Eight teams converge for the Thirsti-SDAN tourney
The Thirsti-SDAN all-boys' tournament officially kicked off at 8.30am, with eight fierce teams scheduled to show off their skills.
“Eat, sleep, and breathe hockey,” – the motto of the players who took to the field at St Dominic’s Academy Newcastle on February 20.
The Thirsti-SDAN all-boys’ tournament officially kicked off at 8.30am, with eight fierce teams scheduled to show off their skills.
“We saw the need for a boys’ hockey tournament, as there were none that we could attend,” explained sports coordinator at St Dominic’s Academy Newcastle, Johan Jacobs. “We started the tournament in 2015 as a pre-season get together, to give all the Northern Natal boys’ hockey teams a base to build their teams from.”
The following schools participated in the event:
– St Dominic’s Academy Newcastle.
“The tournament this year was played in great spirit by all schools, and produced some good quality hockey,” he added. “We were fortunate to have an umpire manager in Tanya van Niekerk, to assist with guiding the umpires during the matches.”
A first of its kind in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, the newly built AstroTurf was a great addition to this years’ tournament.
The results of the tournament are as follows:
– In Group A, Dundee and Vryheid high schools finished in first and second place respectively.
– In Group B, Ladysmith and St Dominic’s came first and second respectively.
During the semi-finals, Dundee beat defending champions, St Dominic’s, 2-0. Ladysmith triumphed over Vryheid, beating them 2-0 to advance to the finals.
Dundee dominated, and proved they were the better team on the day, beating Ladysmith 3-0.
“The day finished when both Ladysmith and St Dominic’s formed a guard of honour for the winning side, Dundee High School, on their way to receive the winner’s trophy.”
Mr Jacobs concluded by thanking their sponsor, Thirsti, for their contributions.
Congratulations to the winning team, and all those who took part in the tournament.
Until next year!
