Pinelands and Central bounce back to the top flight after a year in the doldrums

MATIES and WPCC ended first and second in the men’s and women’s local hockey leagues as well as reaching their respective knockout finals.

Both clubs have great depth and have consistently occupied the top spots in the league come the end of the season.

WPCC ladies caused a major upset by beating Maties 3-0 in their final to annex the knockout trophy. This was the Maties’ first defeat this season.

In the men’s final Maties beat WPCC 5-2 to secure the double.

In the Ladies Grand Challenge Reserve league Central Hockey claimed the title and have made a swift return to the grand challenge after being demoted last season.

The club was boosted by the return of national player, Quanita Bobbs, and her presence was immense.

There was an international flavour about the team this year with players form America, Ireland and Germany all playing at some stage of the season.

The return of Micheala Diedericks from the US has also added skill and pace to the squad and coach Jason Mulder has to take huge credit for blending the experience of Bobbs with the youth he had available. Mulder is a young coach going places in SA hockey.

In the men’s Grand Challenge Reserve, Pinelands ended top after suffering the same fate as Central ladies last year.

The Pinelands squad vowed to stay together and return to the top flight and they did just that. Jack Thonnissen and his boys have restored the pride at Pinelands and will be looking to improve next year.

The Pinelands team had some almighty battles against the WPCC second team and the Central seconds.

In local school action today the knockout finals will be played at Hartleyvale with Rondebosch Boys’ competing in all three matches.

It will be the final schools game for many under-18 boys today and it could be an emotional rollercoaster for some.