Paul Roos Gymnasium’s (PRG) first hockey team is making headlines with an extraordinary season, surpassing all expectations. With an impressive winning streak, they have triumphed in all 18 encounters they have participated in, exhibiting exceptional skill on the field. Their remarkable performance includes a staggering 71 goals scored, while conceding a mere nine goals.
Their triumphant run continued at the highly anticipated fourth edition of the Hibbert Shield, held at Grey High in Gqeberha over the long weekend of 25 to 27 April. Advancing through the pool games they encountered their most challenging opponents of the year in the quarter-final against Durban High School. However, PRG’s players displayed their unrivalled fitness and precise execution, overpowering the Durban side and emerging victorious with a narrow 3-2 win.
In the semi-final, they faced off against Selborne College, delivering a convincing performance that resulted in an impressive 4-0 win. This win propelled them to the final, where they confronted their long-time rivals SACS.
Considered the two best teams in the country, the final promised an intense battle. The match remained evenly contested throughout, with the Newlands, Cape Town school taking an early lead. However, PRG displayed unwavering determination and mounted a formidable comeback. In the final minute of the game they clinched a penalty corner, and with impeccable precision sealed the victory with a 3-2 scoreline.
The team’s astounding achievements can be attributed to the success of the school’s meticulously crafted hockey programme, which has been refined over the years.
Head coach Ashlin Freddy emphasises the significance of this accomplishment and acknowledges the depth of talent within the Paul Roos hockey programme.
In addition to the first team’s triumphs, the u-16A side also demonstrated commendable performance in the inaugural Hibbert Cup, a newly introduced u-16 version of the tournament. Competing against formidable opponents Pearson High School, they secured a respectable fourth-place finish, adding to the overall success of Paul Roos’ hockey programme.
With such spectacular performances and outstanding results it is no supprise Paul Roos produced more than 30 Boland hockey players in the respective age groups.
