SPAR KZN Regional Hockey Tournament

FERRUM made it four in a row when they claimed the title of Newcastle Regional champions of the SPAR KZN Regional Hockey Tournament on Saturday at Ferrum High School.

The first girls’ hockey team kept a clean sheet in their six games as they dominated the regional in which nine other schools participated. This is the fourth time the compact team will be making an appearance at the finals in July.

Ferrum took on Pongola in the final of the Newcastle Regional. Both teams had several chances on goal but were unable to convert. There was no score at the full time whistle and the game went into a nail-biting penalty shootout. Ferrum stepped up, with their goal keeper Cheleen McQuade defending superbly and they won 3-0.

Tournament Director, Les Galloway commented after the tournament, “This regional was a great success with a wonderful festive atmosphere. The standard of hockey has certainly improved since the first regional in 2011 and if it wasn’t the great action on the field, it was the wonderful team spirit on the side lines with team dances and of course, Tjoppie the mascot for St Dominic’s Academy was a great attraction. I believe the girls had a truly enjoyable time, both on the field and off .”

The award for the Most Promising Umpire went to Tanya Pepler from St Dominic’s High. She will join the other nine Most Promising Umpires, that will be selected from around KZN, at the finals in July. SPAR KZN not only promotes school girls’ hockey but also gives the umpires an opportunity to gain experience at the finals and a chance to get a grading.

Rob Phillipson, MD for SPAR KZN said, “A hearty congratulations to Ferrum High, it is great to see that they will be joining us again at the finals. They played hard and it is just reward for their determined spirit.”

Ferrum is the first team through to the finals of the SPAR KZN Hockey Tournament that will take place on July 26&27 at Thomas More College and St Mary’s DSG. The next regional takes place this weekend with host school King Edward welcoming nine other schools in Matatiele.

For more info go to the Facebook page SPAR KZN Regional Hockey Tournament.