HOCKEY
Kearsney character edges St Stithians by 1 goal in 7
KEARSNEY College first hockey team won a 7-goal thriller against St Stithians College under lights in Botha’s Hill Friday 25 May 2018.
The score was 4-3 after Saints had led 2-0 and then 2-1 at the changeover.
Featured image: Kearsney keeper Jethro Strydom is kept on his toes.
Photo Tracey van den Aardweg
The victory is a tribute to the character in the Kearsney team as they chased for much of the game, trailing 1-0 then 2-0 before 2-1, 2-2, then 3-2 behind before 3-3 and the endgame 4-3 win.
It’s set Kearsney head coach Sihle Ntuli’s side up nicely for the Founders Weekend match vs Hilton College come 11h15 Saturday 2 June.
Both the Kearsney and Saints teams started well, with the hosts controlling possession, but St Stithians seemed to have more energy in the early stages and forced Kearsney into mistakes, which they capitalised on to go 2-0 up against the run of play.
Kearsney captain Guy Morgan pulled one back just before half time, through a penalty corner drag flick to bring the score to 2-1 going into the break.
The second half started much better for Kearsney, who had to chase the game if they were going to get a positive result. Once again, through a penalty corner, Ben Proctor got on the end of a variation to level the scores at 2-2.
Straight after, St Stithians hit back and went 3-2 up, but Kearsney’s Liam Maguire went on a solo run to score a great individual goal and level the game 3-3.
Kearsney were then awarded a penalty corner with three seconds left on the clock, Morgan flicked and the ball was run down but found itself on Steven Conway’s stick. He didn’t hesitate to slam it into the bottom corner and clinch a dramatic 4-3 win for Kearsney.
KZN hockey showdown this afternoon: Red Army vs Clifton on Pape’s Astro
Keegan has been head of hockey at Clifton for two years while his opposite number Dylan Coombes is in his first year at the helm on Fortress Pape’s.
Both outfits are encouraged to execute an exciting brand of attacking hockey that has at its core a number of similarities:
Calmness under pressure
‘It’s a high-profile hockey match for both schools,’ says Clifton head coach
Clifton director of hockey and first team head coach Keegan Pearce is widely respected for his bigger-picture thinking.His thoughts on the Saturday, 16 May 2018’s Durban North derby with Northwood that launches at 11.15am on the Riverside 2 turf:
“Preparation this week has been tough with the flu hitting 4 of our boys really hard,but fortunately we are at full strength for the derby barring Alex Kerr our regular centre back who has been out for over a month with glandular fever.”
“Fortunately we get to play at home, which for us is Riverside. We are really blessed with a great group of boys at Clifton, and they have nominated this as one of their compulsories, so we are expecting over 400 boys to crowd around the Astro to cheers the 1st team lads on. ”
The Clifton hockey man will have his first team assistant coach Andrew Dunn alongside to help steer the ship.
Clifton 1st hockey team assistant coach Andrew Dunn will be supporting his head coach all the way during the Durban North derby today.
The Clifton first hockey team will appreciate every ounce of support from their schoolmates today…
As to the brand of hockey Clifton aspire to play: “Our focus this year has been on trying to manipulate space in certain pre-identified areas when we have the ball. Defensive pride and identifying our shape in counter-defence has been of high importance for us. Accountability and intensity have been focus areas at training and that understanding has filtered into our games during our down phases – and we really have absorbed pressure well.
“We have a strong PC (penalty corner) attack battery that includes two KZN U18A (drag) flickers … and we have balanced out our PC and field goals nicely, which is great to see. We defended nine PC’s in our 2nd half against a competitive Glenwood team to not concede, so hopefully our PC defence is another strong area for us today.”
Keegan has a lot of time for his opposition’s hockey: “Northwood have produced some clinical results this season, and under Bakes (Shaun Baker) they are sure to be well structured and immensely aware of their individual and team responsibilities. They have brilliant young talents and I’m sure they will bring a great game plan and intensity to today’s encounter.
