Recap of the Girls’ Tournament
Similarly, the girls’ tournament saw high drama, with Collegiate edging out Menlopark in a semi-final carried over from Saturday. Kerrin Gillies’ early second-half goal secured Collegiate’s place in the final against Paarl Gim.
The final began with a bang as Paarl Gim took the lead within 20 seconds, with Annabelle Smith finding the net. Collegiate, however, fought back, equalizing through Jana Prinsloo after the Paarl Gim defense failed to clear their lines.
Gillies then put Collegiate in front with a powerful drag flick that proved too much for the goalkeeper, despite her best efforts. Prinsloo sealed the victory with a brilliant one-on-one finish, ensuring Collegiate’s triumph and the championship title.
This weekend at Paarl Gimnasium will definitely be remembered for its intense competition, amazing skills, and the unforgettable moments that crowned the new champions in style and maybe a little bit for the rain too!
Recap of the Boys’ Tournament
The U16 Top Schools tournament reached a dramatic conclusion at Paarl Gimnasium on Sunday. Paul Roos and Collegiate Claim U16 Top Schools Titles despite weather disruptions forcing two semi-finals to take place on the final day. Northwood showcased their resilience early on, overcoming an initial 1-0 deficit to secure a 4-1 victory against Parel Vallei, thanks to standout performances from Mnqobi Mhlongo, Caleb Phispon, and Blake Herselman. This win earned them a spot in the final against Paul Roos.
The final proved to be an intense battle, with the first half ending goalless as both teams matched each other’s efforts. Paul Roos broke the deadlock with a stunning penalty corner drag flick by Ruben Gouws. However, Northwood responded when Hamza Amla capitalized on a defensive error to equalize. Northwood then took the lead through a well-executed penalty corner, with Mnqobi Mhlongo finding the back of the net.
In the final minute, Paul Roos demonstrated their never-give-up spirit, leveling the score through Seth Paterson, who tapped in at the back post. The match went to a nerve-wracking shootout, where Paul Roos maintained their composure, scoring four out of four to clinch the championship.
Final Standings
Boys teams:
- Outeniqua
- Paarl Gim
- Menlopark
- Grey College
- Fairmont
- Pearson
- Paarl Boys
- Michaelhouse
- Parel Vallei
- Grey High
- Northwood
- Paul Roos
Boys Individual Awards:
Each of these players received a R1000 Sportsmans Warehouse voucher
and a VIV hamper.
Boys
Goalkeeper of the tournament:
Dean Heart (Northwood)
Top Goalscorer of the tournament:
Ruben Gouws (Paul Roos)
Player of the tournament:
Stephan Malan (Parel Vallei)
Final Standings
Girls teams:
- St. Mary’s Kloof
- Lady of Fatima
- Affies
- Rhenish
- Oranje
- Herschel
- Waterkloof
- Garsfontein
- Reddam House Constantia
- Menlopark
- Paarl Gimnasium
- Collegiate
Girls Individual Awards:
Each of these players received a R1000 Sportsmans Warehouse voucher
and a VIV hamper.
Goalkeeper of the tournament:
Annika Kloppers (Menlopark)
Top Goalscorer of the tournament:
Alanda Rademeyer (Paarl Gim)
Player of the tournament:
Kerrin Gillies (Collegiate)