Knights crowned u18 Top Schools winners

15 August 2023

The Northwood Knights ended their hockey season on a massive high by winning the Guschkie Top Schools under-18 Tournament in Bloemfontein on the weekend. They defeated the hosts, Grey College, 2-0 in the final.

It was a fitting end to a series of outstanding performances by the Durbanites throughout the event,

Justin Collins’ charges opened their challenge with an outing against Bloemfontein’s Saint Andrew’s and were in form from the first whistle, powering their way to a 6-1 win. Then, up against Eldoraigne, they came out firing, slotting eight times in a one-sided 8-1 victory.

They were very convincing again, when they took on Menlo Park, running away to a 5-0 win. Then, Paarl Boys’ High were brushed aside, with the Knights putting six goals past the ‘keeper without conceding any.

Their high-pressure game, which had served the team so well throughout 2023, was simply too much for the opposition to handle.

DHS showdown

Next up, though, was a semi-final showdown with DHS, who had taken a stayers’ side to Bloemfontein. That meant only three or four changes for the Horseflies, and they had plenty of quality in their u16 team to ensure they remained a high-quality outfit. DHS had finished second in their pool, losing only 1-2 to Grey College, who scored in the last minute.

In two previous meetings of the Durban schools during the season, DHS had won 1-0 on 21 April and Northwood took victory by 2-1 at DHS on 28 July.

This time, it finished 2-2, which meant the match went to a penalty shootout. Once again, the Knights came out on the right side of the result.

Final

That set them up for a title tilt against Grey College, who were delighted, no doubt, at the opportunity to lay claim to the prestigious tournament honours on home ground. Northwood, though, ended that dream.

The Knights’ hard-working press, fast counter-attack, and stingy defence proved a title-winning combination as they overcame the hosts to end a dominant tournament run on a high.

DHS @ Top Schools

Meanwhile, DHS showed that they, along with Northwood, will be among the top teams in South Africa again in 2024.

They cruised to 4-0 win over Paarl Boys’ High, suffered the aforementioned last minute 1-2 defeat to Grey College, but then outplayed DF Malan 4-0 and Saint Andrew’s School 6-1.

Then, they fell to Northwood in the semi-finals. Despite that disappointment, DHS finished on a high, beating Menlo Park 3-1 to finish third.

The ball movement of DHS is as good as any team in the country, and they are a joy to watch but, in 2024, they’ll aim to be more clinical in front of goal. Their neighbours from Durban North showed the value of sure finishing in the Guschkie Top Schools u18 Tournament.

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