St Mary’s DSG set to challenge for Super 12 honours
St Mary’s DSG (Kloof) returns to the annual Fairtree Super 12 Tournament after a five-year absence with one goal in mind, to challenge for the title.
The event runs from 8 to 10 August at C&N Sekondêre Meisieskool Oranje, in Bloemfontein.
The KZN side has been drawn in Pool A, where they will face Oranje, Paarl Gimnasium, Garsfontein, Bloemhof, and Waterkloof.
Coach Carla Ann Mackay’s charges will kick off their campaign with a match against Garsfontein.
“The ultimate goal would be to win the title, but we are up against some really strong teams, so, realistically we are going out to play each game to the best of our ability and the results will take care of themselves,” Mackay said.
St Mary’s has been part of the Fairtree Super 12 four times in the past, in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2019. During those events, they amassed 14 wins, 12 losses and four draws. Their best results were back-to-back second place finishes in 2018 and 2019.
The Georgia Pollock-captained side has enjoyed a very good year. They have won two titles in the past three months, clinching the St Anne’s Cup in May and the SPAR Schoolgirls Hockey Challenge Grand Final trophy in July.
They arrive in Bloemfontein with a chance of recording a hat-trick of titles in a calendar year and that’s a challenge that Mackay’s charges are eager to give their best shot.
“We have been preparing quite a lot since the girls returned to school in mid-July. The focus has been on perfecting some set pieces, and a huge push, as always, [has been] on conditioning and ensuring the girls are peaking fitness-wise at the tournament,” Mackay explained.
Such is the dedication of the St Mary’s contingent that most of their stars have been balancing their preparations for national trials with their team commitments for the Super 12.
“They have been pushing hard to make sure they are always there for the team,” Mackay said. “They are all so proud of making the tournament. It was our ultimate goal this season after missing out last year.”
While the St Mary’s team boasts the talents of some of the best players in schoolgirl hockey this year, the cornerstone of their success has been their ability to play as a unit, adhering to a good structural approach to the game. Mackay’s side has no plans to deviate from that tried and proven method at the Super 12 tournament.
“We just want to go out and play our brand of hockey and showcase why this team is so special,” Mackay said.
Their form suggests St Mary’s DSG will be one of the teams in the running for the Super 12 title. They will keep spectators on the edge of their seats with their goal-scoring abilities, enterprising midfield play, solid defence and outstanding ball movement.
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