Umhlali Impis’ junior and elite hockey teams showed depth and drive as they took on tough competition in Durban recently.

The men’s first team competed in the Qualifier division of the Elite Club Challenge (ECC), South Africa’s premier club hockey tournament, at Riverside in Durban North from July 17 to 19. They opened with an exciting 3-2 victory over Shumbas, only to have the result overturned to a 3-0 loss on a technicality. The side then suffered defeats to Jeppe (4-1) and Beaulieu (8-1), but finished the tournament on a high by defeating Shumbas 4-1 to earn third place overall.

There was further reason to celebrate as the women’s first team secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Pretoria High School Old Boys Hockey Club in an ECC friendly. The win means they too will compete in the Qualifier division of next year’s ECC tournament.

The club’s future stars also impressed at the Lionsden Mini Hockey Festival at Westville School, where the Impis fielded five teams in the U9 and U11 age groups. The U9 mixed team enjoyed a perfect tournament, winning all its matches, while the U9 girls recorded three wins and a draw.

The U11 girls’ A team finished with two wins, one draw and one loss, the B team won three of its four matches, and the U11 boys celebrated one victory.

The youngsters now turn their attention to the Northwood Crusaders Hockey Tournament on August 2.