Wearing the kit sponsored by Old Oak Michael Hallick’s Del La Tierra Coffee for the first game, the Old Oaks were far too busy reminiscing to get warmed up properly. They paid the price with a fired up Oakhill 1st XI getting a goal within a few minutes of the start! The team settled down after the shaky start and really found their rhythm in the second half. They put huge pressure on the boys winning countless penalty corners. Despite missing a few good chances and disallowed goals, the Old Oaks drew level only to concede again. With a few minutes to spare Old Oaks equalised and so it ended. Next year boys!
For the second game the Old Oaks were far more prepared having just played. They immediately put the Old Oaks Knysna Hockey Club under pressure and scored. The club responded by increasing the pace but couldn’t make it count. As the game wore on the old boys started to tire. Luckily with 10 minutes left the game was called off due to bad light and the Old Oaks held their 3-1 win.
The goal keeper filling in, Justin De Agrela aka Chilli, is the Oakhill U16 goal keeper. Chilli made some outstanding saves and kept his cool despite the ‘old men’ in his defense. Leo Thesen played left back and made some great tackles, especially one virtually on the goal line. Centre back for most of the game was Charles van Tonder (Captain 2006). Charles made some great runs forward and also managed to ‘hide’ from Cheyne for 10 minutes. Cheyne Hare (Captain 2002-3) was sweeper and rock solid for both games, making great tackles and trademark overhead clearances. Guy Jacobs (Captain 1997-8) was right back until taken off injured. Des Hare (Captain 2007) was centre link and held the middle with authority and making some great long passes. Sean and Dean Mackensie were the engine room in the links and covered a lot of ground protecting the defense and making great forward runs with lots of close passing. Athi Magadla brought some pace and magic upfront. Caleb Bell was sublime at right link. He was almost unplayable and turned both opposition teams inside out trying to stop him. Thomas Marrow (Captain 2013) missed a few good chances and then buried one in a great team goal. Alex Boomer showed off his dribbling skills and scored a couple. Nik Martin was a last minute addition and was really useful at left back. Joshua Pieters (Captain 2011-12) was the manager on the day and controlled substitutions and gave a rousing team talk at half time. We couldn’t have done it without you Josh!
Old Oaks Men vs Oakhill 1st XI Boys: 2-2
Old Oaks Men vs Old Oaks Knysna Hockey Club Men: 3-1
Friday 26 June wasn’t just a day for hockey players …. The spectators were out in full force enjoying the superb facilities at the Oakhill Sports Campus, catching up with teachers and old friends over a beer. Thank you to Mitchell’s for sponsoring the beer, and to all for the great support!
