A blistering hot day with temperatures soaring over 34 degrees did not deter great competition in the Pietermaritzburg Central and Northern legs of the 2015 SPAR KZN Regional Hockey Tournaments on Saturday 21 March.
Fourteen teams participated in these two regionals hosted by Howick High at the UKZN PMB Hockey grounds and by Treverton at Epworth respectively. A total of 138 goals were scored in 42 games. The tournament was played in round robin format with each team playing six games.
Teams that participated in the North Regionals were Grace College; St Anne's College; The Wykeham Collegiate; Carter High School; Howick High School; Voortrekker High School and Linpark High School. In the Central Regional the teams are Epworth Independent High School for Girls; Alexandra High School; St John's DSG; Pietermaritzburg Girls' High School; Maritzburg Christian School; Treverton College; Russell High School.
MD for SPAR, Rob Philipson said "The dedication of these teams was impressive. In spite of the oppressive heat, they played like young stars, giving their all to their games and using the opportunity to grow their games. Well done to all."
This tournament also creates opportunities for umpires to develop and hone their skills by giving an award to the Most Promising Umpire at each regional. Treverton's Craig Warren and Grace College Bryn Merton were both acknowledged for their sterling job with the whistle.
Results
Pietermartizburg Central Regional
1 Pietermaritzburg Girls' High School, 2 Treverton College, 3 Epworth Independent High School, 4 St John's DSG, 5 Russell High School, 6 Maritzburg Christian School, 7 Alexandra High School
Pietermaritzburg North Regional
1 St Anne's College, 2 The Wykeham Collegiate, 3 Howick High School, 4 Voortrekker High School, 5 Grace College, 6 Carter High School, 7 Linpark High School
Pic by Sophie Thompson: Attempting to control the aerial ball, Howick High School’s Christina Rencken and The Wykeham Collegiate’s Megan Attwood keep their eyes on the ball. Howick High finished in third place out of the seven schools that participated, winning four out of their six games played.