Old Oaks through to finals

KNYSNA HOCKEY NEWS - Both teams from the Old Oaks Knysna Hockey Club have progressed to the finals of the 2021 Eden Hockey Senior League to be played in Knysna this weekend.

The two Old Oaks sides were scheduled to play Quarry (Old Oaks Men) and Crusaders Ladies 2 (Old Oaks Ladies) for their respective semi-finals in Knysna on Saturday 4 September.

Old Oaks Men had secured a spot in the semi-finals when they reached top spot on the log, courtesy of an unbeaten regular season that saw them win all seven of their games and conceding only five goals - the lowest in the league. Prior to the scheduled game against Quarry their last game was against George on 14 August, which they won 8-0.

Old Oaks Ladies also went into their semi-final on a high, with more than 50 goals to their name from the six games they've played and only three against their name - also the lowest in their league. They had played Crusaders Ladies 1 in their last game of the regular season on 14 August, beating them 8-1.

While excitement was rife within the Old Oaks Men's camp in anticipation of the upcoming semi-final, they would make it through to the final before the ball was even set into motion on the hockey field.

Due to various complications Quarry were unable to field a side for the semi-final and Old Oaks Men automatically progressed to the final through means of a forfeit.

Old Oaks Ladies however had to work for their spot in the final, with their semi-final against Crusaders Ladies 2 scheduled for a 13:00 start in Knysna on Saturday 4 September.

It was a dream start for the home side as Donné de Wet put them ahead after only three minutes with a goal from a short corner. Another goal from De Wet and one from Christine van der Merwe earned Old Oaks a 3-0 lead by the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter saw De Wet secure her hat trick with another goal from a penalty corner, while Britney Booysen added her name to the score sheet as well, albeit from open play, and Old Oaks held a 5-0 lead at half-time.

The third quarter saw the least goals as Booysen's second goal was the only one of the quarter. Old Oaks did however spark back into life in the final quarter as Teri Pautz scored her first goal of the match before Van der Merwe scored her second and third goals for the team's second hat trick of the match.

The score ended on 9-0 to Old Oaks Ladies, securing their place in the final.

Both Old Oaks Men and Old Oaks Ladies will be playing their finals in Knysna this weekend, but unfortunately no spectators are allowed.

Donné de Wet lines up a shot at goal in their game against Quarry Ladies earlier in the season. Photos: Blake Linder