McNamara keen for St Andrew’s College’s showdown with Queen’s

St Andrew’s College first-team hockey captain, Connor McNamara, believes playing in front of College’s passionate and enthusiastic supporters will come in handy when they face Queen’s College on Friday, at the Webster AstroTurf, at 17:30.

Their meeting is one of the matches to most enticing matches to watch in the Eastern Cape this weekend, while Selborne College versus Dale College, in East London, will be another juicy affair.

St Andrew’s, led by coach Dean Ferreira, have played some exciting hockey this season and will enter the clash fresh off a 3-1 victory over Pearson High School last weekend.

That win came away from home, in Gqeberha, with Greg Rodwell slotting a hat-trick.

They’ll be looking to build on that statement victory and their solid season thus far, said skipper McNamara.

“Our season has kicked off in a heartbeat, considering the eventful holiday we have just come off,” he told SuperSport Schools Plus.

“Having only a few days to settle and three injured strikers, our first fixture was always going to be a challenge, but the team responded positively to the circumstances, resulting in a 3-1 victory over Pearson High School.

“Rodwell and his shorty team were nothing short of excellent on the day, making us all proud as he earned his first hat-trick for the team. I was pleased with the team’s performance, which showcased a superb understanding of the game while maintaining good sportsmanship and upholding the school’s reputation.”

During the holidays, McNamara and his side were fortunate to embark on an international tour to The Netherlands.

They had played at the Saints Festival before the tour and headed abroad in a confident frame of mind. There, they faced some tough opposition. It taught them valuable lessons, McNamara said.

“Our Netherlands tour was an unbelievable experience. We played various matches versus Dutch clubs, which significantly grew our understanding of the game and how it’s played on European soil,” he shared.

“We attended a few incredibly insightful clinics that were coached by world-class coaches and players in the most amazing facilities.

“In our free time, we were privileged to experience the Dutch culture, celebrating King’s Day and watching a professional Hoofdklasse match where we were able to meet hockey legends in person.

“Overall, the tour was a huge success and one that we are all truly grateful and privileged to have gone on.”

While St Andrew’s is undeniably one of the teams to beat in the Eastern Cape this season, they will not be underestimating Queen’s.

The boys from Komani come off a spirited 4-2 victory over Dale College last weekend in Qonce, and they’ll be looking to silence a couple of naysayers. McNamara said St Andrew’s is wary of the threats posed by the visitors and won’t take them lightly.

“There is no doubt that Queen’s have pulled their weight this season, and that’s an accomplishment they should be incredibly proud of.

“This also shows just how hard-working and prepared they are for this coming Friday. However, so are we. It will be crucial for us, as a team, to stick to our brand of hockey, remain disciplined, and ensure we are switched on from the start. If so, I am confident that we will win.”

A bonus for the hosts will be their supporters cheering them on in the stands. With their busy travelling schedule over the past two months, St Andrew’s last played a home game way back in March against Kingswood College. They were 4-1 victors on that occasion.

On Friday afternoon, the 1st XI will be expecting a large number of their schoolmates to come out in full voice to support them.

“It’s always special and such an amazing privilege to be able to play in front of our home crowd and to be able to showcase the brand of hockey that our coaches have been tirelessly implementing,” McNamara said.

“We aspire to be a team that our supporters are proud to support, not only for our victories but for our sportsmanship, and for the way we conduct ourselves on and off the pitch.

“The Boys in Blue, in particular, have always been our biggest supporters, bringing with them an atmosphere that echoes through Makhanda. And I have no doubt they will be there on Friday, ready to echo once again,” he concluded.

Other Matches

While Makhanda promises to be bouncing on Friday, East London will also be buzzing when Selborne College hosts Dale College.

Selborne had a bye last week, while Dale will be eager to get back to winning ways after suffering a 2-4 loss against Queen’s at their reunion.

Hudson Park defeated Framesby 2-1 last week, and they are back on the road, heading to Gqeberha for two fixtures, against Victoria Park and Pearson High, respectively. Meanwhile, Cambridge High and Stirling will battle for supremacy in East London.

FIXTURES

Friday, 16 May 

15:45 – Victoria Park vs Hudson Park
17:30 – St Andrew’s College vs Queen’s College
17: 30 – Cambridge vs Stirling High
18:45 – Selborne College vs Dale College
19:00 – Pearson High vs Kingswood College

Saturday, 17 May

09:30 – Pearson High vs Hudson Park