During the March holidays, Bishops hockey had five teams competing in festivals in preparation for the season ahead.
Both our U14A and U16A sides went to compete in their respective Independent Schools Festivals in Bloemfontein over the holidays.
The U14As had a very successful tour. They were undefeated, winning 6 out of 6 with an impressive 23 goal difference. It was a great team effort by all players, and a great show of Bishops hockey. Special mention goes to James Arkcoll on being named midfielder of the festival.
The U16A side had a slightly tougher festival, losing a couple of players to illness and injury and ending the tour with only one player on the bench. Despite this they performed admirably winning 3, drawing 1 and losing 2. Like the U14s, Bishops claimed the midfielder of the festival – well done to Litha Mbiko on winning this award. Well done to the team for a special effort on the field and for their manner in which they conducted themselves off the field.
The U16B side competed locally in the Bosch Festival. Over the course of five games, they experienced a range of outcomes, demonstrating both their strengths and areas for growth. Majority of the matches were tight games, resulting in a couple of draws and some very close loses. Throughout the event, the team exhibited strong teamwork and perseverance, even in the face of challenging opponents.
The second side travelled to KZN to take part in the Michaelhouse 2nd team Hockey Festival. The team managed to keep a clean sheet for their first two games and only conceded in the 3rd game due the goalkeeper sustaining an injury. Of the 5 games played they drew 2 and lost the last 3 games. It was another competitive and challenging festival, and the Bishops 2nds played their hearts out and improved significantly as a team over the 4 days of hockey.
The Bishops 1st Team Hockey played in two pre-season festivals at the end of the first term. At the Parel Vallei Festival they played 3 matches: against Somerset College, winning 2 – 0; Outeniqua, winning 5 – 0; and Paarl Boys, winning 7 - 0.
At the Independent Schools Hockey Festival, hosted by Bishops as part of the 175 celebrations, the 1st team played 6 matches. The first was against one of our traditional festival rivals, Michaelhouse, winning a tough game 3 – 1. This was followed by victories over St Charles (4 – 0), St Davids (2 – 0), St Andrew’s School (8 - 0), St Andrew’s College (2 – 1) and St Benedict’s (4 – 0).
The 1st Team takes their unbeaten record into the first league fixture of the season against DF Malan on Friday evening at 7pm. The team is playing an exciting brand of hockey now, and we encourage you to enjoy the game live at Bishops on Friday.
A massive thanks goes to all coaches and staff for the time they gave up taking these teams away during the holidays. Without theirs (and the players) commitment we would never be able to play in such festivals.
As all teams reflect on their performance in their respective festivals, we hope they will take away valuable lessons that will contribute to their growth and development in future matches. After a hockey filled holiday, we look forward to a great season ahead for not only these teams but all Bishops hockey teams.