31 March 2023
Glenwood vs Saint Alban’s College
Pinnacle Schools was at the Coastals Cup at the Riverside Sports Club on Friday, 31 March, to take in a couple games. First up, there was a tough outing for Glenwood against Saint Alban’s College (Pretoria), but Durban High School impressed in a win against Paarl Boys’ High.
Glenwood, playing their only match of the event , faced a good-looking Saints’ outfit. “We came up against a well-drilled and well put together Saint Alban’s 1st team, who looked really good on the ball when they were going forward,” Glenwood 1st team coach Luke de Bruyn commented, after his team went down 0-4.
Also, Saints controlled the midfield, closing down Glenwood swiftly when they tried to move the ball forward, and cutting off the Durban school’s midfielders from their forwards.
In the early days of the season, Glenwood has been struggling to find consistency and a clear identity, and up against a team that already had a clearly established identity that made the difference in the game.
Opportunity to assess approach
“I don’t think we showed what we are capable of today,” De Bruyn commented. “Definitely, it is back to the drawing board for us… Fortunately, we have a two-week break coming up, and we’ll have a look at things going forward.”
Sometimes “one of those days” occurs, and Glenwood will hope that Friday’s loss proves to be one of them. There is talent in the ranks, but improved linking between the defence, midfield and forwards will be needed for regular success.
Casting an eye over his team, coach De Bruyn said: “I think Cameron Lang, who played in our midfield, had some really good moments. For me, he showed a little bit more of what we’re trying to implement, and what we’ve been working on over the last few weeks at training. He was solid on the ball. He was our standout player.”
While the defeat to Saint Alban’s was a setback for Glenwood, the nature of the loss also brings with it reason for optimism; there is a lot to improve, and, therefore, a lot of room for improvement. Hard work, a good mental approach, and talent will help Coach de Bruyn and his players take big steps.
DHS versus Paarl Boys’ High
After the Glenwood game, DHS faced Paarl Boys’ High. Hockey among the top boys’ schools in the Western Cape has been flying for some time now, so there were some nerves heading into the contest, DHS Director of Hockey Michael Baker admitted.
“There were definitely some nerves. I know Rowan (McLachlan) quite well. He’s a really good coach. He’s running a good programme. This was their first official game, so we couldn’t find any video on them. That also made us a bit nervy, because we hadn’t seen them, and didn’t know what they’re like.”
Second half show
It was goalless at the break, but DHS broke open the game in the third chukka, netting twice, before adding a third goal in the final period, which well and truly slammed the door shut on any thoughts Paarl Boys’ may have had of a dramatic comeback.
Coach Baker explained what changed in the second half of the match, prefacing it by saying: “I always worry about Friday night games, after a day of school. We started off slowly and we lacked energy and intensity, and we tried to cruise into the game, and match their intensity.
“In the third chukka, I said ‘Okes, we’ve got to raise the energy and play our game, not at their pace, and the guys did. They definitely increased the intensity and played at their level, instead of trying to cruise through the game.”
The increased ball speed was very apparent. So, too, was the pace with which the players received the ball and then made a pass. They zipped it about the Astro, and that opened gaps down the flanks, and also through the inner channels for the high-hanging strikers to run onto long, direct passes into space. It was impressive to watch.
Goals
Lerou Dithlakanyane gave DHS the lead from the penalty spot after Paarl Boys incurred the umpire’s wrath for a poor stick tackle in the D. Then, Sduduzo Zondi did a great job of turning over possession with a high-pressure press. That led to a chance in front of goal, where Lubanzi Zulu neatly flipped the ball over the advancing keeper from his reverse side.
The third goal was the best of the match. In the words of coach Baker: “A really good outlet pass and build-up play. A good ball through the lines. Josh Mungarera came through, deflected the ball to Lerou on the outside. He carried it along the baseline and rolled it to the far post for an easy tap-in.”
Assured hockey
DHS should be encouraged by a strong start against a team that could have presented a slippery banana skin to their aspirations. School are playing assured hockey, with the players confident on the ball, and the movement off of it done with a purpose. They also exhibit a sound understanding of structure and the timing of runs.
Some interesting games await them over the course of the next two days at the Coastals Cup, with Garsfontein and Pearson on the schedule on Saturday, followed by Saint Alban’s and Ashton on Sunday.
Tournament play, with its packed programme, gives teams an opportunity for rapid growth, so, up against good opposition, and with further games under their belt, expect DHS to take further steps forward. Beware the Blue Typhoon!
RESULTS
Glenwood 0-4 Saint Alban’s College
DHS 3-0 Paarl Boys’ High
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