14 August 2023
After seeing the Northwood u14 A hockey team run up some impressive victories early in the season, it appeared that they were one of the best teams in South Africa. This past weekend, they proved it by finishing second at the Top Schools u14 Hockey Tournament in Paarl.
Following some excellent results at the Founders Festival, Pinnacle Schools reported: “The Northwood under-14 hockey team, meanwhile, could lay claim to such an accolade, of being among the best in South Africa in 2023. They’ve been the class of KZN thus far this season and, facing a very challenging schedule at Founders, they proved their mettle against the best from elsewhere in the country, including three powerhouses from the Western Cape.”
Off to a flyer
Having put together an outstanding season, the Squires headed off to the Western Cape where they got their title challenge off to a flyer in their first match, over-running Worcester Gimnasium 6-0.
Then, they faced Paul Roos, a team that had claimed a narrow 3-2 win over Northwood at the Founders Festival. This time, the Squires took the lead, but Paul Roos manufactured two second half replies to once again secure a one-goal margin of victory.
On day two, Northwood rolled to a comfortable 4-0 win over Michaelhouse, then found stiff opposition in the form of Reddam Constantia. It took two late goals, but the Squires came away with a 2-0 victory.
The two day two wins meant Northwood needed a win over Paarl Gimnasium to book a place in the semi-finals. They did so in style, powering their way to a 5-0 victory.
Semi-final showdown
Their reward was a showdown with Paarl Boys’ High. The hosts were playing at home and had topped their group without conceding a goal. However, Northwood were not about to hand Boishaai a place in the final.
A rollocking start earned the Durban boys an early penalty corner and they converted it to end Boys’ High’s long run without conceding a goal. Northwood were not done, though, and added another two fine goals to go into the break three goals to the good.
With the home side pushing hard to get back into the game, they were exposed on the counter, and Northwood added a further goal to finish as convincing winners.
Paul Roos, again…
That victory set them up for a third shot at Paul Roos in 2023. Sadly, for Northwood, they couldn’t quite crack the PRG puzzle. They enjoyed plenty of possession and created goal-scoring opportunities, too, but it was Paul Roos who finished better, and that put them into a 2-0 half-time lead.
With the Squires chasing the game, Paul Roos added a third goal to ensure they would walk away with the title. Still, it was an outstanding showing from Northwood and proof that hockey at the school is in excellent health.
And, while he may have been beaten three times in the final, Dean Hart shone in the Squires’ goal and was named the Goalkeeper of the Tournament.
Leave a Reply