Glencoe seals SPAR hockey regional
Although Ferrum scored first during the encounter, the visitors' team dug deep, holding on for a late short corner.
In a true underdog story, Sarel Cilliers shone at the SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge.
Hosted at St Dominic’s Academy over the weekend, the Glencoe-based school bested all comers, to advance from the Northern KwaZulu-Natal Regional.
Throughout the tournament, Sarel Cilliers emphasised goal defence.
In the finals, the school team defended itself from a relentless onslaught by Vryheid’s Hoërskool Pionier, thanks to formidable goalie, Naledi Ndala.
With the scores level, the tournament was decided by penalties.
Following a pattern almost identical to its previous shoot-out, Sarel Cilliers managed three goals, while Pionier netted only one.
“The Glencoe-based school quietly and determinedly worked its way through the pool games, ending its efforts with two wins, one draw and a two-nil loss to Pionier,” explained media liaison, Sophie Thompson.
Sarel Cilliers coach, Liezel van Tonder said, “There is only one word for my team – awesome. The girls played so well, their team spirit never faltered. It is exciting times ahead for us; we are a young team led by our brilliant captain, Anele Mtshali. We can’t wait for the finals.”
In the semi-finals leading to Sarel Cilliers’s victory, the team met Dundee High in a hard-fought contest, where the Glencoe girls put the shoot-out plan into action.
The other semi-final was the clash of the favourites, Pionier and Ferrum High.
Although Ferrum scored first during the encounter, the visitors’ team dug deep, holding on for a late short corner.
As the game went into extra time, Pionier sunk the goal to topple Ferrum.
Commenting after the finals, Tournament Director, Les Galloway said all teams in the competition had shown enormous ‘gees’ (spirit).
“The spirit both on and off the pitch was absolutely wonderful, and the hockey was of a high standard – this is what it is all about.”
Likewise, SPAR provincial Managing Director, Rob Philipson said he had heard only glowing reviews of the NKZN Regional, in terms of venue, weather and quality of play.
“We are delighted to have a brand new team joining us in at the Grand Finals. So, welcome to Sarel Cilliers!”
The next Regionals take place in Pietermaritzburg and Durban on March 12 and 13, where three more finalists will be decided.
The Grand Finals of the SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey tournament take place in July.
