Somerset confident ahead of KC Festival in Makhanda
On the back of a 3-1 win against Pinelands High School and finishing fifth at the Belgotex Sport Easter Hockey Festival, Somerset College will enter this weekend’s Kingswood College Hockey Festival in high spirits and keen to further build upon their early season achievements.
The festival pits Eastern Cape sides against the likes of York High, Glenwood House, and Oakhill School.
Over 800 kilometres from home, Somerset is one of a number of Western Cape sides looking to make a statement.
Last weekend, they got their Western Cape league season off to a commanding start with a 3-1 win over Pinelands, with skipper Michael du Toit, Matthew Sutherland, and Tyrone Rieth finding the back of the net.
Before that clash, coach Mick Ouwekerk’s boys were on song at the Belgotex Sport Easter Hockey Festival, where they finished in the top five in the 40-team event.
There, they dominated their pool but were knocked out by the eventual winners, Paarl Gimnasium, in the quarterfinals on the third day. They did, however, end their campaign on a positive note by beating Fairmont High 1-0 to seal fifth place.
“I’m very happy with the progress we’ve made during the early part of the season,” Ouwekerk told SuperSport Schools ahead of the festival.
“We had a tough start initially but have worked hard to improve on our weak areas, and the boys are starting to play some really good hockey.
“We had a solid pool stage at Belgotex, and meeting Paarl Gim in the quarters was a tough draw. They are an excellent team, well coached, and they work extremely hard on the field, so they’re always hard to play against.
“We competed well, and I am very happy with the performance,” he added.
Somerset’s team this year is a balanced blend of youth and experience, with seven senior players having departed the 2023 side.
However, Ouwekerk said those players who are now seniors have stepped up, and they’re setting a good example for the young guns in the team.
“It’s quite a big mixture of senior players with five u16s in the team, as well,” he said.
“It has been an interesting challenge, getting the senior players to help the younger guys understand what is expected at 1st team level.
“However, I feel we are starting to get it right and I’m looking forward to seeing the group continue to gel and improve throughout the season.”
Somerset College will open their campaign on Friday morning at 11:50 against Framesby. Ouwekerk believes that outing and the rest of their festival fixtures will help the side tick a few boxes before returning home.
“We, luckily, have played lots of festival and tournament hockey already, so physically I feel the team is in a good space.
“We have been struggling with getting outcomes from our 23 and circle entries this season, so that will be a big focus for this weekend.
Players to keep an eye out for include captain, Michael du Toit, who has been a commanding presence at the back and in midfield, as well as a threat at PC time.
Vice-captain Tyrone Rieth, along with Connor Murphy and Nicholas Plotz, has consistently put in strong performances in big games.
Somerset College’s fixtures at the KC Hockey Festival
Friday, 19 April 2024
11:50 – Somerset College vs Framesby
17:20 – Somerset College vs Glenwood House
Saturday, 20 April 2024
10:45 – Somerset College vs York High
17:15 – Somerset College vs Kingswood College
Sunday, 21 April 2024
09:10- Somerset College vs Oakhill School
