Hockey. It was an exciting hockey affair at Maritzburg College with spectators being allowed for the first time in over two years. There was a buzz around the field as the match began. It was Maritzburg College who had the better start with the St Charles College boys taking time to settle into rhythm.

Maritzburg College distributed well from the back in the early stages. It was a long ball from the centre back that opened the defence and allowed the opportunity for the boys in red to be through on goal which they converted well, making it 1 – 0 inside the first chukka. The match settled more in the second chukka. The Saints looking to have more position and control than they did in the first. However, Maritzburg College pressed hard, managing to create one or two opportunities but there was no change on the scoreboard.

Into the second half and the game was evenly poised. Maritzburg College seemed to drop off in their defensive pressing. It allowed St Charles College time on the ball and they were able to control the game for long periods. However, the hosts defence was strong, which made it difficult for the visitors to create any real opportunities. The fourth and final chukka went much the same way as the third. The game did start to get scrappier as players became tired. The boys in blue and gold had few more opportunities. They weren’t able to convert, and the score remained 1 – 0.

“Thanks to Maritzburg College for hosting this eventful day and what was an exciting and evenly matched game of 1st team hockey.” – Mr Matthew Coombes.