EASTERN CAPE NEWS - The Union High School U13A girls’ hockey team from Graaff-Reinet punched above their weight and produced a remarkable series of performances against strong opposition at the 2026 Nika Coertzen Hockey Festival, hosted by Eunice Primary School in Bloemfontein.
During the tournament, held from 17 to 19 July, the Union High team emerged as the plate champions.
They recorded seven victories, one draw and just one narrow defeat, finishing the tournament in outstanding fashion and proudly bringing the plate title back to Graaff-Reinet.
What makes their achievement even more special is the calibre of the teams they faced. Of the schools that Union defeated or drew against during the festival, four boast senior first-team programmes currently ranked among the top 20 in South Africa.
The tournament began with a hard-fought 1 - 0 defeat to Brescia House School before the girls bounced back with a 1 - 0 victory over Durban Girls’ Primary, courtesy of a goal by Taylor Jacobs.
A goalless draw followed against Laerskool Garsfontein before Union found their rhythm with a 2 - 0 win over Truida Kestell Primary, with Taylor Jacobs and Lisa McEwan finding the back of the net.
Further victories followed against Laerskool Fichardtspark (1 - 0), St Mary’s School, Waverley (1 - 0) and Kenmare Primary School (2 - 0).
Taylor continued her excellent goal-scoring form and Lisa adding another goal to her tally.
The team then defeated DSG, Makhanda, thanks to a goal by Zoey Buys, before rounding off a memorable weekend with another 1 - 0 victory over St Mary’s, Kloof, in the plate final, where Zoey once again scored the decisive goal.
Congratulations must go to the team’s goal-scorers, whose clinical finishing played an important role throughout the festival.
Equally deserving of praise, however, is the entire squad, whose teamwork and resilience carried them through nine demanding matches.
Special mention must also be made of the players who earned player of the match honours during the tournament: Emma Burger (three matches), Hannah van der Walt (two matches) and Tiyanah Abader, Layla Ott, Carlie George and Cayley Brunette (one match each).
Union High School is incredibly proud of these talented young hockey players and their coach for this outstanding achievement.
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