Oakhill’s 1st XI Boys’ side, who have played together for several years now and have produced some fantastic results during this period, were treated to a tour to Cape Town for their years of commitment to Oakhill Hockey. No fewer than six Matrics are in the side, namely, Joshua Pieters Leo Thesen, Jake Read, Luke Bell, Athi Magadla, and Caspar Lee, and this tour was a bon voyage for these seniors.
The team played four Hockey matches against Paul Roos, Fairmont, Westerford and Pinelands. This was a true test of their ability. Oakhill won one and lost three.
Results: Lost 3-0 to Paul Roos. The score was locked at 0-0 with 5 minutes to play, with the experience of Paul Roos being the difference. It just felt like a proud moment lost!
Lost 6-2 to a well-drilled Fairmont unit, but Oakhill disappointingly “didn’t pitch”. Hopefully the preparation of each and every Oakhill team will be nothing less than 100% going forward.
After their roasting against Fairmont, Oakhill changed gear and won convincingly against Westerford 3-0. A tired and cold Oakhill, nursing some “broken bodies”, took on a clinical Pinelands team, who won 5-1. Although the results may not have been what we were all expecting, there were tremendous lessons learned. Oakhill sportsmen become harder with each experience and are now fully prepared for the closing York encounter…..no excuses this time!
Besides the Hockey, the team was treated to a full tour of Vergelegen Wine Estate, went to watch Natal play Western Province at Newlands, experienced the world class Biscuit Mill Arts, Crafts and Food Market, watched the Springboks practice prior to the “Four Nations” – Castle Rugby Championships, and were treated to some of the Olympic highlights at the Newlands Southern Sun hotel. This is what touring is all about!
Report: Dave Pryke
