News
Riverside Hockey Club hosts another successful Greenfields/Riverside Elite Club Challenge
On the 27th, 28th and 29th of June, Riverside Hockey Club hosted their second annual Greenfields / Riverside Elite Club Challenge. This year spectators were treated to skilful hockey by world-class players in action packed games by some of South Africa’s premier teams. The Western Province Cricket Club Badgers (WPCC), Wanderers from Gauteng plus KZN’s Riverside and Kearsney Hockey Clubs all took each other on for the title.
This successful tournament wouldn’t have been possible without Belgotex Floorcoverings who are suppliers of Greenfields Turf, the turf of choice at the recent Hockey World Cup held in Holland. Unbeaten during the three days, WPCC, who racked up bonus points for scoring more than four goals per game in two out of three matches, were the victorious team. Riverside HC ended in second place, first timers, Kearsney HC, came third and Gauteng’s Wanderers fourth. The final points log was:
• WPCC Badgers – 11
• Riverside Hockey Club – 5
• Kearsney Hockey Club – 3
• Wanderers – 2
Riverside Hockey Club (left to right): Back row/standing – Shane Fouquereaux (Team Manager), Steve Wiggett, Justin Birnie, Iain Evans, Gareth Mason, Bruce Grant, Karl Oftebro, Terence Kidd, Gowan Jones (GK)
Front row/kneeling/sitting – Keagan Robinson, Tim Drummond, Calvin Price, Mike Wiggett, Sean Baxter, Richard Pentecost, Mondli Dlamini, Matt Fairweather, Taine Paton
Photo by: Greg Labuscagne
The winning team received R8000 in prize money while the top goal scorer, Lloyd Norris-Jones, and player of the tournament (voted by the players), Wade Paton, each received R1000 cheques from the sponsors.
As the country’s only national, non-tertiary, inter-club hockey tournament the event attracts some of South Africa’s top players who compete regularly on the national and international hockey circuit. Of the 69 players in this year’s four squads, 23 are fully capped South African internationals including well-known players, Gowan Jones and Matt Botha who only had good things to say about the event. Both agreed that, ‘the Greenfields/Riverside Elite Club Challenge was definitely a world class event’. Other highlights included the half time spectators’ challenge and the prize giving.
Ayden Shrives, manager at Belgotex Floorcoverings, said, “The weekend summed up what the game of hockey is all about; competitive club competition with lots of goals, great skill and comradeship both on and off the field. As South Africa’s leading sports flooring company and Riverside being a prominent hockey club, we can now say that we have the country’s leading national club tournament. This event will be even bigger and better next year and we aim to keep encouraging elite hockey players from outside the tertiaries to remain interested, focused and challenged in the game of hockey. Well done to Riverside Sports for a professionally and well-run challenge.”
WPCC winning team with the cash prize. Photo by: Greg Labuscagne
According to Riverside Sports’ CEO, Roger Gardner, this tournament was for all players to enjoy themselves. “These championship games expose players to other teams outside the province and how competitive they can be, equipping them with the skills and mindset to play in international games. But not forgetting what’s important, to be competitive but also to enjoy themselves while doing what they love,” he said.
In addition to the elite tournament, RHC also ran a series of junior matches for their Reach Programme (sponsored by Varsity College) which exposes promising young players to high level training and match situations. Alan Timms, Head of Junior Hockey at Riverside, said the Greenfields / Riverside Elite Club Challenge was the perfect place for these young players to see and then enjoy the opportunity of emulating their heroes in action.
Photos by: Greg Labuscagne
Author: Durbanite
Tired of spending a fortune on toys your kids play with for five minutes, only for them to get bored? We get it! That’s exactly why Playtime Rentals was born, a smarter, more affordable way to keep playtime fun, fresh, and exciting for your little ones.
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Author: Shelley
Author: Shelley
Discover the heart of KZN at Westown Square in Shongweni – a vibrant, growing destination where shopping, dining and lifestyle come together in perfect harmony.
