Domino Servite for Grand Finals of SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

uMvoti and oThukela Regional

Deutsche Schule Hermannsburg: Saturday 7 May

In a surprise upset, Domino Servite took the honours in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge’s uMvoti and oThukela Regional at Deutsche Schule Hermannsburg on Saturday 7 May.

They met one of the favourites in the regions’ final game, toppling Wartburg Kirchdorf School in an all-important critical penalty shoot-out. After 25 minutes of play the whistle blew with the score line level on one each. 

Domino were awarded their first real threat in the game, a short corner midway through the final. The ball was pushed to the top of the circle, where the castle sent the ball towards the goals finding its way to the right where a tussle right on the post saw Wartburg’s goalkeeper Yoliswa Khenyisa keel over, hitting the upright and concussing herself.

Domino’s captain, Liezel Green managed to knock their goal in shortly after Wartburg’s keeper’s unfortunate injury. As the game drew to a close, Wartburg responded with a barrage of attacks, including four short corners. On their final set piece, they managed to equalise after the ball was pushed out to the top of the D, with Lise-Lea Engelbrecht trapping it cleanly, shifting the ball from her favoured right, side-stepping the first wave, and knocking in a reverse stick leveller. 

Seconds later the final whistle blasted announcing the outcome of the game would head to the penalty spot. Wartburg’s Robyn Vorster took their first opportunity scoring with her attempt and putting her team 1 point ahead. For the next four rounds the score board remained on 2 – 1 to Wartburg. 

Domino’s captain Green stepped up to the spot, and determinedly took the ball up, zig-zagging as she went. A firm standing Wartburg’s stand in keeper, Andile Dube was unable to keep up with the quick footed, Green’s attempt and watched amazed as the ball rolled over her line, again levelling the score. 

The game’s conclusion then moved to sudden death with Wartburg setting off first. Their fourth penalty being mis-hit giving Domino the edge. Amy van Tonder from Domino eagerly stepped up and calmly made her way goalwards, pulling the ball right and determinedly knocking the ball across the line earning her team their third goal and the regional title for the first time. 

Chatting after the final, Captain for Domino Liezel Green shared, “We came here a little bit unsure but were quite excited. We knew we were stronger than two teams but Wembely and Wartburg we were a bit unsure about.  We were delighted to reach the final, but we were exhausted, so it was a game that we played a lot more defensively. We didn’t expect to win but we are very happy and delighted to make it through to the grand finals for the first time.”

Coach for Domino, Willen du Toit, “We enjoyed it. It was tough and draining and a rollercoaster day. We got to the final and scored and then right at the end they scored and we had to go to a shootout. It was fun and I am very happy for the team, they did well.”

Acknowledged for his efforts with the whistle, Gareth Larkan from host school Hermannsburg was named Umpire of the Day.

In their inaugural appearance, Domino Servite will represent the uMvoti and oThukela Region as the eighth team at the Grand Finals in July, They join Pionier Hoërskool (Northern KZN Regional); St Anne’s College (PMB North Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (PMB Central Regional); Our Lady of Fatima (DBN North Regional); St Mary’s D.S.G. (Highway Regional); Kuswag Hoërskool (DBN South Regional); and most recently King Edward High School (Ugu and Sisonke Regional).

Next week the action moves to Durban for the second last tournament for 2022, the Durban Central Regional at Durban Girls’ College, followed by the Northern KZN Coastal Regional at Grantleigh School in Richards Bay on Saturday 21 May. 

Results

1 Domino Servite 2 Wartburg Kirchdorf School 3 Wembley College 4 Greytown High School 5 Deutsche Schule Hermannsburg 

Game Scores

Wartburg 2 vs Wembley 0 

Domino 1 vs Greytown 0 

Hermannsburg 0 vs Wartburg 5 

Greytown 0 vs Wembley 1

Hermannsburg 0 vs Domino 3

Wartburg 0 vs Greytown 0

Wembley 1 vs Domino 1 

Greytown 2 vs Hermannsburg 0

Domino 0 vs Wartburg 0

Wembley 2 vs Hermannsburg 0

ENDS

I heart Market - For some Mothers’ Day Gift Shopping on 7 May

I heart Market - For some Mothers’ Day Shopping

7 May from 8:30am - 2pm

Moses Mabhida Stadium Lawns

(Free Entrance & Dogs allowed)

Durban: May’s I heart Market takes place this Saturday (7 May) and comes just in time, the day before Mothers’ Day, offering a  perfect opportunity to get some last-minute gift shopping done.  The market also looks forward to welcoming international and out-of-town visitors here for the Travel Indaba this week.

The I heart Market remains one of Durban’s top-quality artisanal, craft, and entrepreneurial markets with delicious foods, crafts, décor, and fashion- all made with love and care, and with heart-stopping attention to detail.

To treat mums with something truly bespoke for Mothers’ Day, browse around the many inspired stalls for gifts, and take a break to refresh at some of the decadently delightful food stalls, offering something for the whole family.

Need some ideas for Mothers’ Day? Some unusual ideas include Lulubee Skin Health, for example, which is a  Botanique Massage Bar that keeps one’s skin soft and muscles relaxed, as it is infused with Cape Snowbush - a natural muscle relaxant – just what mum needs to unwind.

Lulubee Massage Bar

Then the aromatic Nude Home Fragrances made in Salt Rock with 100% soy wax for an eco-friendly burn has a Cabin Fever candle that is a real winter warmer with notes of cardamom, clove, sweet orange, and vanilla, it's like sipping a cup of chai next to a fireplace. 

Nude home Fragrance

Riverlea Soap's Fizzy Cubes also offers mum a great way to relax. She can pop them in a warm bath and enjoy the sophisticated floral scent from this nourishing bath bomb.  

Riverlea Soaps - Fizzy Cubes

But there is so much more. There are gorgeous designer and affordable silver jewellery, handbags, and purses in leather, and an array of South African inspired fabrics, clothing, accessories, and gorgeous items for the home too. Like Handpicked Baskets that have a contemporary take on the traditional Zulu designs that are made by a team of local women-led by uMam'Majozi in a rural village in KZN, using the local 'Incema' grass and dry palm leaves. These stylish African pieces are a fabulous addition to a lounge, for stacking firewood or a place to store extra winter blankies.

Handpicked Baskets

 The market on the lawns of the Moses Mabhida Stadium is open from 8:30am to 2pm.

 For enquiries about I heart Market please mail info@iheartmkt.com 

Fixtures for uMvoti and oThukela Regional of SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

uMvoti and oThukela Regional

Deutsche Schule Hermannsburg: Saturday 7 May

Deutsche Schule Hermannsburg will be a hive of hockey activity on Saturday 7 May as they welcome local schools for the uMvoti and oThukela Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge.