Ace Northwood shot-stopper Taine Bird will be properly tested by the Clifton College penalty corner machine.
“KZN is blessed with talented hockey schools and every local derby is evenly contested, Today should be no different and the atmosphere at Riverside is going to be extremely special.”
Well said Keegan.
KZN10.com wishes Clifton well for today’s special occasion in Durban North and KZN hockey.
Northwood’s hockey director & head coach on today’s Clifton derby & more
NORTHWOOD director of hockey Shaun Baker has played the game at a high level – while at school and post-school.
Captained Maritzburg College under the tutelage of schools (and more) hockey coaching legend Mike Bechet, and played and coached in a number of countries across the globe.
His thoughts on the much-anticipated 11.15am Durban North derby 19 May 2018 between the Knights and KZN top 10 hockey neighbours Clifton College on Riverside Turf 2:
“Thanks Jono. Preparations this week – hasn’t been an ideal week of preparations as quite a few boys have had this tummy bug and flu that is doing the rounds. However I am pretty much at full strength.
“I have only been in charge and head coach for one other Northwood vs Clifton derby, which was last year and we drew 0-0 at Northwood.”
‘Clifton head coach Keegan Pearce has a great eye for the game’
“The attraction with regards to the derby is, I think, due to the fact that many of the local prep school boys either go to Northwood or Clifton, so there is a seriousness from their side. The Clifton match is definitely a big one…”Bakes says he’s excited to see what the Clifton 1st XI produce on Game Day:
“They are a very well-rounded team with some real quality in their ranks. The likes of Matt Lewis (a phenomenal hockey player), Kyle Whiteboy and (Matthew) Montgomery alone are incredible hockey players who lead that side this year.”
The Northwood hockey leader says that Clifton’s hockey as a whole has grown impressively in recent years.”I know that a big part of that is due to (Clifton hockey director and head coach) Keegan Pearce.
“I have coached against him at school and club, played against a team of his… he has agreat eye for the game and has good structures in place to develop more than just a good team or player.
“I am a huge fan of his and we have spoken on several occasions about the game and picked each other’s brain. I really do have a lot a respect for him as an opposition coach.”
Bakes, KZN10.com wishes you and the Northwood lads all the best for today’s derby.
Northwood Old Boy on today’s Durban North hockey derby and more
“IT’S wonderful to see that the leadership of the two schools have finally allowed this fixture to take place on a regular basis as it allows boys who grow up in the Durban North area to compete against each other on the sports field.”
The words of former Natal and Springbok hockey goalkeeper Wayne Philips – a brilliant nationally-selected indoor keeper to boot – The Northlands Old Boy has put in an incredible amount of time, effort, coaching acumen and organisational skill into growing the sport in and around his home turf, Durban North as well as further afield.
Wayne is a student of the game and one of the most progressive thinkers on the sport you’ll find anywhere. So, as to Saturday 19 May’s much-looked-forward-to Durban North derby between Northwood firsts and their Clifton College counterparts, which sees the push back at 11.15am on the Riverside 2 Turf, the Northlands shot-stopper of 1979 and 80 vintage has this to say:
“There have, I think, only ever been two previous hockey matches between the two, including last year. The game that I recall was the derby around 5 years ago that saw the cracker Northwood team – top 3 in SA coming through 3-0. Matt de Sousa was the talismanic Northwood captain of that team – and the difference between the two teams on that particular day. Matt scored twice I think and set up one in the 3-0 victory. The two teams were evenly matched on the day save for two or three moments of Matt’s brilliance that separated the two teams. Clifton were very early in their cycle as a focused hockey school at the time of that game. Then politics seemed to intervene and this fixture has I am almost certain not been played since, until last year.”
Wayne has high praise for the respective directors of hockey and first team head coaches.
