I will definitely carry with me.”

READ: Ashton reigns supreme at Reddam House Festival of Hockey | North Coast Courier

Head of girls’ sport Erdine Coetzee commended the team’s unity and consistency.

“Our girls showed up for eachother and played some phenomenal hockey,” said Coetzee.

The boys’ outdoor first team matched the girls’ success, conceding just one goal throughout the tournament. Ashton opened with 1-0 wins against Westville Boys’ High School’s second team and Thomas More, before beating Reddam Umhlanga and St Stithians College.

Goals from Craig de Grooth and Jaryd Mathias in the semi-final against St Stithians booked Ashton’s place in the final. After a tense 0-0 draw with Westville’s second team, the match went to a shootout, where Hayden Thorpe’s successful strike secured a 1-0 victory and the title.

READ MORE: Ashton indoor hockey teams finish strong across KZN A league seasons | North Coast Courier

Boys’ head coach Keegan Gibbon praised his team.

“The boys delivered a strong performance at the Reddam Festival,” said Gibbon.

“On Sunday, we drew 0-0 against Westville in a tense outdoor final, but Kyle delivered an outstanding performance, saving all the opposition’s penalties.”

Howard admitted he felt nervous at the start but grew in confidence as the tournament progressed.

“During the finals, the pressure was really on,” he said.

“With the crowd cheering and my teammates backing me all the way, I found confidence with every save. Save after save, I felt more determined to keep every shot out. When the final whistle blew, I knew it was all up to me in the one-on-ones.”

The young goalkeeper said he relied on his training in the decisive moments.

“I was nervous, but I focused on doing my best,” added Kyle.

“After my teammate scored the first goal and I made my first save, I felt a sense of calm. I remembered what my coaches always said: ‘Just have fun!’”

The boys’ indoor team also impressed, finishing as runners-up after losing to Thomas More in the final, capping a highly successful weekend for Ashton hockey.