Five teams will head to the fields at Hermannsburg where they will meet in 25 minute action-packed games. Schools joining host, Hermannsburg, taking to the field on the day are Domino Servite, Greytown High School, Wartburg Kirchdorf School and Wembley College. 

The format for the day is a round robin programme, with a win earning the team 4 points, a draw with goals 2 points, a goalless draw 1 point and a loss zero points. 

Three teams have represented this area at the Grand Finals with two of the previous winners, Wartburg School and Wembley College starting the proceedings at 8am, getting the ball rolling in the first game of the day. Wembley College are the defending champs, having won last year’s regional on their home turf. Greytown High School have also lifted the trophy making one appearance at the Regional Finals in Kloof. 

This regional is the eighth one in the ten region challenge. All ten teams will then head to St Mary’s D.S.G. in Kloof in July for two days of intense action at the Grand Finals. Teams that have secured their place at the Grand Finals are Pionier Hoërskool (Northern KZN); St Anne’s College (PMB North Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (PMB Central Regional); Our Lady of Fatima (DBN North Regional); St Mary’s D.S.G. (Highway Regional); XYZ (DBN South Regional) and most recently, King Edward High School (Southern KZN Regional). 

The last two regionals to take place are next weekend, Sunday 15 May with Durban Girls’ College welcoming teams to their turf for the Durban Central Regional. Concluding the regionals, Grantleigh School will host the Northern KZN Coastal Regional on Saturday 21 May. 

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow on Instagram. All games will be livestreamed on the SuperSport Schools website or app. 

ENDS

King Edward School wins Sisonke and Ugu Regional of SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Sisonke and Ugu Regional 

King Edward High School: Saturday 23 April

Amazing and nerve-wracking was how hosts, King Edward High School’s captain described her teams’ performance in the Sisonke and Ugu Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that took place in Matatiele on Saturday 23 April

King Edward was on fire in the cold and wet weather, with a full complement of victories throughout the day, including the main game where they met Suid Natal Skool in the regional final. 

After ninety seconds of play, King Edward earned a long corner on the far left of the field. Thirty seconds later saw the local team break into the circle for the first time but the visiting team put a quick stop to the attack, clearing it just beyond the 22. The locals quickly picked up the clearance and pushed the ball to the far right. After breaking away from the defenders, the ball got moved rapidly to the center of the circle where an unmarked King Edward center forward was quietly waiting. Jaylin van Wyk stopped the ball, steadied herself and knocked in the first goal with 2 minutes and 22 seconds of play on the clock. 

Suid Natal dusted themselves off and for majority of the remainder of the game, dominated possession. With almost six minutes of play, they got their first attempt at the KEHS goal but misfired a reverse stick attempt. A few seconds later, they earned a short corner with the attempt going wide. A dash at the King Edward defense with 8 minutes left of play fizzled out and two minutes later they fired in a shot from the top of the D that rocketed to the right of the King Edward goal. 

As time started running low, Suid Natal found themselves with a phenomenal opportunity, a rare one-on-one. King Edward High School’s proactive keeper Tumi Pakkies who hadn’t seen much action during the course of the day, boldly left her line charging towards the attack by Linki Buitendagh. Diving head first, Pakkies managed to defend and distract the Suid Natal attack that stalled in the corner. Suid Natal continued their valiant efforts but the King Edward team snuffed any further attempts and took the regional title for the fifth time. 

Playing in her third SPAR tournament, captain for KEHS, Kiandre Jacquire said, “The final was a tough one, intense and overwhelming. And I am proud of the team for holding strong. We pushed hard in every game, and played our best throughout the day. Playing to our full potential, we managed to win all our games.”

Coach for King Edward, Joaquim Kok shared, “Despite it being wet and rainy, the girls managed to pull through in every single game. They made us proud, they themselves proud because they were determined to do the best that they could. Despite the weather, they played so well and I am very proud of them.” 

Commenting on the final, Kok continued, “The final was a bit tense, a very hectic and challenging game but with one goal, we managed to keep it there and play the defensive game against them and managing to win the game, and tournament in total.”

Recognised for his efforts with the whistle, Umpire of the Day was awarded to Tiaan Prinsloo from King Edward High School. 

The bronze medal game between South Coasters’ Creston College and Southcity Christian School ended nil nil after twenty minutes of play. The game headed to the penalty spot where both teams levelled out with 1 goal each after the first round of three shoot-outs. To decide on the winner, the next round went to sudden death where Creston’s Melissa Bense held strong and managed to net her attempt, edging out hard working Southcity after their missed attempt. 

Earlier in the day, at the conclusion of Pool B, the two teams, Creston College and defending champs, Kokstad College who have both previously made it through to the Grand Finals representing the region, had to square off in a penalty shoot out to see who advanced through to the semi-finals. Both ended their pool games level on 6 points each. Creston College managed a 2 – 1 victory in the penalty shoot-out, giving them a ticket to the semi-final where they met King Edward High School. In the other semi-final, Suid Natal met Southcity.

In the first semi-final, Suid Natal continued their sparkling performance with a 2 nil victory against Southcity. While Creston went down to the hosts, with King Edward knocking in 2 goals against the visitors. 

King Edward High School is the seventh team to earn a berth at the Grand Finals. They join six other teams that have already secured their spot from around KZN. They meet Pionier Hoërskool (Northern KZN Regional); St Anne’s College (PMB North Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (PMB Central Regional); Our Lady of Fatima (DBN North Regional); St Mary’s D.S.G. (Highway Regional) and Kuswag Hoërskool (DBN South Regional) at the Grand Finals which will be held in July in Kloof. 

Three regionals are still to be played in May, the uMvoti and oThukela Regional on Saturday 7 May, followed by the Durban Central Regional on Sunday 15 May and then finally Northern KZN Coastal Regional on Saturday 21 May. 

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow on Instagram. All of the SPAR games will be live streamed by SuperSport Schools on their website and mobile app. 

Results

1 King Edward High School; 2 Suid Natal Skool; 3 Creston College; 4 Southcity Christian School; 5 Kokstad College 6 St Monica’s Diocesan School; 7 St Patrick’s College; 8 Ixopo High School; 9 Bergview College

Game Scores

KEHS 1 vs Southcity 0

St Patricks 0 vs Suid Natal 1

Ixopo 0 vs KEHS1 

Bergview 0 vs Kokstad 0

Creston 0 vs St Patricks 0 

Southcity 0 vs St Monica’s 0

Suid Natal 2 vs Bergview 0

Kokstad 0 vs Creston 0

Suid Natal 2 vs Creston 0

KEHS 1 vs St Monica’s 0

Bergview 0 vs St Patrick’s 2

Ixopo 0 vs St Monica’s 0

Kokstad 1 vs St Patricks 0

Creston 1 vs Bergview 0

Suid Natal 1 vs Kokstad 0

Semi-final one: Suid Natal 2 vs Southcity 0

Semi-final two: Creston 0 vs KEHS 2

St Patrick’s 6 vs Ixopo 0

Kokstad College 0 (1) vs St Monica’s 0 (0) 

Bronze: Creston College 0 (2) vs Southcity 0 (1)

Gold / Silver Final: Suid Natal vs KEHS

ENDS

Young Cape Town Filmmakers Bag 3 Awards at Silwerskermfees

Young Cape Town Filmmakers Bag 3 Awards at Silwerskermfees

Cape Town, SA. Director Jordy Sank, and producers Gabriella Blumberg and Samantha Pelteret bagged three awards for Best Short Film, Audience Choice and Best Script for their film Leemtes en Leegheid at the recent kykNET Silwerskerm Film Festival in Cape Town.