“There are some exceptional individuals currently moving into the KZN Coastal (Durban) sports structures and Shaun Baker/Keegan Pearce are not exceptions. Both are visionary sports and specifically hockey people with international experience and vision who seem to be taking a long-term view. They both understand the bigger picture of school sport which is to develop players by working the process and not always focusing on results.
“Both recently joined their respective schools (early in 2017) although Baker probably had more of a re-building job to do than Pearce when he joined? It is exciting to watch the talent under their tutorship within the two schools developing and benefiting the local clubs Riverside, Varsity College and Crusaders – and in turn hockey in general.
“(The Clifton captain) Matt Lewis began his career at Riverside when he was six years old, went through our mini (11 and younger) and youth (14 and younger) hockey ranks, then started in our men’s senior 5th team and is now in the 1st team, so has been through the club’s ranks.
Clifton first team hockey captain Matt Lewis closes in on St Charles College skipper Matt Mortimer in the Durban school’s 4-0 on Saints Astro last Saturday.
“Hockey as a sport is growing globally and Durban North is no exception, it’s difficult to believe that as recently as 20 years ago, Durban North never had one KZN Premier league team – both Crusaders men’s and women’s teams as they were at the time (subsequently to become Riverside HC) being promoted to KZN Premier League in 1989 and 1991 respectively. Now there are four out of eight teams in each Super league – men and women – from Durban North! So undoubtedly the growth of hockey within and amongst secondary schools in the area – like Clifton, Northwood, Danville and Our Lady of Fatima is benefiting the sport.
“One further comment. I was never really a top-achieving school hockey player – made KZN U14 in my first year then never played for KZN Schools again! The club game really bit me – initially introduced to Gongs HC while at school by Keith Hosken my school hockey master at the time and played in teams captained by Gordon Bradfield, and then Varsity hockey by Gerry Latouf – and that is where I began to make strides. Hence my passion for club hockey!
“But I was Northlands/Beachwood/Northwood’s first ever SA hockey player. Seems like I got in just in time as a whole lot – Kevin MacNaughton, Gregg Clark, Ken Forbes, the Paton brothers and a few others – all followed quickly after that, probably once Durban North club hockey began to gain traction I reckon?”
Thanks Wayne, you have provided much insight into the then and the now – the remarkable growth of the sport in the Durban North community. Be that as it may, I am sure you will be anticipating a contest of note today!
Kearsney 1sts hockey tick the boxes at Glenwood
THE Kearsney College first hockey team’s halves, midfielders and strikers linked effectively to fashion a 5-0 win over home side Glenwood at the 3-Schools Astro on Friday evening, 20 April 2018.
The success of the 3 lines made for a healthy slice of the possession on offer – and with it came overall control. Kearsney captain Guy Morgan orchestrated proceedings from the back along with Hayden de Kock and Chase Kelly.
The midfield impetus came in the main from Liam Maguire while Kearsney’s player of the match, front man Steven Conway, capitalised with a brace of field goals to go with those of Gavin Shelly and Maguire. Morgan also made an entry on the scoresheet with a drag-flick at penalty corner time.
That the entire Kearsney team stepped up to the mark made for a gratifying performance by coach Sihle Ntuli and Wayne Marsden’s lads.
1 Jethro Strydom
4 Steven Conway
7 Guy Morgan (capt)
11 Luyanda Chiliza
15 Campbell Duckworth
Sihle Ntuli, Wayne Marsden
* Glenwood team not available at the time of writing.
C Kearsney 4-3
Overall: Kearsney won 6 while 4 were drawn.
Northwood hockey’s Knight
Jono Cook talks to the man at the helm of Northwood hockey
AT Northwood, a boy ascends from being a squire to the ultimate accolade, a Northwood Knight – a proud member of the Durban North schools’ community of Old Boys.
In the Middle Ages, a knight was an Englishman who served his sovereign or lord as a mounted soldier in armour.
