Somerset West could ruffle feathers in the top-flight

THE local hockey season gets under way this week with all the Grand Challenge teams playing two night games, in advance of the inter-provincial tournament in Johannesburg from April 24-30.

The women’s GC off proceedings on Monday night at 8 pm with a mouthwatering clash between home team, WPCC and lasts year’s finalists, Somerset West. This encounter has traditionally been a close affair as both teams have talented and skillful players in their ranks.

The teams ended second and third last season.

In the men’s GC on Tuesday, WPCC will host Somerset West. Somerset return to the top-flight after claiming the reserve title last year. Jacques Grobler, the Somerset coach, is a shrewd tactician and has earned his spurs with Victorians over the years. Expect his side to cause a few surprises this year.

WPCC have Pierre Le Roux back as their coach. They will have bad memories of last year’s campaign – they should have clinched the title after being the most consistent team in the league.

UCT will also be a tougher outfit this year. They had their moments last year, unfortunately they were inconsistent and this cost them dearly.

That unfortunate experience will steel them for this season, with players like Bjorn Sorenson, Anton van Loggerenberg and Walter Pfaff key to their chances.

Defending champions Maties will be as strong as ever. Paul Revington has proven to be one of the best hockey coaches in South Africa and under his guidance Maties are poised to be even stronger this year.

The Central-Fish Hoek enounter has been postponed. Central have gained the services of Lloyd De Kock, Chris Louw, Keenan Topley and Thulani Mnani, who have moved back to the club they represented as young men and juniors.

They have added a lot of depth to the club’s defensive capabilities as this was an Achilles heel of the men from Vygieskraal. – Allan Isaacs