MARITZBURG College first team coach Dylan Coombes gave high praise to his boys as their outstanding season came to a close in fine style with a 5-0 victory over King Edward VII School (KES) on Papes Astro Saturday.

It was one to savour, too, for the many Old Boys gathered in the KZN capital for the Maritzburg College Reunion Weekend.

Also filling the director of hockey position at Maritzburg College, it must give Dylan cause for much satisfaction in Saturday’s overall tally of played 16, won 11, drew 3 and lost 2. These stats are certainly in keeping with the consistency in Maritzburg College hockey through the age groups this year and the strength in depth in each age group.

Courtesy of Maritzburg College marketing, here are Dylan’s thoughts on Saturday’s 5-0 first team win over KES.

 

 

“Maritzburg College won the previous encounter 2-1 one in a close contest and the expectation was that it would be another close match.

“Maritzburg College however had other plans and put in one of their best performances of the year. College’s intentions were clear in their clinical and sharp approach to everything they did and also had the lion’s share of the possession throughout the match.

“College took just short of 3 minutes to open their account when fine interplay between Adrian Greaves and Angelo Walstroom won the first penalty corner. The penalty corner execution, whilst far from perfect, proved effective when Gregory Will pushed the ball home after slight confusion at the top of the circle.

 

 

“Just two minutes later and College would recycle and transfer the ball superbly to the left flank finding Mpumelelo Maphumulo in space. With a brilliant backhand pass into the circle he found Angelo Walstroom who, having found excellent space, took the tally to two with a brilliant deflection goal.

“College continued to dominate proceedings but it took until the 26th minute to further extend their lead, when Keegan Kleiner found himself in the circle and rolled the ball to a free Mpumelelo Maphumulo.

“Maphumulo received across his body and struck the ball well into the bottom left corner (3-0). The first half barrage from College was not done yet. Angelo Walstroom again received in good space in the circle. With calm and composed play he clinically protected the ball, turned and fired on his forehand into the bottom right corner, which would see the half out with College 4-0 up.

 

 

“The College outfit continued the dominant play into the second half, creating many more opportunities. In the 9th minute College earned themselves a penalty corner. Captain Russell Stainbank and Andre Bradford combined beautifully in what has become a go-to call for College this year. With a perfect pass from Stainbank, Bradford clinically deflected home on the backhand for the 5-0 end result.

“College could easily have built on this lead but could afford to let their foot off the pedal. It was a fine display to see a great season close on Pape’s.”

 

 

Thanks Dylan, it certainly has been a memorable first year for you in the director of hockey and first team coach positions at Maritzburg College.

Summary of Maritzburg College vs KES results

Played 16

Won 11

Lost 2 (staggered matches MC U16E vs KES  0-1 and MC U16G vs KES U16D 0-3)

Drew 3

SPECIFIC TEAM RESULTS
(MC score first)
1sts 5-0
2nds 6-0
3rds won 3-1
4th won 5-0
U16A drew 1-1
U16D vs KES U16B won 2-1
U16E vs KES U16C lost 0-1
U16Fvs KES U16C won 2-0
U16G vs KES U16D lost 0-3
U14A drew 1-1
U14B won 3-2
U14C drew 1-1
U14D won 6-1
U14E won 7-2