Maritzburg College dominated in their hockey matches against visiting side Northwood, and of the 18 matches played, College won 13, drawing 4 and losing just one in scoring 51 goals with 14 against.

Here’s the 1st XI match report v Northwood from Dylan Coombes, Maritzburg College 1st team coach and director of hockey:

 

 

“Maritzburg College welcomed KZN rivals Northwood to a newly surfaced Pape’s Astro in the opening fixture of the 2019 winter sports season.

“Exceptionally hot conditions would challenge the intensity with which the College 1st XI normally go about their business.

“The 2019 season has also welcomed the introduction of a change in format where four 15-minute quarters [the international norm] have been introduced at 1st team level.

Check out the Maritzburg College first team squad 2019 here on the Maritzburg College Facebook page

 

https://web.facebook.com/Maritzcollege/videos/1053482648177380/

 

“The match started with both College and Northwood testing the waters with caution.

“College enjoyed most of the possession; however the first quarter came to a close at 0-0.

“It took until 5 minutes before halftime before it was College who would break the deadlock through debutant D. Bruyns.

“Bruyns showed great instinct in sneaking ahead of his defender in what was very limited space to expertly get off a forehand shot – opening his and College’s account for the 2019 season.

 

 

Halftime saw the match evenly poised with only the single goal separating the two teams.

College came out with good intentions in the 2nd half, the frontmen appearing to be revved up by the halftime chat, and showed some exciting interplay and dynamic skills.

“This pressure resulted in College’s 2nd goal, where a baseline circle entry, some good stickwork-and-a-shot from Bruyns saw the ball deflect up with no danger, falling at the far post, where S. Ngcobo was perfectly placed to make a simple finish, putting College 2-0 up.

 

 

“Seven minutes later College would win their 5th penalty corner, which saw captain G. Pio step up and slot the ball into the bottom-left corner to see the scoreboard read 3-0 in favour of College.

“Just 4 minutes after College extending their lead, a scrappy patch of play saw Northwood capitalise on poor defending and open their account, a simple finish stemming from fine skill on the baseline (3-1).

“This saw the 3rd quarter out and with the fourth and final quarter left College found another gear and showed some good control.

“College would be rewarded for good pressure and G. Ngcobo found himself perfectly positioned in the back of the circle, where he finished superbly with a forehand strike into the bottom corner.”

 

 

The match ended 4-1 – now there is an exciting Nomads Festival at PBHS to look forward to for the College outfit.

Summary of results

Maritzburg College P 18 vs Northwood, W 13, D 4 L 1