This honour follows hot on the heels of Sank and Blumberg’s debut award-winning feature I am Here, a documentary about one of the last living Holocaust survivors, which recently played in over 85 theatres across America and won Best South African Documentary at the Durban International Film Festival.

Leemtes en Leegheid is a poignant film about Magdaleen, a recluse in her 80s, who numbs the pain of losing her husband by envisioning him beside her. After being locked away with the memory of him in her apartment, she desperately attempts to venture into the outside world again and to the sea she so longs for.

Produced by Sanktuary Films, with a screenplay by Jordy Sank, and Terence Makapan, the film features veteran actors of stage and screen, Lida Botha, Johan Botha and Ivan Abrahams. Lida and Johan have been married for over 50 years and intimately portrayed their love on screen. 

"We have seen how this story of grief and isolation has resonated so widely, and we hope it brings comfort and closure to those who watch it,” says producer Gabriella Blumberg. “We are honoured that the film has received such high recognition at Silwerskermfees and we hope it travels to audiences around the world."

"Within the past few years we have all experienced tremendous loss and loneliness in many shapes and forms, which is why we believe the story of "Leemtes en Leegheid" truly resonates with audiences,” says director Jordy Sank. “It is an intimate film that explores what happens when we have to learn to live without those we love so dearly. Winning the Audience Choice, Best Short Film  and Best Script Awards at Silwerskermfees show how deeply the themes and characters within the film are able to penetrate the hearts of those who watch it."

The short film will be coming to Showmax soon.

-ends

King Edward High School welcomes ten teams for the Sisonke and Ugu Regional 23 April 2022

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Sisonke and Ugu Regional

King Edward High School: Saturday 23 April

King Edward High School welcomes ten teams for the Sisonke and Ugu Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey on Saturday 23 April. 

In Pool A, King Edward High will be joined by Southcity Christian School, St Monica’s Diocesan School; Port Shepstone High School and Ixopo High School. In Pool B St Patrick’s College; Suid Natal High School; Bergview College; Kokstad College and Creston College. 

Games tip off at 8am, with the action being played on two fields. Each game will last 20 minutes going one way. A win earns a team 4 points, a draw with goals counts for 2 points, a goalless draw only 1 point and a loss zero points. Taking to the field first will be host school, King Edward taking on Southcity, on the second field St Patrick’s meet Suid Natal. 

After the pool games have concluded, the teams head to a cross pool play off, with the medal games finishing up the day. 

This region has produced three winners that have travelled to the Grand Finals. Creston College, Kokstad College and host school King Edward High School have all had their names engraved on the regional trophy. 

This is the seventh regional in the ten regional challenge that trots around KZN each year, leading up to the Grand Finals at St Mary’s D.S.G. in July. Six teams have already secured their berth for the Grand Finals, they are Pionier Hoërskool (Northern KZN Regional); St Anne’s College (PMB North Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (PMB Central Regional); Our Lady of Fatima (DBN North Regional); St Mary’s D.S.G. (Highway Regional) and Kuswag Hoërskool (DBN South Regional). 

Following this regional the challenge heads to the Deutsche Schule Hermannsburg for the uMvoti and oThukela Regional on Saturday 7 May. 

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow on Instagram. All games are livestreamed on the SuperSport Schools website or app.

ENDS

Kuswag wins Durban South Regional of SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Durban South Regional

3 Schools Trust Astro: Sunday 10 April 2022

Kuswag Hoërskool took the top honours in the Durban South Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on Sunday 10 April at the 3 Schools Trust Astro in Glenwood. 

With under a minute on the clock Kuswag managed to find a hole in the sterling last line of Kingsway High School’s defence. After 24 minutes, both teams managed to get some game-time in each other’s circle, with Kuswag’s aim being more on target. Captain for Kingsway, Aphiwe Masuku had some work to do as she whizzed around magically keeping Kuswag’s attempts away. She kept the ball out as Kuswag pelted her with several attempts but she was unable to keep an unmarked Silke Bester’s sneaky shot from slightly right of the top of the D, rolling across the goal line with only 56 seconds left of play.  

Kuswag had more possession during the regional final and looked more threatening taking the game up with several well-crafted surges. Captain Anandi Strydom was the first Kuswag player to take aim at Kingsway’s goals, as she fired in a reverse stick shot midway through the final, with Bester directly following up with a missile fired from the top of the D. With 6 minutes and 23 seconds remaining, Kuswag secured the first and only short corner of the game, but Kingsway’s backline managed to stand strong and keep their neighbours at bay. 

Strydom was again in the action, with yet another go for goals as she weaved and spun along the circle, spinning around and fired off her shot that was met by the ever present Masuku. Nearing a minute remaining, Strydom again had some space on the circle and tried to find a gap with yet another shot that was defended. The ball popped out to the right where a waiting Bester pounced on the ball and fired off the regional winning goal. 

Both teams were completely level as they advanced through the day and ended with three wins and a draw against each other in the round robin. 

Eleven games were played in wet weather, with the girls all relishing the cooler conditions. 

Captain for the winning team. Anandi Strydom said after the game, “It was an amazing experience playing in the rain. I think all the schools that were here, and gave us the opportunity to come play were fantastic and well done to Kingsway for hosting a wonderful day.”

Continuing, she said, “Playing against Kingsway at the end was brilliant, we couldn’t have asked for a better team to play against. Silke scored right at the end. It was really tough; we were so evenly matched the entire final. It was literally 50 / 50 the whole time making for a great game.” 

When the two medaling teams met in the round robin game earlier in the day, a composed Kingsway backline kept Kuswag’s attempts from amounting to anything, with three spectacular saves from Masuku in the goals keeping the scoreline level to a goalless draw. 

Recognised for his efforts, Nick Vinek from Amanzimtoti High School was awarded the Umpire of the Day.

Kuswag join five teams who have already secured their spot for the Grand Finals, the other finalists are Pionier Hoërskool (Northern KZN Regional); St Anne’s College (PMB North Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (PMB Central Regional); Our Lady of Fatima (DBN North Regional) and St Mary’s D.S.G. (Highway Regional).

