A German derby wrapped up the penultimate regional tournament in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge, with Wartburg Kirchdorf School reclaiming the uMvoti and oThukela Regional title for the seventh time on Saturday 24 May at Ladysmith High School.

Wartburg met Domino Servite School in the concluding game, having met earlier in the fixtures where Domino took the honours, defeating them in 1 nil. In the build up to the finals, Domino dominated winning all of their round robin games and knocking in 10 solid goals. They concluded their day with 20 points; seven points clear of second placed Wartburg. Wartburg had a more colourful route to the finals, with the loss to Domino and drawing against Greytown High School, and their three remaining games going up against host school and defending champs, Ladysmith High School; Estcourt High School and newcomer, Hamilton College. 

In the final round robin fixture, Wartburg met Hamilton College. All eyes were on Wartburg as on the log, they were level on 9 points with defending champs, Ladysmith, and also level on goals scored with both teams having netted 3 goals in total but Wartburg had one less goal scored against them. Hamilton was sitting on 6 points and if they won their final game in their debut appearance, they could knock both Wartburg and Ladysmith out. 

In the thirteen prior regionals, Wartburg have lifted the trophy six times, with five consecutive wins from 2013 to 2017 and their last victory in 2019. Ladysmith have their names engraved three times, first winning in 2012 and then most recently in the last two years. Domino Servite have once lifted the trophy in 2022. 

Wartburg clicked and rounded off their round robin with a victory, adding 4 points to their log and putting them neatly in second place. Their momentum carried on into the final, with their tails up, they threatened first, carrying the ball up into the Domino 16 but play got turned around. Domino got into their groove, and started their precise play, building attacks and slowly advancing. Nearing 7 minutes, they earned their first set piece with a short corner being awarded. The shot flying wide, after a decisive push out to the circle, before side stepping two waves of Wartburg’s defenses before rocketing just off range. 

Four minutes later, Domino’s second short corner didn’t go according to plan, with the ball hopping over the waiting trap giving Wartburg a much-needed breather. The game flowed up and down for the next ten minutes, with both teams desperately trying to find a hole in their opponent's backline. With just over 4 minutes left on the clock, Wartburg earned their first short corner, which was quickly re-awarded after some messy defending in the Domino circle. Taking their time, Wartburg manoeuvred the ball to Kiyara Govender, closest to the injector. In a moment of sheer brilliance, Govender fired off a missile that missed everyone, slamming into the back of the goal giving Wartburg the advantage. 

In the remaining three minutes, Wartburg happily took a defensive stance, ushering the ball neatly out of play whenever it came close to their danger zone. The clock ran out of time for Domino, as they desperately tried to pierce Wartburg’s last line in the hopes of levelling and keeping their chance alive, but a delighted Wartburg celebrated their return after six years. 

Recognising the unsung heroes, Bianca Harris from Hamilton College was acknowledged as the Umpire of the Day.

Wartburg head to the Grand Finals to meet the nine other regional champions. Eight teams have already secured their spot, Wartburg join St Mary’s D.S.G. (Highway Regional); newcomer Maris Stella (Durban Central Regional); Epworth School (Pietermaritzburg Central Regional); St Anne’s School (Pietermaritzburg North Regional); the second newcomer, Kingsway High School (Durban South Regional); Ashton International College (Durban North Regional); Felixton College (North Coast Regional) and St Patrick’s College (Southern KZN Regional).

This weekend, the tournament heads to St Dominic’s Newcastle for the concluding challenge in 2025, the Northern KZN Regional. You can catch all the action on SuperSport Schools or follow the tournament on various social media sites.

Pic by Rogan Ward
 

Results

Regional Final
Domino Servite School 0 vs Wartburg Kirchdorf School 1

Round Robin Results
1 Domino Servite School 20pts; 2 Wartburg Kirchdorf School 13pts; 3 Ladysmith High School 9pts; 4 Greytown High School 6pts; 5 Hamilton College 6pts; Estcourt High School 0pts