Volksrust clinches St Dominics hockey tournament title

The annual St Dominics Boys’ Hockey Pre-season Tournament continues to affirm its status as the premier boys’ hockey event in Northern KwaZulu-Natal.

Since its establishment in 2015, the tournament has grown steadily in stature, attracting leading schools from across the province and beyond, all eager to test themselves against top competition ahead of the winter season.

This year’s edition once again highlighted the strength and depth of schoolboy hockey in the region.

Nine schools participated overall, with the A Section (U/19) featuring nine highly competitive teams, while the B Section (U/16) division saw four teams vying for top honours.

The strong turnout reflects the tournament’s standing as a key fixture on the provincial hockey calendar.

More than just silverware

While silverware is always a motivating factor, the tournament’s purpose extends far beyond trophies. It provides a high-intensity platform for teams to test their resilience, showcase emerging talent and measure their preparation under match pressure.

For coaches, it offers a valuable opportunity to assess combinations, tactical structures and overall readiness before the official season begins.

Volksrust shines on debut

The highlight of the 2026 tournament was undoubtedly the exceptional performance by first-time participants Hoërskool Volksrust. In a dramatic and hard-fought campaign, they clinched the A Section title in their debut appearance.

Their path to victory included a thrilling semi-final encounter against the defending champions, decided in a tense eight-second penalty shoot-out.

Carrying that momentum into the final, Hoërskool Volksrust displayed composure, discipline and determination to be crowned the 2026 A Section champions; a remarkable achievement that will be remembered as one of the tournament’s stand-out moments!

Tournament results

Section A (U/19)

• Gold: Hoërskool Volksrust;
• Silver: Sarel Cilliers High School;
• Bronze: St Dominics Newcastle.

Section B (U/16)

• Gold: St Dominics Newcastle;
• Silver: Sarel Cilliers High School;
• Bronze: Dundee High School.

Since its inception, the tournament has played a significant role in growing and strengthening hockey in Northern KwaZulu-Natal.

By bringing together top-performing schools from both within and beyond the region, it continues to raise the competitive standard while fostering strong relationships within the school hockey community.

The St Dominics Boys’ Hockey Pre-season Tournament remains one of the most respected and well-supported schoolboy hockey events in the region; a true celebration of talent, discipline and sporting excellence.

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