The next tournament heads inland to Matatiele to King Edward High School for the Sisonke and Ugu Regional on 23 April. 

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow on Instagram. All games will be livestreamed on the SuperSport Schools website or app. 

Results

1 Kuswag Hoërskool 2 Kingsway High School 3 Werda School 5 Points 4 New Forest High School 2 Points 5 Amanzimtoti High School 1 Point

Game Scores 

Werda 0 vs New Forest 0 

Kuswag 5 vs Toti 0 

Kingsway 2 vs Werda 0 

Kuswag 1 vs New Forest 0 

Kingsway 2 vs Toti 0 

Kuswag 2 vs Werda 0 

Amanzimtoti 0 vs New Forest 0 

Kingsway 0 vs Kuswag 0 

Werda 1 vs Toti 0 

Kingsway 2 vs New Forest 0 

Final Kuswag 1 vs Kingsway 0

April is World Autism Month - action in Autism Activities

Action in Autism is hosting a number of open events in recognition of World Autism Month in April.

On 9 April  from 9am to 2pm Action in Autism invites people to pledge to be non-speaking and participate in a sensory heaven experience at The Action in Autism Centre, 105 Haig Road, Parkhill.

On 21 April at 9am there is a march for the right to basic education for the many out of school autistic learners, starting at The Durban City Hall and proceeding to The Department of Education and Culture, Truro House

On 22 April join in the Action in Autism/UKZN webinar on the Challenges faced by the Autistic Community at 2pm – 4.30pm.  Zoom link to be shared.

The month of April, World Autism Month, can be a difficult time for autistic people and those who support them.  Typical people highlight the condition through out-moded symbols such as puzzle pieces and the colour blue and parents speak about how exhausting it is to raise an autistic child and this can be very triggering for the autistic community who would simply like to be accepted, supported, and included in society.  

Over 50 % of autistic people are non-speaking or partially speaking and, like all of us, autistic people long for agency and control over their lives.   Action in Autism, a non-profit organisation that strives to improve services and resources for autistic people and their supporters, is using the month of April to focus on highlighting and advocating for the rights of autistic people to education and basic services.  The organisation’s annual Pledge to be Non-speaking event, to be held at the Action in Autism Centre on Saturday 9 April from 10am to 2pm, will include a sensory heaven experience tailored by and specifically for autistic people. Those attending will be encouraged to use only alternative means of communication – signs, gestures, pointing, tapping or drawing – for the duration of the event. A foam pit, ball pond, lycra swing, trampolines and other sensory input will be available for our community. There is no prescribed fee, but a donation of R50 per family would be highly appreciated. Action in Autism does not receive funding from government and relies on donations and support from the community for the running of their services.

Inspired and encouraged by the many parents on the organisation’s Whatsapp support group who are struggling to find appropriate quality education services for their children, the organisation will hold a march on Thursday 21 April in Durban central to highlight the dire need for more schooling facilities to accommodate the many autistic children in the province who are currently out of school. The march starts at the City Hall complex and proceeds to The Department of Education and Culture, Truro House where a petition will be handed over to management.  The following day, Friday 22 April, Action in Autism in partnership with the University of KwaZulu Natal will host a webinar on Autism and the dire needs of the Autistic Community and to discuss the many challenges and stereotypes that autistic people still face. Throughout April, the voices of autistic people will be most prominent through the organisation’s social media platforms in the form of videos and other postings by autistic people in order that society gains further insight into understanding and accepting this marginalised and much maligned community. 

The central focus of Action in Autism is to improve the quality of life for autistic people and those who support them. The organisation builds partnerships between autistic people and the community through the provision of information, services, learning and research.  The organisation’s flagship programmes are its Early Learning Intervention Centre and Walk-in Resource Centre, the Shahumna Centre, a Skills Transfer and Business Hub for autistics, and a new Assessment and Therapy Wing.  Join the autistic community at the Action in Autism Centre on 9 April, engage in alternative forms of communication, enjoy the sensory heaven experience, and march with them for the right to educational services on 21 April and join the webinar on 22 April.

If you would like to support Action in Autism through donations in cash or kind or through volunteering, or for more information about these events, please call 031 563 3039, or email info@actioninautism.org.za.

Kingsway ready to host DBN South Regional of SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Durban South Regional

3 Schools Trust Astro: Sunday 10 April

The sixth tournament in the exciting SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge is set to tip off on Sunday 10 April at the 3 Schools Trust Astro where Kingsway High School will host teams in the Durban South Regional. 

Looking forward to welcoming teams, Captain Aphiwe Masuku and Vice Captain Ashleigh van Staden from Kingsway High School are anticipating some wonderful action at the upcoming Durban South Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that they are hosting at the 3 Schools Trust Astro on Sunday 10 April. Pic by Rogan Ward

Teams participating in this regional alongside hosts Kingsway are Amanzimtoti High School, Kuswag Hoërskool, New Forest High School and Werda School. 

Kicking off the day, New Forest High School will take on Werda School in the first game. The games will be 25 minutes one way, with a break of two minutes between game change overs. The second game will feature the two teams who have lifted the trophy in this regional, Amanzimtoti High School and Kuswag Hoërskool.

After ten round robin games, the top two teams will face each other in the regional final. Points for the log will be 4 points for a win, 2 points for a draw with goals, 1 point for a goalless draw and zero points for a loss.  

The winner of the Durban South Regional will join the five teams that have made it through to the Grand Finals that will be held in July at St Mary’s D.S.G.. The five reigning regional champions are Pionier Hoërskool (Northern KZN Regional); St Anne’s College (PMB North Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (PMB Central Regional) Our Lady of Fatima (DBN North Regional) and St Mary’s D.S.G. (Highway Regional).

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page, or follow on Instagram. You can also watch all the games live on the SuperSport Schools App or website.

ENDS

Green Corridors Receives Award from Plastics SA

Durban-based NPO Green Corridors, which cares for green spaces around the City, this week was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by Plastics SA for its commitment and dedication to helping restore rivers and for protecting our waterways and natural environment.

Tri-ecotours founder and Green Corridors’ Litterboom Coordinator, Siphiwe Rakgabale (left photo) and Green Corridors’ Coastal and Waste Management Projects Officer Musawenkosi Shange (right photo) receive the Caroline Reid Award from Plastics SA’s Director of Sustainability Douw Steyn, on behalf of Green Corridors for its commitment and dedication to helping restore rivers and for protecting our waterways and natural environment.

The Caroline Reid Award was presented to Green Corridors’ Coastal and Waste Management Projects Officer Musawenkosi Shange, who works with the NPO’s Green Spaces programme, and Tri-ecotours founder and Green Corridors’ Litterboom Coordinator, Siphiwe Rakgabale.

