Easter Hockey. The St Mary’s 1st hockey team showcased their skills and resilience at the Easter hockey tournament held at HDM in The Hague, Holland, leaving a mark of excellence on the international stage.

In a thrilling final showdown against the host club’s U18 girls’ team, St Mary’s displayed exceptional teamwork and determination. They created numerous attacking opportunities throughout the game. Despite a valiant effort, the match culminated in a nail-biting sudden-death shootout. St Mary’s narrowly missing out on victory.

Throughout the tournament, St Mary’s dominated the competition, finishing at the top of their pool after securing five victories. The team only conceded one draw over the weekend. Their stellar performance also garnered admiration from teams hailing from the Netherlands, Germany, and England, solidifying St Mary’s reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the hockey arena.

Mustapha and Dayaan Cassiem

Leading up to the tournament, the team engaged in rigorous training sessions. It was led by renowned hockey players Mustapha and Dayaan Cassiem. Both brothers, who represent the South African national men’s hockey team, brought their expertise and passion to the training ground. They further honed the skills of the St Mary’s players.

Adding to the enriching experience, the team embarked on a memorable excursion to Wagner Stadium in Amsterdam, where they witnessed three exhilarating matches of the European Hockey League (EHL). The highlight of the outing was the opportunity for some of the girls to meet Eva da Goeda, a distinguished Dutch hockey player boasting an impressive tally of four Olympic medals.

As they return home, the St Mary’s 1st hockey team carries with them not only the memories of an unforgettable tournament but also the invaluable lessons learned and bonds forged on the field. With their heads held high, they continue to inspire and aspire towards greater heights in the world of hockey.

St Mary’s wishes the girls all the best as they leave tomorrow to play in the St Mary’s Waverly hockey tournament.