Selborne and Clarendon win big on derby day against Stirling
Two of East London’s top hockey-playing schools, Selborne College and Clarendon High School for Girls, will go into the mid-year break satisfied after recording impressive wins against Stirling High School on Friday night.
Selborne was ruthless in front of a jam-packed crowd at Stirling and defeated their opponents 5-1, courtesy of a strong first-half performance.
Clarendon, meanwhile, had to show some mettle and, after trailing 0-2, they came from behind to win 3-2, much to the satisfaction of their supporters.
Both of the visiting sides were confident heading into the clash after getting one over Cambridge High School a week ago in another local derby.
Selborne was far from their best in that encounter but secured a nervy 3-2 win, while the Clarrie Bags operated in full motion and overran Cambridge 9-0.
Stirling, on the other hand, faced Hudson Park High last week and, while the girls won 3-2, the boys suffered a 1-3 loss.
It was certainly going to be a different challenge for the visitors, and Clarendon was in for a tough day at the office.
They started on the back foot and were outplayed in the first half by coach Michael Dettmer’s outfit, who struck twice, through Mathibane Mqeni and Lelona Botha, to open up a nice lead.
However, the visitors pulled one back just before halftime. That goal brought some belief to the Clarendon camp, and the halftime team talk by coach Luaan Sedras and his backroom staff worked like a charm.
They played much better hockey in the second half and put Stirling under immense pressure, which resulted in two more goals to complete the comeback.
Caroline Kretzmann, Hannah Hatting, and Kate Booysens netted for Clarendon, while Chadlyn Johannes, who made her debut this year, created two of their goals. She’s a player to keep an eye on in the coming years.
Speaking to SuperSport Schools Plus after the game, coach Sedras applauded his teams for staying in the fight.
“We were surprised with how Stirling started the game,” he said. “They were aggressive, and we were always back-pedalling and playing on the back foot.
“We struggled in the first half, but we scored a goal before halftime, and I think that goal gave us the momentum and confidence we needed.
“It was a game of two halves,” he added, “and we were more positive and aggressive in the second.
“I’m proud of my girls with the character they showed to come from two goals behind to win the game.”
While Clarendon was forced to grind out a tough win, Selborne cruised to victory in the main match of the day.
Coach KJ Friend‘s outfit started like a house on fire, kept the pressure dialled up, and scored early goals, while standing firm at the back.
They led 4-0 at the break and scored one more goal in the second half to seal an emphatic 5-1 win.
On the scoresheet were skipper Gray van Heerden and Christopher Pringle, who both struck twice. Reid Drake, who has been in top form all season long at penalty corner time, also found the back of the net.
Coach Friend was pleased with his team’s performance, especially after their tight win over Cambridge.
“Last week we let ourselves down, and I think it was because of exam fever,” he told SuperSport Schools Plus. “This week we came out with the purpose to keep the ball and just be better.
“We were much better. It was tough against a good half-court press, but I’m happy. It’s a good way to end the term.”
Selborne had a tough start to the season at the Nomads Hockey Festival and King Edward VII Easter Hockey Festival.
They continued to struggle at the Hibbert Shield, in Gqeberha, but in May they found their mojo and started playing like the Selborne everyone has become accustomed to.
They defeated St Andrew’s College and Dale College and drew 2-2 with Grey College. Those results proved the turnaround was real.
Coach Friend revealed how he got his players on track: “We’ve just told the boys to play to our strengths. We know we are in a building phase.
“I told them to utilise our strengths. One or two standout performances over the last two weeks have proved what they are.
“We are identifying what we’re good at and what we’re not good at and just sticking to what’s working,” he explained.
Both Selborne and Clarendon will be well represented in the Border teams at the forthcoming SASHOC National Week in Pietermaritzburg from 30 June to 5 July.
That tournament will be exclusively LIVE on SuperSport Schools and DStv Channel 216.