In a sense, that is the part being played in the service of Northwood hockey by this talent factory’s director of the sport, a position he got his teeth into this year.
Shaun Baker, one could imagine, is the right man in the right place at exactly the right time. And like so many good stories, it began with a realisation, then a dream, followed by a plan…
The Shaun Baker hockey tale began as a six-year-old in a fun tournament in Estcourt, the town where he grew up. The George Forder seven-a-side tournament was where the love affair was born.
“As far back as I can remember, hockey dictated my life … and continues to do so with my career. I played for KZN Midlands [now KZN Inland] U13 and soon found myself at Maritzburg College where my passion for success in hockey grew and was nurtured, particularly by Mike Bechet. I was lucky enough to have played for four years under Bech, from grade nine as a bench boy/water boy/ bag carrier/ball collector to my matric year in 2002 where I had the honour of captaining the Red Army.
“Bech taught me many of the skills I own and have developed in my coaching and playing career. He is undoubtedly one of my role models and I can’t thank him enough for the support I continue to receive from him.”
Post-school, Baker’s teaching degree was part of the plan – a plan that he was ultimately going to coach professionally down the line. The journey began in earnest when Bakes played and coached at several clubs, schools and in the KZN provincial teams before deciding to further his career as a player and coach in the UK.
“It was there where I gained so much from the experience life had to offer both on and off the pitch in many different countries through playing, coaching and travelling.”
A director of hockey position at Bryanston School ensued in 2012. A season in the Brisbane Premier League and a coaching stint in the Gold Coast Premier League in Australia added to the Bake hockey armoury. But home is where the heart is.
“I made the decision to move back to South Africa for the most important people in my life, my parents. Seeing them at most once a year, was just not good enough. Things fell into place and I was fortunate enough that the Northwood family saw the value I could offer … the decision was an easy one.”
So what has this hockey soldier’s time in Europe and Australia taught him?
“My time over there has broadened my mindset on many factors of life in general and this has filtered through positively into my coaching. In 2009, I went over assured and confident in my abilities as a coach but I was very quickly eaten alive by some of the best coaches England and Australia had to offer. It was a sink-or-swim moment in my career, particularly in Australia where the style of hockey and the perception of the game is so different to anywhere else I have experienced.”
The effect was that it made Mr Baker question his coaching structures, planning of training sessions and opened his eyes to a new way of seeing the game.
“I now see the game so much more simplistically and have a better understanding for it - and a higher respect too. I am up there with the biggest hockey nerds in the world and I am always trying to test my limits, learn new ideas from other coaches at every opportunity I get.”
Having been away for some time, what does he see in the current SA schoolboy hockey set-up?
“I believe there are two main points I have seen with fresh eyes, coming in after eight years out of the circuit …
“South African schoolboy sport in general is too focussed on the national ranking for their schools and are therefore results-driven rather than performance-driven. It is no different in hockey, many players and coaches only care about the win/draw percentage rather than how well their team played. Process-based hockey will reap profitable rewards and I experienced this in both the UK and Australia.”
An example of this can be found in these comments: “Our matches with Maritzburg College (2-2) and Jeppe (0-1) were two of the best games of hockey I have seen at school level. The Rondebosch (2-4), SACS (3-1) and Paul Roos (4-2) matches at Founders Festival were high-end performances from both us and our opponents as well.”
Baker is pleased with the speed that his players’ hockey outlook is evolving.
“I have changed the way my Knights think about the game. It’s been in a short space of time and it is showing in our performances; they understand that if they play, well the
experience is enjoyable regardless of the result. I used to have a win-at- all-costs mentality myself but that is not how life works. Hard work and a good performance - even when the result doesn’t favour you - is way more powerful to any team and coach, if it is understood and harnessed.
