REGIONAL NEWS - The Eden Hockey men's team has, for the third consecutive year, returned home as champions from the South African Country Districts (SACD) Hockey Tournament, held at Hilton College in Pietermaritzburg from 30 June to 6 July.
As defending champions, Eden started the tournament strong, winning their opening matches against Northern Free State and KZN Inland B.
Their true test arrived in the third match, a crucial pool encounter against Eastern Gauteng for potential top spot. In a thrilling display, Eden emerged victorious with a 4-3 scoreline.
Eden continued its momentum by defeating Limpopo to top their pool, setting up a semi-final clash against Mpumalanga, their 2023 final opponents.
History repeated itself as Eden secured a hard-fought 3-2 win to set up a rematch with Eastern Gauteng in the finals.
The highly anticipated final saw Eden face Eastern Gauteng once more. The top two teams delivered a nail-biting encounter through a display of attacking hockey that lived up to expectations.
Eden struck first in the fourth minute with a goal by Robbie Corker, followed by an Eastern Gauteng equaliser in the 12th. Eden responded swiftly with two quick goals by Sean Slater in the 16th and 18th minutes to put them back in the lead, catching their opponents off guard.
Eastern Gauteng mounted a strong comeback in the second half, but Eden's defence held firm despite conceding two more goals.
Back: Robbie Corker, Kieran Hiley, Sean Slater, Divan Snyman, MJ Meyer, Liam Garrett, Trevor Coetzee, Mandilakhe Phantsi, William Davids.
Front: Kyle Groome, Niel Smit, John Spilhaus (vice-captain), Jason Slater (coach), Kirk Mendoza (captain), Marnus de Klerk (team manager), Gertian van der Linde, Diwan de Kock, Wanda Mtshilibe.
Photo: Extreme Pixel
Goals by Robbie Corker and John Spilhaus sealed the deal with a final score of 5-3.
This well-deserved win solidifies Eden's position as one of the most successful teams in SACD history, with a record-breaking 15 titles since 1975.
The team's management include Jason Slater (coach), Marnus de Klerk (team manager), Kirk Mendoza (captain) and John Spilhaus (vice-captain).
Eden Hockey Men’s team. Photo: Extreme Pixel
Accolades
Jason Slater received the Chairperson Award for Services to Hockey; Robbie Corker's stellar performance earned him the Player of the Tournament award and a well-deserved selection for the SACD men's team, alongside Gertian van der Linde. Liam Garrett and William Davids were named non-travelling reserves.
Under the individual top goal scorers, Sean Slater ranked second with seven goals in six matches. Hockey federations are also tasked with supporting umpire development at tournaments and at the SACD tournament René Berndt received a Level 3 umpire upgrade.
Sponsorship
Eden Hockey men’s team thanks their sponsors: Alu Fox (Pretoria), Be Hockey, Behrens family, Denneoord Multisave, Mendoza clothing, Olivier Architects, Palm Tyre George, Tours for South Africa, York High School and others who wish remain anonymous. Each player in the Eden Hockey Men's team is still responsible for a contribution of over R13 000 to represent their province. To contribute financially or become a sponsor, contact Eden Hockey at contactus@edenhockey.co.za - Marnus de Klerk
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