Caroline Reid was an ocean conservation warrior who coordinated hundreds of beach and diving clean-ups, was central in the work done with the loss of plastic pellets (nurdles) in the Durban Harbour in 2017 and with her networking skills, increased the awareness of plastic pollution on the KwaZulu-Natal Coastline.

Green Corridors has a vision to provide solutions and support for cleaning of natural environments, ensuring waste is recycled, repurposed, or removed, and that communities within these areas are significantly involved.  

“We would like to thank Plastics SA for this recognition as we continue to carry on the legacy of Caroline Reid,” says Musawenkosi Shange. “The work we do is very much in collaboration with a number of partner organisations and stakeholders including Adopt-a-River, WESSA, and Umgeni Estuary Conservancy, DUCT’s Amanzi Eyethu Nobuntu programme, the eThekwini Municipality’s Solid Waste and Parks Department, with support from sponsors such as SAPRIPOL and PETCO.”

“We hope that the work we do in restoring and cleaning riverways helps to create improved natural spaces for people to connect with nature, and the planet and improve their quality of life,” says Siphiwe Rakgabale.

For more information about Green Corridors visit https://durbangreencorridor.co.za

For more information about Plastics SA visit https://www.plasticsinfo.co.za/

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CAPTION TO COVER PIC by VAL ADAMSON

Siphiwe Rakgabale (litter-boom and clean up co-ordinator Green Corridors) (left) and Musawenkosi Shange (Green Corridors’ Coastal and Waste Management Projects Officer) (right) pictured here with Green Corridors' partners Margaret Burger (WESSA and Umgeni Estuary Conservancy) and Teboho Kikine (Adopt-a-River). They received the Caroline Reid Award from Plastics SA’s Director of Sustainability Douw Steyn, on behalf of Green Corridors for its commitment and dedication to helping restore rivers and for protecting our waterways and natural environment.

I heart Market – Awesome and Artisanal in Autumn

DURBAN: The City’s popular and much-loved artisanal I heart Market is back in all its autumnal awesomeness at Moses Mabhida lawns on Saturday 2 April from 08:30 to 14:00.

As always, the focus of the market is on local entrepreneurs with excellent quality, hand-crafted and bespoke artisanal foods, crafts, décor and fashion. Expect to find delicious foods to take-away or eat on site, homemade pastries and breads, brownies, cupcakes,  and dried fruits and nuts, locally designed clothing, home décor and furnishings, inspired accessories, and jewellery - all made with dedicated care and love.

During the lockdowns and severe pandemic times, I heart Market stopped trading for 20 months. Whilst they pivoted to online markets during that time, it put an immense strain on the local vendors that relied on the income generated from trading.

"Our most important objective is to showcase local creative talent and bring the Durban community together," says director Anna Savage. "It's been heart-warming to see our old traders and loyal customers excited to be back trading at our market."

Chef Rum, a small local business and it barely escaped closing down during lockdown says, "Events such as I heart Market that support local businesses only has helped keep our doors open and for me to continue to employ my one helper. Thank you I heart from the bottom of my heart."

"It's all very well making products and selling them online but without your customer feeling the product and smelling the product, it's a much harder sell. I heart Market has been the perfect place for us to engage with our audience and getting immediate feedback from the customer helps to spur us on and encourage us. The experience is invaluable," says Keren Pocock of Aya Natural Skin who makes natural oils and cream all with the addition of the healing properties of fermented papaya. 

The market takes place on Saturday 2 April from 08:30 to 14:00. Entrance if free and dogs (on leashes) are welcome. There is secure underground parking at the Stadium.  COVID protocols will be observed.

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Flatfoot Dance Company presents “The Cleansing” with Iain Ewok Robinson @BotanicGardens Durban 20-24 April

FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY  in association with the Durban Botanic Gardens Trust, presents “THE CLEANSING” with Iain ewok Robinson at the Botanic Gardens from 20 to 24 April at 6pm each evening.

In THE CLEANSING, FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY journeys into the heartland of Earth issues using this performance moment to negotiate the true meaning of ecology – the connectedness of human existence to all existence. What better site than Durban’s Botanic Gardens to open up this exploration of self to our natural world. In this moving dance work, the Botanic Gardens – itself bearing the scars of a colonial heritage - are transformed to a site of continued natural beauty and potential transformations.

Photo by Val Adamason

Jabu Siphika and Mthoko Mkhwanazi in THE CLEANSING

“THE CLEANSING is a ritual for us humans, and for the Earth – a cultural enactment of the sacred bond between the dancers and the ground they move on as they ‘cleanse’ themselves ready for a deeper connection to one another and to the Earth,” says Artistic Director Dr Lliane Loots.

Believing that environment justice is social justice, FLATFOOT joins with long-time collaborator and wordsmith extraordinaire, poet Iain ewok Robinson. His poetic words flow with the dancers in an evocation that shouts out “surely the Earth can be saved for me”, “surely the earth can be saved for you”. 

“Very loosely based on the impulses of Stravinsky’s 1913 music “Rite of Spring”, this site-responsive dance work asks of all of us what we will sacrifice for Spring to finally come,” continues Loots. “In this instance, and after a 2-year lock down, ‘spring’ is (perhaps) an imagined hope for different and intimate relationships with each other and our world around us.”

This is moving and powerful choreo-poetry that aims to subtly carries its audience to places of deep knowing and awareness. Created in the evolving collaborative creative process, this site responsive dance work is jointly created by Lliane Loots, Sifiso Khumalo, Jabu Siphika, Mthoko Mkhwanazi, Sbonga Ndlovu, Siseko Duba and Ndumiso Dube.

Join FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY and Iain ewok Robinson in the lush surroundings of Durban’s iconic Botanic Gardens that allows you to safely watch this unique dance company. Bring your own picnic, glass of wine, and a blanket to sit on. Doors open at 5.30pm - come and get settled, enjoy a picnic or a stroll around the gardens, show starts at 6pm. The show is one hour.

 To book contact flafootdancecompany@gmail.com.

Tickets are R100 per person.

Fun Holiday Ideas for the family with Green Corridors in Durban and Surrounds

Holidays are upon us, and Green Corridors tourism sites offer a wonderful array of outdoor activities for the whole family, and only a short distance from Durban’s CBD – self-drive or fully-guided.

eNanda Adventure Park on the exquisite Inanda Dam has picnic sites and an awesome pump bike track for the adventurous. Guided mountain biking, birding excursions, hiking trails, and canoeing are on offer. 

South of Durban is the beautiful Mnini Dam set in the heart of the picturesque uMgababa area offering two superb sites for picnics, canoeing, fishing (large-mouth bass, tilapia), and some spectacular birding, hiking, and MTB trails. Two offerings are found here: Thulas’ Adventures, with a special holiday event in the form of a pop-up camp taking place on 26 March for Earth Hour with a night walk; and the Mnini Dam Tourist Resort.

