Paarl Gim sneaks past Rhenish to remain unbeaten in the Western Cape
In a battle for supremacy between two fierce Western Cape rivals, Paarl Gimnasium and Rhenish Girls’ High, it was Paarl Gim who came out on top, claiming an impressive 3-2 win over their arch-rivals in Paarl on Saturday.
The victory means coach Ian Naudé‘s side remains unbeaten in the province, having suffered only two defeats all season long – against St Stithians and Eunice at the St Mary’s Waverley Hockey Tournament in Johannesburg earlier in the year.
The fixture was the second time the teams met in 2024. In their first meeting, at the St Mary’s Waverley Festival, Gim handed Rhenish a 1-0 defeat.
Heading into the match, both teams owned flawless records within the province. Rhenish, who finished as the runners-up at the All Girls Festival in Potchefstroom, were not to be underestimated.
Gim, though, was on a superb run of form, scoring goals with ease against some of the Western Cape’s other top teams and sides from further afield, when they won the Cape Town International Hockey Tournament. They were rampant and dominated the event to win gold and finish the four-day competition unbeaten.
Chris Gerber’s Rhenish side has also enjoyed a solid season, however, and during the week, in the lead-up to the big showdown, they defeated Paarl Girls’ High 2-1. Before that, in their last outing of the second term, they beat Parel Vallei 2-0.
Friday’s clash got off to a fiery start, with the game being played at a high tempo and both teams having a good go at one another, which led to an eye-opening four goals being scored in the first chukka.
Rhenish was first onto the scoresheet, but Gimmies responded through a Marika Neethling penalty corner drag flick to make it 1-1.
Soon after, the hosts grabbed the lead after Anine Le Roux converted a penalty stroke, but, undaunted, Rhenish quickly replied to make it 2-2.
Paarl Gim enjoyed the better of the second and third chukkas, creating numerous goal scoring opportunities without finding a finish.
They had several penalty corners stopped, but they also remained strong and resolute at the back, stopping the Stellenbosch side from taking the lead.
Then, in a thrilling finish, with about a minute to play in the fourth chukka, Karea De Ridder broke the hearts of Rhenish by slotting a field goal to make it 3-2, which sealed the win for her team.
“The first 15 minutes, both teams were on fire, and it was end-to-end stuff,” Paarl Gim coach Ian Naudé told SuperSport Schools Plus.
“From there on, the game was played between the two halves, with both teams still being fresh and the legs keeping up.
“From the second half, we pressed a little bit more, and that seemed to work for us, as we managed to get counterattacks, and controlled the game.”
Gim was unable to capitalise on their opportunities, but they didn’t allow Rhenish many and kept the Stellenbosch girls from winning a penalty corner.
Naudé applauded his side’s defensive effort: “Rhenish played their socks off. It was a hard game, but I think our girls were better conditioned,” he said.
“We had some PCs that we didn’t convert, but I’m also happy that we didn’t concede any PCs and that just speaks to our discipline in defence.”
Minke Botha received the player of the match accolade, while it was a special occasion for Marli van Lierop, who played her 75th match for Paarl Gimnasium.
Other matches
It was a busy week and weekend around the Western Cape, which included a big derby between Herschel Girls School and Springfield Convent School.
The honours went the way of the hosts, with Herschel claiming a 2-0 win, courtesy of goals from Mia Andrews and Alexa Knott.
Stellenberg was also on the winning side, beating Outeniqua 4-2, while Fairmont defeated The Settlers 3-0.
Paarl Girls’ High, after a narrow 1-2 mid-week defeat against Rhenish, bounced back to beat Durbanville 3-0.
RESULTS
Herschel Girls School 2-0 Springfield
Paarl Gimnasium 3-2 Rhenish
Stellenberg 4-2 Outeniqua
Fairmont High 3-0 The Settlers
Paarl Girls High 3-0 Durbanville
La Rochelle vs HMS Bloemhof – Postponed
Rustenburg Girls’ High vs Parel Vallei – Called off (rain)
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