Sam conquers IPT with WP

HOCKEY NEWS - Plett hockey star Sam Mvimbi has once again shone on the hockey field, forming part of the Western Province team that secured its third consecutive Senior Men's IPT title.

He was one of many current and former Eden Hockey players that were part of last week's senior inter-provincial tournaments (IPT), both as players and coaches.

The senior men's and women's inter-provincial tournaments were both held in Durban from 21 to 26 August at Riverside Hockey Club. Sam Mvimbi, who grew up between Plettenberg Bay and Knysna where he attended Oakhill College, was one of the 18 players that made up Western Province's squad for the IPT.

With two consecutive titles and sights set on a third, Mvimbi and his side got their title defence off to the best start with a 3-0 win over WP Peninsula.

Unstoppable WP

They followed this up with a tough 3-2 win against Southern Gauteng, in which Mvimbi scored the opening goal through a penalty stroke. Next they did away with Northern Gauteng, winning 2-1.

WP breezed past the Free State in the quarter-final with an 8-0 scoreline. KZN Coastals gave them a reality check in the semi-final, but WP mustered a 2-1 win. The same scoreline reared its head in the final too, where WP beat the SA U21 side.

"It was a very interesting tournament, for the fact that it was the first time that I went into a tournament as a defending champion," Mvimbi said. He also noted that WP were one of the favourites going into the tournament, and that this came with a certain weight of expectation too.

"The boys took it on board quite nicely and carried themselves quite professionally. From day one through six we handled things well. I was very proud of our result."

PHOTO GALLERY: Senior men's and women's inter-provincial tournaments

Sam Mvimbi in action for Western Province.

Bright future for Eden Hockey

One thing that stood out for Mvimbi though, over and above his side's triumph, was the sheer number of current and former Eden Hockey players and coaches at the men's and women's IPTs.

"It was really pleasing to see how many people from the Garden Route I came across at the tournament. It was really heartwarming to see. It's really good for the growth of the Garden Route and it's always encouraging to see that we as the Garden Route are putting our hands up and starting to get noticed.

Mvimbi's observations did not deceive him, as no fewer than 12 other players and three coaches who are either currently from Eden or used to call the Southern Cape their home, were a part of the senior men's and women's IPTs.

He wasn't the only one in the WP setup as his side's assistant coach, Jacques Grobler, is an alumnus of York High School.

A proud Justin Grundlingh with WP's first Senior Women's IPT trophy in 12 years.

Past and present Eden players

In the Men's A-Section another York High alumnus in Nathan Loff represented the WP Peninsula side that finished fifth. Former Holy Cross Primary School learner Leruo Ditlhakanyane was a member of the SA U21 side which finished second in the tournament.

Over in the Women's A-Section, Justin Grundlingh (another former York High learner) was the head coach of the WP side which claimed the title. This was WP's first triumph in the Senior Women's IPT since 2011.

There was also twins Donné and Charné de Wet, former Oakhill College and Knysna Primary School learners, who represented North West that finished fifth.

Next, in the Men's B-Section, three Eden players were part of the SA Country Districts team which finished third – Gertian van der Linde and Sean Slater (both from George) as well as Scott Mosterd (from Knysna).

In the Women's B-Section former Crusaders and NMU George hockey player Tristan Howard played for the Eastern Province team that finished third. Finally, there were four Eden players in the SA Country District that came sixth – René Pitt, Marie-Louise Nel (captain), Samantha Brender-A-Brandis and Alakhe Arosi (all from George). The women's SACD team was also coached by George resident Mike Pitt.

Donné de Wet (front, red and white) dribbles the ball for North West. Photos: Zac Zinn/Belgotex Sport