Hiking with Thula’s Adventures

Picnic site at Mnini Dam

The Mqeku picnic site in the exquisite Valley of 1000 Hills has a unique ‘bum-slide’ on its river, a sparkling clean tributary into the Umgeni. This crazy, fun slide ends in a serenely calm pool, where you can simply float on a tube. Walks, hikes, and birding are on offer here.

Tubing at Mqeku Picnic Site

Also in the Valley of 1000 Hills is Isithumba with hiking, MTB, and cultural tours; while Lower Molweni is a hikers, birders, and nature-lovers paradise with a network of community-developed nature trails that lead hikers through the spectacular rugged cliffs and forests of the area, just on the outskirts of the Krantzkloof Nature Reserve. 

Hiking around Isithumba

Hiking around Molweni

Near the Blue Lagoon in Durban is the GreenHub with some amazing eco-tourism activities including birding, hiking, canoeing, and a visit to the fascinating Ezemvelo Beachwood Mangroves (on selected days). 

Pop up Camp at Mqeku Picnic Site

Green Corridors sites and tourism experiences are so easily accessible, although guided tours can enhance one’s experience. Shuttle tours are offered to many of these sites in an aircon mini-bus and qualified guides. Most sites also offer some form of accommodation or spend a night or the entire weekend with one of Green Corridors fully-catered and arranged Pop Up Camps.

All sites have a nominal entrance fee - camping and activity fees vary from site to site, helping to drive the local tourism economy in these areas.

Bookings are essential and can easily be made on +27 (31) 322 6026 or email frontdesk@greencorridors.africa 

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Our Lady of Fatima bags Durban North Regional title

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Durban North Regional

Danville Park Girls’ High School: Saturday 12 March

After a determined display on the turf on a blistering hot day, Our Lady of Fatima secured the Durban North Regional title in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on Saturday 12 March. 

The winning team met host school, Danville Park Girls’ High School in the regional final. From the whistle, Fatima pushed hard at the Danville defence earning their first short corner after 150 seconds of play. The home team defenders stood strong as the visitors tried various moves from all directions, trying to pierce through and net a goal. 

With majority of the play taking place mostly in the Danville half, Fatima finally found a hole in the Danville back line. With three quarters of the game played, Fatima set up for their fourth and final short corner, the ball was injected towards the castle who quickly moved the ball and found a fast and fiesty Caprese Bentson who slotted in the regional winning goal. 

“That goal was amazing. The short corner was meant to be a slip to the left, and a slap to Caprese on far posts but the runners were extremely fast, so we had to change it up. We passed it straight to Caprese who flicked it into the top right of the net. She is a brilliant player.” enthused Fatima’s captain, Sarah Bright after the game. 

She continued, “The day went really well for us, we got better and better with each game played. Thanks to our coaches who did an amazing job. Overall it was a great day.”

Chatting about the final, Bright stated, “We started off quite slow, but we had had quite a big gap after our last game so our intensity was quite low, but we all encouraged each other and started playing faster and more of our game. We played well and composed. We connected with each other and connected well as a team.”

Coach for Fatima, Jacinta Jubb said, “The girls had a really good day today. We started strong, got all wins across except for our last pool game which was a little bit of an inconsistent game for us. We scored some good goals; with 13 goals in total in the pool stages. And then we cemented ourselves a place in the final. So was impressed with how they managed their consistency throughout the day.”

Commenting on the final game of the day, Jubb shared, “It was an amazing final. It is always a battle to go up against Danville. The girls held their own and implemented our structure and plan. They fought the one-on-one battles hard. And it was a really nice, confident goal at a short corner to clinch the win for us.”

At the end of the pool games, the top three teams all had 13 points with identical scorecards showing three wins and all three finishing on a goalless draw. Fatima were the outright winner of Pool A and in Pool B, Ashton International College and Danville Park Girls’ High both levelling up in first spot. Danville were awarded top of their pool as they had netted 13 goals to Ashton’s 10 during their four games. 

The Most Promising Umpire for the day was awarded to Northlands Girls’ High School’s Tatum Kroutz.

Following the Durban North fixture, the action moved to Westville Girls’ High School the next day for the Highway Regional where St Mary’s DSG won. This weekend’s winners join Pionier Hoërskool (Northern KZN Regional); St Anne’s College (PMB North Regional) and St John’s D.S.G. (PMB Central Regional) at the Grand Finals that takes place in July at St Mary’s DSG.

The challenge has a four week break before heading to the Three Schools Trust Astro Turf for the Durban South Regional hosted by Kingsway High School on Sunday 10 April. 

Overall results

1 Our Lady of Fatima 13 points; 2 Danville Park Girls’ High School 13 points; 3 Ashton International 13 points; 4 = Reddam uMhlanga 9 points 4= Crawford La Lucia 9 points; 6 Crawford North Coast 8 points; 7= Curro Mt Richmore 4 points; 7= Northland Girls’ High School 4 points; 9= Durban North College 0 points 9= Reddam Ballito 0 points

ENDS

St Mary's DSG take the honours in Highway Regional

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Highway Regional

Westville Girls’ High School: Sunday 13 March

St Mary’s DSG continued their domination of the Highway Regional at the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge with a determined performance ensuring their tenth title. 

They squared off against a hard-working team from Thomas More College in the regional final at Westville Girls’ High School on Sunday 13 March. From the first whistle, Saints pushed the game up to the Thomas More circle with the first threat coming just seconds into the game. The defending champion’s intentions were obvious as they continued the pressure but Thomas More’s keeper Tiaasha Naicker and her defenders braved the various wave of attacks. 

Saints opened up their account with their first goal being scored midway through the first half. Captain for St Mary’s DSG, Amy van Rooyen shared, “The first goal was quite an early one. I received the ball from one of my mids, and then plugged it straight in to the D and Anna Birt touched it. It was quite a lucky touch, but she got it in. It was quite nerve-wracking because I had to go and review it with the umpires. But it was awarded.”

Nearing the end of the first half, Saints perseverance paid off. Play moved down from the right, shuffled along the baseline and into the centre. The umpire blew up a foul and Thomas More quickly tried to get the play away from their danger zone. Intercepting the clearance, Saints caught Thomas More defence on the back foot with a blitz into the circle, and the daring Elizabeth Anderson firing off a rocket from two paces into the D.

Talking about the day, van Rooyen continued, “We were so excited going into the tournament. We started off quite shakily with drawing zero zero against Curro but we just got better and better and it was such a great day.” 

Heading into the final, van Rooyen said she felt really nervous, “I trusted my team mates. We kept moving the ball, which was our aim and doing this we knew the goals would come as the space was very limited in the D.”

