PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Plett Hockey Club made history last weekend as the men's side recorded its and the club's first win in the Eden Senior Hockey League, overcoming George Hockey Club.
Plett's ladies side drew against George, while the Old Oaks Knysna Hockey Club ladies beat York High and the men lost their first game in nearly three years.
Plett Hockey Club started its journey in the Eden Senior Hockey League earlier this month. They faced tough opposition in the form of York High in the first round of their fixtures and Old Oaks in the second round.
Their men's side fell short of the final hurdle in their first two games while the ladies had only played one game prior to last week, which they also lost.
However, both sides were spirited as ever when they travelled to George to face George on the York astroturf on Saturday 21 May. The ladies side played first and a determined performance saw them earn their first point of the season, coming away from the game with a 1-1 draw courtesy of a goal from Hanlie Roux.
Kerrin Klaaste makes a save during warm-up for Old Oaks.
The men's side would have been hoping for the same result at the very least, but ultimately settled for nothing but the best result.
Goals from Brad McNamara and Nathan Shrosbree ensured that Plett emerged from the fixture with three points and their first-ever win in the league, a 2-0 triumph over George.
Meanwhile, back in Knysna, Old Oaks' two sides were facing stiff competition in the form of York at the Oakhill sports campus.
Stuart Daniel (right) plays a pass to a teammate ahead of an oncoming tackle from a York High player.
The ladies' game was played first, and through stern defence and strong attacks, Old Oaks held off a determined York side, earning a 4-1 win.
Their goals were scored by Charné de Wet (two), Christine van der Merwe and Donné de Wet. Courtesy of their three wins in three games, Old Oaks' ladies are now top of the table, three points ahead of Crusaders. Plett lie in seventh place on the log.
Old Oaks' men were also in for a tough game, as York always serves up a very strong challenge in the league. It was evident from the get-go that no side would be overly dominant, but it was ultimately York that came out on top, earning a thrilling 4-2 victory.
Old Oaks' goals were scored by Sean Mackenzie and Nigel Leverton. This was Old Oaks' first defeat in the league since 17 August 2019, when they lost 6-5 to now-defunct Quarry.
The log standings in the men's league are far closer than the ladies' league. York are top on seven points, while Old Oaks are second on six points, with Crusaders and Outeniqua High in third and fourth on six points too. Plett are now in sixth place.
Sean Mackenzie (front) brings the ball under control as Darren Kamfer looks on.
Darren Kamfer looks for pass options during the Old Oaks men's game. Photos: Blake Linder
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