Affies takes on Garsfontein in Pullen and Howell final
Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool (Affies) and Hoërskool Garsfontein are set to lock horns in an all-Pretoria final to the 2025 Pullen and Howell Girls’ Hockey Tournament on Saturday.
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Affies earned their place in the final after a hard-fought and narrow 1-0 victory over a spirited St Andrew’s School for Girls side in the semifinals.
The decisive moment was delivered by Marise Ras, who found the back of the net with a composed finish to seal the win for the Pretoria school.
St Andrew’s extended Affies, pressing hard to break through their defences, but Affies held their shape, kept their discipline, and emerged with a clean sheet.
In a clash of traditional rivals, Garsfontein edged out Waterkloof in the other semifinal. Garsies produced a resilient showing to bag a tight 2-1 win and punch their ticket to the title game.
Affies’ head coach, Nicolene Terblanche, while sharing her thoughts ahead of the final, praised her team’s performance and acknowledged the challenge that lies ahead.
“We’ve really enjoyed the tournament,” she said, “and I’m so proud of how my team has played throughout. There’s been good energy and strong teamwork.
“We’re feeling positive going into tomorrow. It’s going to be a good game. Garsfontein is a very strong team and plays good hockey. We know we’ll need to be at our best.”
Saturday’s final will be a battle between two Pretoria powerhouses, who have enjoyed impressive seasons. Both schools have a rich hockey tradition and will be laser-focused on capping off their tournament with silverware. For Affies, who won the All Girls’ Festival in May, it will be an opportunity to claim a second title in 2025.
One of the key features of the title decider will be the clash of the defensive solidity of Affies and the attacking enterprise of Garsfontein. Contrasting strengths make for fascinating contests and when it’s for all the marbles that’s an enticing bonus.
