A feisty Zezethu Kunene from Maris Stella was determined to thwart Durban Girls’ College’s Erin Moodley's claim on the ball while team mate Rachel McDonald put pressure from the back during the finals of the Durban Central Regionals of the Spar KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge hosted by Maris Stella at Durban High School on Saturday March 2.
Luck and skill combined for Durban Girls’ College as they secured victory at the Spar KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Durban Central Regionals on Saturday. The prestigious school has maintained its champion status since the tournament's inception in 2011, showcasing their dominance in the sport.
The event, held on a sweltering summer day, saw six central Durban teams compete in an intense round-robin format on Durban High School’s striking blue astro turf. The tournament was fiercely contested, culminating in a dramatic finale hosted by Maris Stella, the tournament's runner-up.
Durban Girls’ College faced off against Maris Stella in a closely contested final, shortly after defeating Durban Girls’ High in a crucial match that determined the finalists. Durban Girls’ High's defeat ensured Maris Stella's place in the final, but they ultimately fell to the powerhouse Durban Girls’ College team 2-0 in their pool match.
The final was a nail-biting affair, with Maris Stella challenging the defending champions with vigour and determination. However, Durban Girls’ College's superior teamwork and strategic play proved too much for Maris Stella. A pivotal moment came when Anna Holmes of Durban Girls’ College scored the only goal of the match, a decisive strike 13 minutes in, securing their victory.
Despite Maris Stella's valiant efforts and commendable performance from their goalkeeper Owethu Kunene, Durban Girls’ College held strong to win. The match was marked by spirited play, particularly from Maris Stella’s Zezethu Kunene, who led several promising attacks, though none converted into scoring opportunities.
Reflecting on the tournament, Durban Girls’ College player Taegan Price highlighted the challenges faced, especially with three top players, including their captains, absent due to indoor IPT commitments.
"It was a big learning experience," Price said.
Bee Schultz was named umpire of the match, adding a note of recognition for the officials' role in the successful event.
Looking ahead, Durban Girls’ College is set to compete against nine other regional winners at the grand finals, scheduled to take place at St Mary’s DSG Kloof on July 20 and 21. Meanwhile, the tournament will continue its journey, moving to Pietermaritzburg for the North regionals hosted by The Wykeham Collegiate on March 9, and then to the UZKN astro for the Centrals, hosted by Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High on March 10, extending the excitement and showcasing the best of schoolgirls’ hockey in the region.