New-look WPCC out to defend their turf as ambitious Central look to storm the fortress

THE Western Province Grand Challenge hockey season kicked off with a bang this past weekend. Langa, UCT and WPCC registered first-round victories with Central and Maties sharing the spoils at Coetzenberg.

The two standouts were Langa’s win over a gallant Pinelands and Centrals’ draw against the champions Maties.

This weekend’s fixtures sees four teams involved in doubleheaders with WPCC, Central, Maties and Vics all playing two games in two days.

The game between WPCC and Central tomorrow has the makings of a classic. WP ended as runners-up last year and there has been an injection of new blood into their squad.

Lloyd Norris- Jones’ knee injury, and Ryan Crowe’s departure to Gauteng, has left a gap in WP’s attacking depth. However, their positions have been filled by schoolboy prodigies Che February, Max Pike and Wade Dolman.

They are joined by a young German, Constantin Braun, and all have the potential to be a rising force this season.

The return of Cuan BurtonMoore after a year on the sidelines has also strengthened their midfield. Joe Sterling and Dave Agar are further new additions to an already impressive squad.

WPCC head coach James Peverley said: “We are looking to make our home turf a fortress. We are aiming to score team goals and make sure that our opponents struggle against us at home.”

Meanwhile, Central coach Bruce Jacobs was satisfied with his charges’ two draws this past weekend, although was a tad disappointed with the 1-1 draw against UCT. Unfortunately, a lack of composure in front of goal and poor decisions in defence proved to be Central’s downfall.

“I felt that we should have beaten UCT; we hit the post and had two one-on-ones where we should have finished,” Jacobs said.

“Our strength is in our mid- field and the return of Jason Mulder this weekend will add to our resources. Our club captain Rushdi Salie should also be back.”

Central’s main ambition in 2016 is to make the top four, a realistic but tough objective.

A new league system has been implemented and the teams will split into the top four and bottom four; ending fourth still gives a team the chance to win the league title.

WPCC and Maties are the undoubted favourites for the title, although Langa have the ability to cause a few surprises and Fish Hoek will always be a tough outfit on their day. Men’s Fixture Grand Challenge Today: Pinelands v Central (3pm), Vics v WPCC (3pm), Fish Hoek v Maties (4.30pm), UCT v Langa (4.30pm). Tomorrow: WPCC v Central (1.30pm), Vics v Maties (1.30pm). Women’s Grand Challenge Today: Vics v WPCC (1.30pm), Conberg v Maties (3pm), Pinelands v Central (4.30pm), UCT v Somerset West (6pm). Tomorrow: WPCC v Central (12pm), Vics v Maties (1.30pm).