Pearson passes Selborne test, wins epic 100th Reunion showdown
Pearson High School’s hockey side has enjoyed a superb start to its 2026 campaign under coach Dalan Phillips.
The boys from Gqeberha, who occasionally fly under the radar in the Eastern Cape due to Grey High‘s prominence, have carved out an impressive path early in the season.
After an accomplished showing at the Tony Godding Festival in March, Pearson headed to the KES Easter Festival, where they picked up some statement victories.
Besides those results, they also played entertaining go-forward hockey, and looked particularly dangerous every time they made a circle entry.
They dismantled Eldoraigne 7-0, Helpmekaar College 4-0, and St Charles College 3-0. Glenwood High proved to be their sternest challenge, but the boys in green, white, and black sneaked a 1-0 win to finish the festival as one of the three unbeaten teams.
Backing up those performances against Selborne College in their first home derby of the year was always going to be the challenge, however.
On Friday night, they hosted the East London school in their 100th Reunion clash and delivered one of their most mature performances of the season thus far against a strong side.
It was a thrilling affair from start to finish, with the teams swopping control of the tempo of the game early on.
The visitors opened the deadlock in the second chukka, but Pearson responded almost immediately to that setback through Tao Kudyachete.
Then, with 30 seconds remaining in the first half, Zacharee McLean scored a brilliant individual goal to double his side’s tally.
The second half was evenly matched, but the clash ended on a controversial note after Selborne’s Reid Drake appeared to have been fouled inside the circle while attempting a shot. However, the umpires discussed the incident and ruled in favour of Pearson.
“I thought the boys managed to stay patient in our build-up for most of the game,” coach Dalan Phillips told SuperSport Schools Plus.
“That helped us, and it opened up some good passing lanes going forward. As the season progresses, we would like to improve our off-the-ball work.
“With that said, I’m very happy to take the win against my alma mater.”
Pearson travel to George next week to face York High.
Speaking of York, they played to a 2-2 draw with Alexander Road High on Saturday.
Coach Jason Slater’s troops went into the match on the back of an outstanding second place finish at the Belgotex Sport Easter Hockey Tournament.
They weren’t at their best against Alex, Slater admitted, adding that they will need to lift their game for the showdown with Pearson.
In other matches around the Eastern Cape, Stirling High stunned Queen’s College 2-1 in East London, Victoria Park bagged an unexpected 1-0 win against Dale College in Qonce, and Hudson Park edged out Cambridge High 1-0.
Eastern Cape results
Pearson 2-1 Selborne College
York High 2-2 Alexander Road
Hudson Park 1-0 Cambridge
Stirling High 2-1 Queens College
Victoria Park 1-0 Dale College
- KES stuns Jeppe to clinch derby bragging rights - 2026-04-12
- Pearson passes Selborne test, wins epic 100th Reunion showdown - 2026-04-12
- History and pride on the line in Jeppe vs KES rivalry - 2026-04-10
