The annual Founders Hockey Festival was once again a highlight of the hockey season for Potchefstroom Boys High (PBHS) as their first team experienced top quality hockey and came out with their heads held high.
The 2016 Founders Festival was held in Stellenbosch this month and saw some of the best hockey schools competing during the Easter holiday break.
Potchefstroom Boys High held its own against Affies, SACS, Northwood and Paul Roos Gymnasium and was one of the most disciplined and committed schools during the festival. Northwood’s coach, Darryn Gallagher and Matthew Fairweather were full of praise for the Potch boys.
“In my 15 years as a coach and sports psychologist, have I never seen a team as well disciplined and committed as you. You played your hearts out till that last whistle went and never ever put your head down and said that you had had enough. This is all thanks to brilliant coaching and management. I applaud you,” Fairweather said.
The Founders’ Festival came about as a result of Des Donald and Mike Eddy who coordinated the first festival in Fish Hoek in 1982.
The festival was named ‘Founders’ after the public holiday that was held on 6 April at that time.
The first Founders Festival comprised eight teams from five core schools, namely Fish Hoek, Brebner, Potchefstroom Boys High, SACS and Dale College. Potchefstroom Boys High also holds the record for best participation in the tournament.
PBHS, in association with NWU Pukke Hockey, will host the Founders’ Hockey Festival next year.
First team results:
PBHS vs SACS 2-2
PBHS vs Afrikaans Hoërskool vir Seuns Pretoria 2-3
PBHS vs Rondebosch 0-3
PBHS vs Northwood 1-7
PBHS vs Kearsney College 1-6