BOISHAAIER 2016

Hokkie HOKKIE

HOCKEY

One of the standout achievements for hockey this year has to be the fact that many of our B, C and D teams showed tremendous growth and one of the focus points for the sport has been to increase the depth of our teams throughout all age groups. A big congratulations must go out to all of the coaches and managers involved with these teams. Interschools was as exciting as it is every year and once again, Paarl Boys’ High showed their domination in hockey over Paarl Gimnasium, winning four matches and losing only one. The only match left was the main event for the hockey, the clash of the 1st

It feels like it was just the other day that we were getting the hockey trials started and preparing teams for their various preseason festivals and within a blink of an eye, another hockey season has come and gone. A season filled with many ups and downs but a season that has shown the growth and potential that the hockey at Paarl Boys’ High School has. A young 1st team was selected with only one matric pupil in the side and for the first time in many years, a Grade 11 pupil was given the responsibility of captaining the team. We were well aware that it would be a tough season for the 1st team and the ripple effect for the U16 side would be noticeable with six of their strongest players being brought into the 1st team. However, the long-term plan of ensuring that there is always a core group of players who remain in the 1st team at the end of the season had to be kept in mind. What started off as a tough season with respect to results, started to change once the team grew in confidence as well as ability. This was evident through the selection of captain Ethan Appies and skilful defender Sipho Mila into the Boland U18A team. A special mention must be made to Ethan who was chosen for the South African U17 team selected at the interprovincial tournament. The U14A team, under the guidance of Ms McFarlane, had a fantastically successful season and managed to win their fixtures against some of the top hockey schools in the country. It will be exciting to see the progress of this group of talented young players as they progress into U16 hockey next year.

teams. Paarl Gim took an early lead through a penalty stroke and managed to score a second goal shortly after. Paarl Boys’ High fought back and had Gim under constant pressure throughout the second half. Through sheer determination and hard work, they got their just reward in scoring two goals and drawing the match 2 – 2. The game was a reflection of the true epitome of a Boys’ High sportsman, never giving up until the final whistle.

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