WPCC finally end their title drought

THE Western Province grand challenge hockey leagues were concluded this week with Stellenbosch University clinching their sixth consecutive men’s title and WPCC clinching the ladies title for the first time since 2010.

Maties ladies had dominated their section for more than two decades, but slipped down the pecking order this year.

A change in the coaching personnel at Maties seems to have had an adverse effect on their dominance with the loss of stalwart Jenny King and Paul Revington to the England ladies team, having left a huge void.

Andi Bernstein’s charges have been the best team in the division and fully deserve their title.

WPCC have been knocking on the door for many a season and have been the bridesmaid on sevreal occasions.

They had a good team left from last season and were committed from the pre-season already.

Anli Kotze, the team captain, was in exceptional form all season and she led her troops with aplomb.

Her communication was clear at all times and the team trusted her completely. The addition of Tarryn Glasby and Meg Robertson to their strike force was a coup by Bernstein and between the two of them they scored 27 of the teams 49 goals, a great return for a strike partnership.

The team remained constant throughout the season and only experienced injuries in the latter stages of the campaign.

Bernstein has got a great squad that will get even stronger next season.

Maties clinched the men’s title on Tuesday evening with a game to spare after an emphatic 5-1 victory over Langa.

They made heavy weather of clinching the title by stuttering towards the end of the campaign. They won 10 games on the trot but then lost to UCT and drew to Central before setting the record straight against Langa.

All the teams would have been a bit jaded towards the end of the season, with players having to fit in the league games in the week and participate in the Premier Hockey League over the last three weekends.

Maties had 15 players involved in the PHL

Meanwhile, the Under-21 IPT will be held in Potcheftroom from the 2-8 September. WP have announced weakened squads with eight players withdrawing from the men’s A team due to exams and various playing commitments.