“Willingness to share coaching ideas and plans. South African coaches by nature do not share ideas and coaching techniques yet we have some seriously talented coaches. Again, this was my approach but, being involved in two internationally established hockey playing nations, I learnt to share. It is a major part of the national development for coaches to share coaching ideas, structures, team building ideas etc with coaches from other clubs, schools and academies.
“When I was at the KES Easter Hockey Festival this year, I asked several coaches of teams that Northwood played if they were happy to share their game plan they implemented when playing us, for the most part, their facial expressions were priceless! I wasn’t asking to know how their respective schools play structurally, I wanted to know where they were trying to exploit us or limit our strengths.
“That provides me with knowledge of potential ‘blind-spots’ that I can then develop and eliminate in areas of weaknesses and develop and grow areas of strength. I am happy to sit with any coach and go through how we played against them and why, all it means is that the next time I face that coach, I have to be that much better. Surely that is a good thing?”
What is your ‘game plan’ to attract the rich talent that Durban North has to offer when the quality of KZN schools is so good?
“Haha …! So you are using my above answer to make me share my biggest secrets? Clever! Durban North is a community and communities look after and out for each other. That will be my catalyst to attract boys from within the community to Northwood. The fact that Northwood is literally in the heart of the Durban North community should make it the school of choice, which for many Durban North parents’, it is not.
“I understand that there will be allegiances to other schools because dad or brother went there etc, however, I will create a legacy through Northwood Hockey and Northwood School that will attract players because they want to be a part of something special, not because they were offered the biggest scholarship because they were the superstars of the local prep schools, but because they see the value in what I plan on doing for the school over the next 5 years.
“There are misconceptions about Northwood, however, being in the trenches myself and an employee of the school, I speak the truth when I say they are just that, perceptions without substance. For me, that is a great starting point, as I know how many families already send their boy/s to other schools based on this, it is therefore my priority to show the Durban North community the truth about this fine institution that is Northwood School.”
Best wishes to a fine hockey man.
Courtney Halle has enjoyed a stellar season by anyone’s measure
The Maritzburg College first team defender played a big part in the team’s ranking by www.saschoolsports.co.za as the number one schoolboy hockey side in the country.
Halle was also selected for KZN Inland U18A, KZN Inland U21, SA U18 and the SA U21 Junior World Cup training squad.
So how has it all happened, what are the key factors in this boom year for the Ladysmith, KZN-based Halle who filled senior positions as a boarder and in the school at College.
“As proud as I am of myself and my achievements, it’s only a result of hard work and dedication plus the support of many people,” says the tall defender.
“There’s no real way to express my feelings about this year as they are overwhelming! This year was my second and last year playing for the college 1st XI. The reason why we are such a successful hockey school is because our hockey staff buy into the idea from the lowest to highest teams. We work extremely hard at practice and look to earn the respect of others by assisting on our off days with the coaching of teams as low as the U14G and F teams who deserve as much respect as the 1st team.”
Halle admits that much what drives him comes from within. “I am a very competitive guy who wants to always raise the bar and be better than what’s expected. I am driven by people who have told me I can’t do it and also to do my parents proud.”
Of the Maritzburg first hockey team Class of 2015, the immediately likeable Halle says the guys bonded as a team and came together to do a job. “We have successfully finished 1st in SA again according to the SA School Sports rankings and had more than the whole first side in the provincial set up.”
Alongside Halle in the SA U21 Junior World Cup training squad are good friends and College team-mates Tyson Dlungwana and MK Letuka as well as Old Collegians and ex-team-mates Tevin Kok, Peabo Lembethe, Onke Letuka and Siya Nolutshungu.
“College boys who represented KZN Inland were myself, Tyson Dlungwana, Andile Ndlovu and Michael Godfrey amongst the defenders; links Landon Campbell and Gareth Herselman, and strikers Michael Forrest as well as Bob Njapha. Our College coach, Devon van der Merwe, was also our provincial coach.”
