The St Dominics First Boys and First Girls’ hockey teams attended the National Curro Cup Hockey Tournament event, in which hockey teams from Curro schools across the country participated.

The boys were unbeaten throughout the tournament, and made it all the way to the final before losing, ending second.

The girls played constructive, positive hockey and narrowly lost in the quarterfinals, ending their tournament.

Thokozani Msimanga (Grade 11) was selected as player of the tournament in the boys’ section.

The 32 St Dominics Newcastle players (16 boys and 16 girls) were accompanied by Director of Sport Raymond van Niekerk, Shaun Elliott, Ansie Joubert, Tanya van Niekerk (who was also umpire manager at the event) and Blessing Khumalo.

“He impressed the selectors with his pace, ball speed and excellent vision,” explained Raymond van Niekerk.

Van Niekerk said all players were extremely eager to participate.

“There was a very competitive vibe and you could tell players had not played for two years! Our learners were incredible… We had a coaching camp in the holidays and they were in full attendance.”

He added that players were always on time, and warmed up and played with 100% effort.

“St Dominics might not have come home with a trophy, but the players came home with the respect of the teams and spectators. We formed new friendships and made lasting memories that will always be treasured. Our boys and girls once again proved we are tops when it comes to behaviour and sportsmanship,” concluded van Niekerk.

Well done to all our learners – St Dominics Newcastle is very proud of your efforts.

Kelsey Kemp and some first team girls at the airport.

Mr Elliott shares some vital information with TK Msimanga before sending him back onto the field

Mrs van Niekerk, Mr van Niekerk and Mr Elliott support the other Curro schools

First Team boys.

First Team boys at OR Tambo International Airport

At OR Tambo, ready and excited to take off to Cape Town!

The team has finally made it to Durbanville after a long day!

Yusuf Mohammed and Tatum Griffiths in action, get ready to play against Curro Nelspruit.

Tandana Maema warms up for a very cold game!

Mr van Niekerk, Mr Khumalo and Mrs van Niekerk show off their early bird faces at OR Tambo.

Motheo Ngobeni, Sibonga Ncube and Tsepo Lebenya at the airport.

Andiswa Mhlungu and Ciana Captain.

TK Msimanga receives the player of the tournament award from Mr R Stroebel from Curro Durbanville.

Mr van Niekerk and Mr Elliott discuss some tactics.

Tatum Griffiths, Mila Mgele and Yusuf Mohammed at the airport.

Rantebele Rasenyalo, Mvelo Mashinini and Ms Joubert at Cape Town International Airport, ready for the long trip home!

It was such a fun tour, sleep was very little as the hockey games only finished at 22:00! We came here to play hockey sir, not to sleep!”, were the words of the boys.