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Voortrekker downs Diamantveld in Wesgrow series opener

By Avuyile Sawula , in Hockey | Featured Hockey | News , at 2024-03-04 Tags: , ,

Bethlehem Voortrekker First hockey side after their 2-0 win over Diamantveld in the Wesgrow series opener. Photo credits: BVHS
Bethlehem Voortrekker First hockey side after their 2-0 win over Diamantveld in the Wesgrow series opener. Photo: BVHS

Bethlehem Voortrekker kicked off their 2024 Wesgrow Series challenge with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Diamantveld in scorching conditions in Kimberley on the weekend.

A brace by centre-forward Steven Fox was the difference between the two sides after four tightly contested quarters.

The Bethlehem boys entered the match on the back of some impressive performances during their pre-season matches at the Balling Festival in late February.

There, coach Nick Kelbrick’s side won three of their five games, beating Witteberg, Monument, and Beaulieu College.

They shared a 2-2 draw with Hoerskool Sasolburg, before going down to Bloemfontein’s Grey College.

Speaking to SuperSport Schools after the Wesgrow clash, Kelbrick said he was delighted with the fight and character shown by his team to overcome a resilient Diamonds side.

“I am proud of my team, especially for the way they played today in this extreme heat in Kimberley. It truly showed the character of the boys,” he said.

“At half-time, I just said we need to do the basics properly, and my backs need to meet the opponents outside the circle, to avoid unnecessary short corners, and clear the ball.”

While he was pleased with the victory, Kelbrick insisted there was still much for his players to improve upon ahead of the long season that lies ahead of them.

He was adamant about wanting to see his strikers leading into space, to keep defences guessing, and he wanted to see his team concentrate and deliver a complete game through all four quarters.

“My boys have come on leaps and bounds this season already,” he reflected.

“I am so proud of the effort they put in every day at practice and how they play for each other and the badge on their chests.

“We have a couple of things to work on as a team. Our strikers just need to work on their touches in the circle, although we did score a fantastic back-post deflection goal today.

“But other than that, I am excited to see what heights we can reach as a team this year.”

Voortrekker's Jani Faber on the attack during her team's 7-1 win over Diamantveld in the Wesgrow series opener in Kimberly
Voortrekker’s Jani Faber on the attack during her team’s 7-1 win over Diamantveld in the Wesgrow series opener in Kimberley.

Voortrekker was not only successful in the boys’ section, but the girls also brushed Diamantveld aside, cruising to a 7-1 win.

Coach Kirsten Beneke’s side conceded an early goal in the first quarter but recovered well to dismantle Diamantveld in the next three quarters.

Center-forward Jani Faber, who netted once, was named the player of the match for her performance in leading the Voortrekker attack.

The other goals were scored by Carli Oosthuizen, Elsje Hattingh, Abi Arrangies, and Kelly Visage, while Daniela de Bruyn struck twice.

RESULTS

Girls

1st: Voortrekker 7-1 Diamantveld
2nd: Voortrekker 7-0 Diamantveld
u16A: Voortrekker 12-0 Diamantveld
u16B: Voortrekker 7-0 Diamantveld

Boys

1st: Voortrekker 2-0 Diamantveld
2nd: Voortrekker 8-0 Diamantveld
u16A:  Voortrekker 2-0 Diamantveld

Avuyile Sawula
error: Sorry ol' chap, those shenanigans are not permissible.