Hockey fans in for a treat as top schools collide on the final day of May
Johannesburg will feature an intriguing slate of top hockey clashes on Saturday. They’re tough to call, although Jeppe High School for Boys will be favoured to continue their excellent season.
Parktown Boys’ High hosts St John’s College in a league match at 11:45. Based on their recent games, it’s expected to be a high-paced, tight contest that could go either way.
St John’s heads into the clash with a mixed season’s record – seven wins, seven losses, and two draws from their 16 outings.
They’ve produced some gritty performances recently, including a 2-0 win over Helpmekaar Kollege, which was followed by a nerve-wracking penalty shootout win over St Benedict’s College. However, just last weekend, they suffered a 0-2 defeat at the hands of the same St Benedict’s team.
Earlier in May, St John’s put together a decent run at the Aitken Cup. They started their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Helpmekaar before flexing their attacking strength in emphatic 5-0 victories over both Hoërskool Noordheuwel and Northcliff High.
Those results saw them make it through to the quarterfinals, where they met St David’s Marist Inanda. That’s where the St John’s title challenge was ended, with St David’s triumphing 3-0.
The Blues rebounded with successive wins over Helpmekaar and St Benedict’s to finish fifth overall.
Parktown has played some good hockey recently Their recent draw against St David’s Marist, who needed a last-gasp goal to share the spoils, showed Parktown is no pushover.
With home-ground advantage, strong support, and plenty of momentum, Parktown will be eager to get one over St John’s.
King Edward VII School (KES), fresh off a thrilling 3-3 draw with Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies), takes on St Benedict’s.
It has been a good season for the Red Sticks, and they’ll be keen to continue their consistent form ahead of the mid-year exams and holidays.
Meanwhile, Jeppe High School for Boys, who are in the conversation with SACS and Paul Roos Gimnasium for the title of the top team in the country in 2025, welcome Affies to the Bowden AstroTurf.
The Kensington side has enjoyed a dominant season. They’re unbeaten, and they successfully defended the Aitken Cup recently. At the Standard Bank KES Easter Festival. they won five out of five.
Affies offers a serious challenge, however. Their well-structured approach makes them a difficult team to break down.