After three quarters of game time, Thomas More were given some space to play, taking their opportunity up to the Saints circle. In a good passage of play, Thomas More kept the ball up in the Saints 22, camping there for nearly 3 minutes but were just unable to capitalise on their good fortune. 

Talking of this pressure, van Rooyen said, “I was worried, especially going back and forth setting up for the 5 meters but I kept talking to my team and we kept encouraging each saying defend, defend, defend. It really did help us that we were 2 nil up which made us feel a lot more confident, and with all the numbers dropping back to defend.”

The final score was 2 nil in favour of St Mary’s DSG. They are the fifth team to secure a spot at the Grand Finals which takes place on their home turf in July. They are joined by Our Lady of Fatima after yesterday’s Durban North Regional, Newcomer Pionier Hoërskool was the first team through, followed by St Anne’s College (PMB North Regional) and St John’s D.S.G. (PMB Central Regional).

Umpire of the Day went to St Mary’s DSG’s Letho Mngadi. 

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow on Instagram. All games are livestreamed by SuperSport Schools

Overall results:

1 St Mary’s 21 points, 2 Thomas More College 16 points, 3 Westville Girls’ High School 14 points, 4 Curro Hillcrest 8 points, 5 Kloof High School 7 points, 6 Hillcrest High School 6 points, 7 Gelofte School 0 points

ENDS

Westville Girls to host Highway Regional of SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Highway Regional

Westville Girls’ High School: Sunday 13 March

Nearing midway in the 2020 SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge, the fifth tournament takes place at Westville Girls’ High School where first teams will meet for the Highway Regional on Sunday 13 March.

Joining host school, Westville are Curro Hillcrest, Gelofte High School, Hillcrest High School, Kloof High School, St Mary’s DSG Kloof and Thomas More College.

The seven teams will have 18 minutes of turf time to create some magic on the field. The programme for the day has Westville meeting Thomas More in the first game at 8am. The format for the day is a round robin, where a win earns the team 4 points, a draw with goals 2 points, a goalless draw 1 point and zero points for a loss. 

In the event of teams being equal on points at the end of the round robin, the positions will be determined by goal difference or goals for or goals against and should there still be a tie, then a penalty shootout will take place between three players from those teams. After the round robin, the top two teams with the highest scores will play in the final to determine first and second place. Should the game end in a draw, the final heads to the penalty shootout for the regional decider. 

Over the years, St Mary’s DSG have dominated this regional with appearances in all but one Grand Final. In 2014, a courageous team from Westville Girls managed to topple Saints in the regional and make their first appearance at the Grand Finals. After 22 games in this round robin, the 2022 winner will be revealed. 

The Grand Finals features each of the ten regional winners over two days of action-packed hockey. The victorious team from the Highway Regional will join teams already through to the Grand Finals that takes place at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof in July. Teams that have secured their berth at the finals are newcomer Pionier Hoërskool (Northern KZN Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (PMB Central Regional) and St Anne’s (PMB North Regional). The fourth tournament, the DBN North Regional, takes place the day before the Highway Regional. 

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow on Instagram. All of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge tournaments will be live streamed by Supersport Schools on their app or website. 

ENDS

Danville to host Durban North Regional of SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge 12 March 2022

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

DBN North Regional

Danville Park Girls’ High School: Saturday 12 March

In the fourth tournament of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge, ten teams will gather for the DBN North Regional at Danville Park Girls’ High School on Saturday 12 March. 

The ten schools have been divided into two pools. In Pool A are Crawford La Lucia, Curro Mt Richmore, Durban North College, Reddam House uMhlanga and Our Lady of Fatima. Pool B features Ashton International College, Crawford North Coast, Danville Park Girls’ High, Northlands Girls’ High and Reddam House Ballito. 

The first game tips off at 7.15am, getting the tournament underway will be Curro Mt Richmore and Our Lady of Fatima. Winners will earn themselves 4 points, a draw with goals 2 points, a goalless draw 1 point and a loss zero points. After 20 games, the winner of Pool A will take on the winner of Pool B in the regional final. 

In one of the most competitive regionals, four teams have gone on to represent the area at the Grand Finals. Host school, Danville are the defending champs, having won the title three times. This regional has had four winners – Ashton Fatima, Danville and Crawford La Lucia

The winner of this regional will join nine other teams from around KZN at the Grand Finals that takes place at St Mary’s DSG in July. Three teams have already secured their spots at the Grand Finals, they are Pionier Hoerskool (Northern KZN Regional); St Anne’s College (PMB North Regional) and St John’s D.S.G. (PMB Central Regional).

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow on Instagram. All the games will be livestreamed by SuperSport Schools on either the app or website

. 

ENDS

St John's D.S.G. win PMB Centrals of SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

PMB Central Regional

St John’s D.S.G. : Sunday 6 March

A golden performance by host school St John’s D.S.G. saw them claim victory in the PMB Central Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on Sunday 6 March on their home turf.

After an intense regional final against defending champs, Epworth School, the yellow sticks managed to win 2-1 after 30 minutes of fantastic flowing hockey. St John’s showed their intentions when they knocked in their first goal after 180 seconds of game time. The first goal coming off a set piece in their first short corner. The ball flying in from a fiery flick but being bravely stopped by the Epworth keeper Lauren Roseveare. The ball falling favourably for St John’s Amy-Rene Jacobs who slapped it in.

Ninety seconds later, Epworth replied sending up a long ball through the middle of the field. The pass finding an unmarked Rebecca Cook who determinedly ran the ball up into the St John’s circle, and just continued while a surprised St John’s defender and an unsure keeper, both didn’t react in time as Epworth’s Cook literally ran the ball into the goal, squeezing it in between the right post and keeper.

The game intensified in the middle section, with loads of turn overs as passes didn’t find their players. Each team trying to find holes in their oppositions defence. With 5 minutes remaining, St John’s Captain, Olivia MacDonald was able to pounce on open space when she started play after being fouled. Epworth were on the back foot as she quickly took the ball up into the circle, moved it to her left and fired off a reverse stick rocket. The score line edged up to 2-1.

With three minutes left to play, Epworth earned their second short corner of the game. The home team’s defence stood strong, not allowing the visitors low flying flick to find the back of the net and surviving yet another well-co-ordinated Epworth attack.

St John’s shone brightly after a solid display throughout the day winning all the round robin games. They earned their second regional title after first winning the PMB Central Regional in 2017. The Most Promising Umpire Award went to Maritzburg Christian School’s Manqoba Mkhize.

St John’s D.S.G. from the PMB Central Regional is the third team to cement their spot at the Grand Finals. They join Pionier Hoërskool (Northern KZN Regional) and St Anne’s College (PMB North Regional). The Grand Finals takes place in July at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof.

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow on Instagram. All the games will be livestreamed by SuperSport Schools.

