WP youngsters out to shine at Primary Top Schools Tournament
The top 20 primary schools in the Western Province region will put themselves to the test with silverware on the line in the Western Province (WP) Primary Top Schools Tournament, which starts on Friday, in Cape Town.
The annual event continues through until Sunday, and all matches will be played on the Western Province Cricket Club AstroTurf.
The tournament, organised by the WP Primary Hockey Association, brings together many of the best young players from around the province.
In 2024, De Hoop Primary School won the girls’ section, while Bishops Diocesan College claimed top spot in the boys’ section.
Both teams will be aiming to defend their titles, but the competition this year is tighter than ever.
De Hoop has been paired in Pool B and will face Beaumont Primary School, from Somerset West, as well as Kenridge, Kirstenhof, and Durbanville.
Pool A, meanwhile, will be contested by Somerset College, Sweet Valley, Springfield, Panorama, and Eversdal.
Surprisingly, De Hoop and Springfield are the only teams in action that have won the tournament in its last seven editions.
The boys’ action also promises to entertain. Pool A is filled with strong sides, including Bishops, SACS, Kenridge, Western Province Prep, and 2023’s winners, De Hoop.
Beaumont Primary will battle it out in Pool B against Gene Louw, Sweet Valley, Somerset House, and Panorama.
“It is an honour for me to welcome you to the most prestigious event on our school calendar, the Western Province Primary Top Schools Tournament,” Chairperson of WP Primary Hockey, Claudell Müller, said in a statement.
“This tournament showcases our top primary schools, and we are excited to see their talent, teamwork, and sportsmanship on display.”
Hockey in the province in a healthy state, which was proved in July when both the boys’ and girls’ Western Province u13 sides won gold at the SASHOC National Week.
Several players who featured for those teams will be in action this weekend.
“What an incredible season we’ve had in WP Primary School hockey,” Müller added.
“Our province has shone brightly, with both our girls’ and boys’ teams claiming gold and the title of top primary school province in the country.
“This achievement is a testament to the grit, determination, and perseverance of our talented young hockey players.”
The action from the opening game will be streamed LIVE on the ES Media YouTube channel.
Parents and spectators are also advised to download the Enhanced Sports App that will be used for fixtures, results and logs throughout the tournament.
DAY 1 FIXTURES
Friday, 5 September
BOYS
15:45 – Beaumont vs Gene Louw @Astro A
15:45 – Somerset House vs Panorama @Astro B
17:15 – De Hoop vs SACS @Astro A
17:15 – Bishops vs WP Prep @Astro B
18:45 – Gene Louw vs Panorama @Astro A
18:45 – Sweet Valley vs Somerset House @Astro B
19:30 – Kenridge vs WP Prep @Astro B
GIRLS
15:00 – Sweet Valley vs Panorama @Astro A
15:00 – Somerset College vs Springfield @Astro B
16:30 – Kenridge vs Durbanville @Astro A
16:30 – Kirstenhof vs De Hoop @Astro B
18:00 – Sweet Valley vs Somerset College @Astro A
18:00 – Eversdal vs Panorama @Astro B
19:30 – Beaumont vs Durbanville @Astro A
20:15 – Eversdal vs Springfield @Astro A
20:15 – Kenridge vs Kirstenhof @Astro B