College boys selected for the SA U18 side were Halle and Dlungwana, with Andile Ndlovu and Sanele Magoso being selected for the SA U17 squad.
Halle is acutely aware of the responsibilities he carries for the team. “Being a defender comes with its pros and its cons. The slightest of mistakes could result in the scoreboard ticking against your favour. So yes, I feel it puts huge strain on you as you have to take the smallest window of opportunity to turn over possession and win back that ball. Dealing with the strain though just means you need to work harder than ever before. Backing your goalkeeper to assist is also a key aspect.”
Penalty corner drag flicking is one of Halle’s favourites. “I thrive on knowing I have to be better than the opposition goalkeeper and that I have the potential to put my team ahead. There’s no better feeling than knowing you contributed a large amount to your teams success in a tight game, winning no more than 1-0.”
It takes time to know your game, develop the necessary mettle and advance your emotional make-up to really blossom and Halle appears to be getting there – and fast.
“Through the years I have matured as a hockey player and learned to deal with certain situations. I have learned to be calm in all situations, as you need to be so as a drag flicker. When we are under pressure to equalize I wouldn’t say I thrive on it but I like to set the pace at the back and get the game moving forward to get that needed goal.”
As for memorable, nail-biting games, there have been plenty stored in the Halle memory bank. “From beating Glenwood in our second last game last year to move into first place in SA, to beating Westville and Jeppe both 1-0 this year with seconds to go as a result of drag flicks.
“Although I think my most memorable game would be College vs Pretoria Boys for our third meeting of the year when we came from 2-0 down on Pape’s Astro at College to win 3-2, scoring two goals inside 90 seconds at the start of the second half.”
As far as individual goal strikes are concerned, the St Albans match stands out for Halle. “Against St Albans at the start of the season I scored a hat-trick and College went on to win the game 4-3. It was a huge milestone to achieve as I began to find my feet as a drag flicker. It is a memory I will not forget.”
Another highlight was last season. “When we played Glenwood at home after previously losing to them in Durban that same season. College won the game 4-1 to have the last say in their last game, and our second last game. We had to win by three goals to take the title of first-ranked team in SA for 2014.”
Halle loves the schoolboy hockey festivals, like the annual Nomads festival. “These festivals are extremely enjoyable as they bring competition that we would not normally play in KZN and allows us to be out of our home environment. It’s an important bonding time for the team as it sets the standard for the rest of the season. It also allows for you to make many friends, who you will see time and time again on and off the field during the year, and the years to come.”
As for his 2016 ambitions, one in particular is crystal clear: “Next year I will be looking to make the SA team that will take part in the Junior World Cup Africa Qualifier.” The winners of that one go through to the Junior World Cup finals in India later in the year.
Varsity Cup hockey also looms large in 2016 and Halle will likely be at Tuks or UJ studying towards a B.Comm with the focus on the entrepreneurial world.
Ultimately he would love to earn senior men’s national colours.
“It’s just unfortunate that we cannot make a career of hockey in South Africa; I think it’s a huge downfall and a burden on our potential success. I would love to look to make a career and play in the Indian and Belgium leagues.”
As to his mentors, Halle doesn’t hesitate for a second. “My parents have always played a huge roll in my success with their continuous support and interest in me. However I can’t forget about my coaches, from day one being my mother! My high school coaches played a huge roll too. Brandon Swart, Kyle Emerson, Devon van der Merwe and Chris Oldnall were always pushing my boundaries and driving me to succeed.
“I must make special mention of Devon van der Merwe. He has coached me the last two years and has had something to add to every aspect of my game, and ensures you are always pushing the limits. I can’t forget though, the part played by Mr Brandon Swart, where my seeds were planted.”
It all started for Halle at Monument Primary School in Ladysmith. “I have always been a fan of hockey since toddler days, although I only really started enjoying it last year. What makes hockey different to any other sport for me is that the game is never won, and can go either way at any moment! It’s all about the team who pitches on the day.”