Overall results

1 St John’s 16 points 2 Epworth School 12 points 3 PMB Girls’ High 8 points 4= Carter High School 1 point; 4= Maritzburg College 1 point

ENDS

St Anne's takes top honours in PMB North Regional of SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

PMB North Regional

St Anne’s College: Saturday 5 March

After a cracker of a day on the turf, the host school, St Anne’s College continued their Midlands dominance as their team raised the PMB North Regional trophy for the tenth time in a row in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge held on Saturday 5 March, 2022.

The regional final went down to the wire in a nail-biting 25 minutes. Out of the blocks, The Wykeham Collegiate looked the more composed team, settling in early and taking the ball up to St Anne’s circle on several occasions. The visitors were just unable to convert their possession and barrage of attacks into early goals.

It took St Anne’s seven minutes to find their groove as they started to find gaps in The Wykeham Collegiate game. Midway through the final, St Anne’s earned a short corner. In the set piece, the ball was moved to Georgie Leseur who fired in a flick taking Saints 1 goal up. Shortly after their success, St Anne’s were awarded another short corner. TWC stood strong, defending valiantly and managed a quick turn around with a superb counter attack. On the opposite end, TWC got their chance at a short corner. The ball was pushed to the castle, then moved left. After a bit of a mistimed shot, Amy Erasmus who had just injected the ball, was brilliantly on hand to tap the ball across the goal to a waiting Sarah van den Bergh who knocked in the all-important equaliser.

Both teams worked hard as the clock ticked down but were unable to find the back of the net as they desperately attacked in the hopes of eking out a win. The game ended 1 all after full time, with the decider for this regional final moving to the penalty spot.

TWC matched St Anne’s shot for shot during the exciting three rounds of penalty shoot-outs. After the first round, there was nothing in it and the scores were level on 2 all, with the game progressing to a dramatic sudden death round. After a total of nine rounds, six of those in the sudden death, Saint’s Ella Shuttleworth capitalised on TWC’s Ella Hanbury King unfortunate miss, calmly slotting in her shot and claiming victory for St Anne’s after a magnificent, riveting final.

Co-Captain for St Anne’s Bahati Dakile stated after the prize giving, “I think the back to back was definitely challenging, but I think our team really brought it together in the end. We really supported each other. The competition today was great, and everyone played really well. It wasn’t an easy day with everyone doing really well to contest, and I think our team really, really put in the effort. So did everyone else. It was a fun day, lots of excitement and it is so, so great to be back.”

Talking about the epic sudden death rounds, Dakile continued, “That was so nerve wracking to be honest. We tried to switch up our order and make it challenging for the other team. Our goal keeper Sandi, is really young, she is only in grade nine and it is her first big tournament and she really pulled it out the bag. She did her best and it ended paying off at the end of the day.”

St Anne’s coach, Marcelle Keet said, “It was awesome to be out on the pitch after CoViD, after two years of not playing hockey. I think it was a really good standard of hockey throughout this Midlands area. Everyone was competitive in all the games that we played, in our round robin. And then a really tough game against The Wykeham in the first game and it was bound to be a tough final going into the last game. They brought a lot of energy, a lot of good. structured hockey. It is great for the Midlands that these two teams are really competitive, it makes the province even more competitive.”

Talking about the conclusion to the final, she added. "Really proud of the girls. They really dug deep. It takes quite a lot of guts to stand up and do the eight second right at the ends. Both keepers were exceptional and the three girls on either side having to do two rounds of extra time in eight seconds which was absolutely fantastic but that exactly what SPAR wants for the ladies’ hockey, to end off in such an exciting final. It is just an absolute pleasure being back again at hockey and being able to play again at the SPAR Challenge.”

Umpire for the Day was awarded to Nicea Strydom from Voortrekker High School.

This is the tenth time St Anne’s College will represent the PMB North Regional. They are now heading to the Grand Finals, they join newcomers, Pionier Hoërskool who will wave the flag for the Northern KZN Regional. Both teams will meet eight other schools, making up the ten teams who will all do battle over two days at St Mary’s in July.

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page, or follow on Instagram. All the games will be livestreamed by SuperSport Schools.

Overall results

1 St Anne’s College 20pts; 2 The Wykeham Collegiate 16pts; 3 Howick High School 12pts; 4 Voortreker High School 8pts; 5 Treverton High School 4pts; 6 Grace College 0pts

ENDS

 Photos by Rogan Ward

Action packed weekend ahead in Pietermaritzburg with SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

PMB Central and PMB North Regionals

St Anne’s College: Saturday 5 March and St John’s D.S.G.: Sunday 6 March

The SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge moves to Pietermaritzburg for the two highly competitive regionals at the beginning of March, with the exciting news that SuperSport Schools will be live streaming from both schools on the day.

St Anne’s College will host the Pietermaritzburg North Regional on their turfs on Saturday 5 March. They will be joined by five other teams in the sixteen game round robin tournament. Getting the weekend started will be hosts and defending champs, St Anne’s taking on Grace College on the lower astro. At the same time, Howick High School will meet Treverton School on the upper astro. The second game on the lower field sees The Wykeham Collegiate against Voortrekker High School.

The games at St Anne’s will all be 25 minutes one way with a five minute breather between games. The winner of each game will earn four points. A draw with goals will amount to two points and a goalless draw earning each team one point. The finals will be played at 12.15 and will feature the first placed and second placed teams from the round robin.

The following day, the action moves to St John’s D.S.G. astro, who are celebrating their 125th birthday this year. St John’s will host the Pietermaritzburg Central Regional on Sunday 6 March welcoming four local schools.

Defending Champs, Epworth School meets Girls’ High School in the first game of the day. Carter High School then take on Maritzburg Christian School in the second with the hosts meeting Epworth in the third round robin game.

All games will be half and hour, with a quick one minute half time and change of play at fifteen minutes. Similarly to the St Anne’s format, a win earns the victorious team four points, a draw with goals two points and a goalless draw only one point.

The PMB Northern Regional has had only two victorious teams, one time winners The Wykeham Collegiate were crowned in the inaugural year and since then, St Anne’s College have dominated. The PMB Central Regional has seen three schools raise the regional trophy and advance to the Grand Finals. Girls’ High dominated the earlier days of the tournament with Epworth and St John’s doing battle most recently.

All the regional winners from around KZN will head to Kloof to compete against each other in the Grand Finals. This year, the Grand Finals takes place at St Mary’s D.S.G. over the weekend of 23 and 24 July. The first team to earn a spot at this year’s finals are Pionier Hoërskool from the Northern KZN Regional. They have won the last tournament in 2020 but have yet to participate in a Grand Final.

Links and info for the live coverage will be shared on the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ social media platforms in the build up to the regionals.

For more info like the tournaments Facebook page or follow on Instagram.

ENDS