133 132 The season began with a tough 2-1 victory over Clifton College, where we faced difficulties connecting passes and maintaining our formation. We quickly united and soon played impressively attractive, physical hockey. Under Michael de Beer’s capable leadership, our team flourished, with him emerging as our top goal scorer. His talent for motivating the team was admirable. The next match against Westville Boys’ High, who had beaten us 6-0 the previous season, was a tough away game that promised a showcase of skill and resulted in a 2-1 defeat, with Michael de Beer scoring our only goal. Another similarly challenging match was against Northwood, who had previously defeated us 4-0. Once again, we lost 2-1, with Michael de Beer scoring our goal. After these matches, we regrouped and experimented with new player combinations, which proved effective, and we quickly found our rhythm. We beat Michaelhouse 3-0 and Grantleigh 3-0, and then narrowly lost to Maritzburg College in a midweek fixture where we dominated the game but could not find the back of the net. After this disappointing loss, we played against our own Under 16A side during a practice to test tactics and we won 5-1. The next weekend saw us take on DHS, who we beat convincingly, even though the score line was only 2-0. Jack O’Donovan scored an amazing goal when he hit the ball with such force that the goalkeeper could do nothing to stop it. That lifted our spirits and brought us to St Charles, the following weekend. We have only had draws between us since 2019, so this year our goal was to change that. We started the game well, and our press was bulletproof. We edged a goal towards the end of the game and came out winners with a score of 1-0. Our last game of the season was our most challenging match yet, as we took on a formidable Hilton side. After many hours of short corner analysis, we took to the field and fought hard. Unfortunately, we lost the game 1-3, but still held our heads high as we played our hearts out. Overall, the team played an attractive brand of hockey, finishing in the circle from penalty corners and open play Back row: Sean Diseko, Hayden Davel, Brett Parkinson, Fritz Rheeder 2nd row: Troy Taylor, Jack Reid, Jarred Christie, Andrew Aspinall, Caleb Fyvie, Ryan Smith Front row: James Peirson, Kyle Berry, Anesu Chimusoro, Mr Adrian Ryan, Michael de Beer, Jack O’Donovan, Aaron Osborn HOCKEY 2ND TEAM 2nd Team Hockey alike. I am particularly proud of the way the boys grew as a team and how they looked out for each other. On the field they were incredibly skilful and undoubtably physical, often causing retaliation from opposition players, while we remained calm and focused on the task at hand. The way our team played hockey and enjoyed each other’s company off the field is something I will remember for years to come. I am incredibly proud of how the Matrics spearheaded the culture of hard-work and determination, while having a lot of fun. Thank you to our parents and supporters - your encouragement was invaluable. I conclude with these words: “You might be in danger of living a life so comfortable and soft that you will die without ever realising your true potential.” – David Goggins Here’s to the team that chose the hard way in order to realise their potential. Regular players: Andrew Aspinall, Kyle Berry, Anesu Chimusoro (Captain), Jarred Christie, Ross Coetzee (injured), Hayden Davel (Goal Keeper), Michael de Beer (Captain), Sean Diseko, Caleb Fyvie, Otsile Ntsele, Jack O'Donovan, Aaron Osborn, Brett Parkinson, James Peirson, Jack Reid, Fritz Rheeder, Ryan Smith, Troy Taylor Results: Played 10, Won 6, Lost 4 Mr Adrian Ryan Coach
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