The best of PE took on the best of Graham’s Town this past Wednesday in a game that promised only the best of both teams…

Going back to the previous 2 years of this fixture, VP were seen as the under dogs with a point to prove as Kingswood had won both previous encounters 2-1 and 1-0. VP, with perhaps a side that, on paper wasn’t as strong as previous years, went into the game hungry and with nothing to lose but everything to gain…

The game started off very slowly with many stoppages. Kingswood controlled most of the possession and did most of the attacking and managed 3 short corners in quick succession towards the latter part of the first half, VP defended well and we went into half time tied at 0-0.

Both coaches realising the need to capitalise and score a goal provided both teams with stern words of advice and encouragement.

VP obviously took the advice to heart and realised the need and desire to beat Kingswood at home. An early second half substitution brought damian Kimfley on to the field and with him, a sense of belief. VP began to string some passes together and dominate Kingswood, cutting them down at every opportunity and applying reverse counter- attack hockey.

This paid off when the ball was passed across the Kinswood D and Brian Upman was presented with a par post “tap-in”. Moments later and just before the final whistle, Damian Kimfley scored VP’s second with a quick fire back-stick strike to beat the keeper.

3 years it took to accomplish this, final score 2–0 to VP. A true reflection of what hard work and VP character can accomplish!!!

VP was off to a slow start, conceding two penalties and Westering capitalizing thereon to make the score 0–6. After a good build-up, VP’s scrumhalf, Samkhelo Hlabeni scored the first try of the match which he converted as VP lead  7– 6 at half time.

The second-half started with Westering scoring an unconverted try, pushing the score up to 7 – 11. With some individual brilliance from the VP fly-half and captain, Dini Noyo, VP scored an unconverted try from the opposition’s ten metre line, and from the resultant kick-off VP, showed great courage and determination in playing the ball wide, which led to Luyanda Nzo’s try between the poles. At this point, the VP backs and forwards had some great interaction play, which lead to Dini Noyo’s second try, to the great delight of the VP supporters, taking the score  to 24 – 11.  Soon afterwards, Westering was awarded a penalty, which they converted to make the score 24 – 14.  Due to a lack of concentration from VP players, Westering capitalized and scored an unconverted try, which lead to a nail biting finish, as the score stood at 24 -19. With only five minutes left of the game, Westering came with numerous onslaughts, however the VP defence stood firm. In the closing moments of the game VP had an attacking scrum on the twenty-two metre line which was wheeled to the right and Samkhelo Hlabeni saw the opportunity and scored a scintillating try between the poles, making it easy for him to convert. The full time score was 31 – 19 in favour of VP. It was an entertaining match for the spectators with neither team backing down, despite both teams sustaining injuries.

Victoria Park High 1st XV versus P.J Olivier 1st XV

In a mid-week game VP outclassed P.J Olivier in every facet of the game, beating them 50 – 10. From start to finish VP dominated the game. The forwards and backs combined well. VP showed that they wanted to play wide and that proved to pay dividends. They ended up scoring nine tries during the match. The half-time score was 35-5 in favour of VP. The star of the match was flyhalf and captain, Dini Noyo, who scored three excellent individual tries. Luyanda Nzo also ran in with three tries, showing great pace on the left wing. Other try scorers were: Siya Mente, Luzukho Sam, and Lonwabo Moss.

Victoria Park vs Westering Derby (1^ST BOYS’ HOCKEY)

Two of PE’s top co-ed hockey high schools battled it out on Saturday for early season “bragging-rights”. The game promised to be an end to end game packed with action and top school boys’ hockey…it certainly lived up to expectations…

Right from the first whistle it was easy to see both teams wanted to win. VP dominating possession and Westering forced to do most of the defending. Towards the end of the first half after numerous chances had gone a begging, the game was on a knife’s edge…half time score: VP 0 – Westering 0.

After a jam-packed first 30 minutes and wise words from the respective coaches and managers, the second half got under way. The game continued at it’s fast pace, VP controlling the possession but failing to capitalise on their short corners. A sudden stringing together of Westering passes and a rash tackle ended Westering in VP’s circle with a short corner. It was a straight poke hit by Josh Dolley which deflected off the first wave’s boot and into the top of the back board, after much debate the goal was given and Westering now had the lead, 1 – 0.

Showing their true Victorian spirit, the VP team kept their heads up and continued to accumulate pressure, Westering unable to maintain discipline were sent down to ten men. With 5 minutes left, a moment of scurry presented Damian Kimfley with a chance to bring VP back on level terms, and he never failed to do as he flicked the ball from an acute angle past the diving Westering keeper.

1 -1 final score. A truely action packed game that left many spectators, players and coaches smiling. The second leg will be hosted later in the year by VP – perhaps then we might see a clear cut winner…

HOCKEY:

Our 2^nd girls and boys hockey teams put up great performances playing against Port Alfred’s 1^st team. They recorded the following results:

2^nd Boys’ Hockey lost 3 – 1

2^nd Girls Hockey won 2 – 0

Our 1^st boys’ hockey had some good results in the annual “Opening Day Tournament” which was held at NMMU. The recorded the following results:

Alexander Road 0-0 (Won on penalties)

St Andrews Lost 2-0

Woodridge Won 2-0

The boys’ first team hockey had some big shoes to fill with the 2008 team having been chosen as the “team of the year”.  Although this year’s team was blessed with talent and character they, unfortunately, only showed glimpses of their true potential and were not able to hold it together mentally. This sadly led them to lose some close matches.

The highlight of the season was being undefeated at the Westering Co-Ed festival.

It is hoped that there will be a better disciplined team ethic next year, so that the team may truly enjoy their season.

Congratulations to Damian Kimfley who was selected to represent the Eastern Province under-18 boys’ hockey team.

Mr B Lehman

U16A Hockey

The 2009 U16 Hockey team was one of mixed talents on and off the field. Many players moved up from U14 level and a few players who joined the sport for the first time created a diverse yet effective combination.

Captained by Brandon Youell the team had a mixed bag of results. Despite numerous games being rain affected the team played 10 games played of which we won 3, drew 4 and lost 3.

During the season we had many blood donors i.e. Mat “stitch”  Deyzel and Courtney “snout” Ruth who showed there commitment and determination by putting their bodies on the line for the team
As the season progressed, new players like Ryan “kung fu” Mesk and Steven “roadrunner” Humphreys showed vast improvement.

On many occasions the team had to call on the defence of Michi “kamakazi” Calitz and our Eastern Province Representative in the goals Gerrard “the  model” Bennett to make match winning saves.

All players contributed positively to the team and we wish them all well in senior years of school hockey.

Congratulations to all the players on a good season.

Mr. Hendry

U/14 A Boys Hockey

The under 14 A boys had a brilliant season winning 8 of their 11 games. Excellent results were achieved against Alex (1-0), Patterson (4-0), Westering (2-0), and Pearson (1-0). Bulumko Adams was the team’s top goal scorer and proved to be a very good finisher at striker. Justin Pretorius, the captain of the team, was awarded the prize for junior sportsmanship for hockey at the sports prize giving while Ross Williamson received the award for the player of the season as he was selected for the Eastern Province squad that played a national tournament in Grahamstown. Ross played sweeper and is an incredibly mature and talented hockey player for his age. Other players who deserve mention for contributing to the success of the team are Kevin Olver (Vice Captain), Calvin Taylor, Brad Theunessen and Chris Dunderdale.

This u/14 hockey side achieved results far beyond what was expected of them. Most importantly the players had fun and made good memories of winning and friendship. It was a pleasure to coach them. Coaching hockey is the thing I will miss most when I leave at the end of the year.

U/14 A Team

Chris Dunderdale – Goal Keeper  – First year as a keeper, it took 6 games for him to concede his first goal.

Ross Williamson – Sweeper  – Made the E.P. side. A solid player who reads the game well for his age. Too good for u/14 level.

Kevin Olver – Centre Back  -  Unlucky not to make the E.P. side. A skilful, fast, tough and fit player. Never gives up.

Brad Theunessen – Half/ Link  -  Very good player, lacks a bit of speed but makes it up with determination.

Calvin Taylor – Right Back -   One of the players of the season. Tireless gutsy performances game after game. Never misses a tackle.

Justin Pretorius – Centre Link  -  Great leader and captain. Received award for junior sportsmanship at prize giving. Skilful player and great distributor of the ball. Controls the middle of the field well.

Reece Ownhouse – Link -   Skilful player but over uses skill and becomes a bit individual in some games. He is a good distributor of the ball.

Josh Wibley – Link/wing -   Scored some awesome goals, could have scored many more but must focus on fitness levels.

Bulumko Adams – Centre Forward -   Unlucky to be left out of E.P. side. The teams top goal scorer, he is very skilful and almost impossible to tackle. Needs to work on speed and must dedicate himself to hockey.

Camden Wilson – Wing -   Scored the winning goal against Muir. Unorthodox but effective as an impact player.

Christopher Stockwell – Wing -   Lots of potential to become a great hockey player, but a bit unfit and lazy at practice. The joker in the team.

Brennan Strydom – Wing  -   Improved a lot this season, a bit smaller in size than other boys, lacks a bit of speed but is very determined.

Roland Francis – Half  -  Tall and imposing player. Started the season very well. Solid performances throughout. Can work on fitness levels.

U/14 A Results 2009

Opponents    Score    Result
Patterson 1    4-0    Win
Pearson    1-0     Win
Muir    1-0    Win
Patterson 2    2-0    Win
Kingswood    0-1    Loss
Westering    2-0    Win
Grey C    1-0    Win
Woodridge    3-4    Loss
Grey A    0-5    Loss
Patterson 3    2-0    Win
Alex    1-0    Win

The u/14 A hockey team won 8 of their 11 Games and were undefeated at derby days and on grass.

MR RYAN THATCHER
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The 1st team boys did not disappoint, after a 1 – 1 draw against Tableview, a team from Cape Town, the team turned it on to win their remaining three matches. What was most impressive was the fact that although the team had lost key players due to injury and provincial duty, they worked together as a unit on the field to dominate in all the matches.

Boys Hockey Goal Scorers