Here, local craft, artisanal homeware and unique products find a home, bringing the very best of our region to life.
At the centre of it all is The Town Square, your gateway to The Barn & Makers Market. Stroll through an eclectic mix of locally sourced art, beauty, fashion, homeware, food and
drink — all set alongside some of the region’s finest restaurants and exciting concept eateries.
More than just a market, The Barn is the beating heart of Westown. It’s where the community gathers each week for live music, entertainment, and a celebration of local talent.
#ItsTimeForTheWest
LOCAL IS LEKKER and we’re celebrating all things Heritage this month, in this beautiful province of KZN that we call HOME! There’s something for everyone, so follow us on social media to keep up to date.
THIS WEEKEND!
OPENING OF THE PADDOCK at Westown – 27 September
Westown is excited to celebrate the opening of The Paddock– a unique new place and the ‘home’ for Westown Trails. It’s fun for the whole family, whether you’re on horseback, on your mountain bike, running or walking. Our network of marked trails, suitable for a variety of sporting codes, enhances and extends the spectacular outdoor character the area is renowned for.
* Time: Hub Opens – 06:00
Official Start – 07:00
* Venue: The Paddock at Westown
* Cost: No cost and complimentary bike and wash service from Cycle Science Shongweni
SPRINGBOK RUGBY IN THE BARN
Come & support The Bokke at the Westown Square Fan Park in The Barn at Westown.
Catch the live action on the big screen – our DJ will be in the house for the pre-match warm-up and post-match fun.
Saturday 4 October – SA vs Argentina
*Time: 15:00
* Venue: The Barn at Westown Square
Pre-match fun in the Rugby Kids Zone:
* The Garvz Sport Activation (13:00 -16:00) & Kids Activities (14:00 -16:00) including:
Baby Bok, toddler soft-play area, face painting, balloon sculpting and crafts activities
PASSION PAINT & SIP – 1 October
Release your inner artist with an evening of fun and creativity. This guided class is open to all, no matter your competency level. Be prepared to be surprised at what
you can create!
Date: Wednesday 1 October
Time: 18:30
Venue: The Barn at Westown Square
Cost: R250 pp incl. a complimentary drink & all materials to make your own work of art.
Booking: Quicket or WhatsApp Kirsty on 083 2555 736
OCTOBER SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMME – Follow our social media pages
Westown Square is THE PLACE TO BE this October, with a School Holiday Programme to delight kids of all ages!!
FREE MOVIE NIGHT AT WESTOWN – 3 October
Bring your picnic blankets and camp chairs for a free outdoor movie night under the stars.
Food and beverages will be sold – no food/ beverages may be brought into the venue.
* Date: 3 October
* Time: 18:30
* Movie: How to Train Your Dragon
* Venue: The Bowl at Westown Square
* Cost: Free
BLASTER WARS – the ultimate interactive fun for kids aged 5 – 13 years. Jump into action-packed group games, bouncing from one awesome game to the next, all with hands-on
safety. Activities include:
•Blaster Wars fun battles and blaster games
•Target shooting challenges
•Fun races and games for all ages
Date: 7 & 8 October
Venue: Grass Area/Lawn on Level 4
Time: 11:00 -13:00
Cost: R120 per child
Bookings: Tel: 066 236 8100 or email: info@blasterwars.co.za
FRIDAY FLASHBACK
Get a jump-start on the weekend with our vibrant weekly Westown Wind-down. Turn after-work drinks into a full night out at Westown Square, as we dial back the clock, with our weekly 80s-themed Friday Flashback retro music experience with DJ Spike & James VN on the decks and Happy Hour food and drink specials.
Date: Every Friday
Time: 16:30-21:30
Cost: Free entry
SUNDAY SOUNDTRACK VIBES
Join a line-up of Durban’s hottest musicians, every Sunday afternoon, from 12:00-15:00 in The Barn at Westown Square. Choose a bite and beverage from a diverse selection of eateries and settle in for the afternoon.
– Sunday 5 October
A regular favourite at Westown Square, Angel is in the house for this Sunday’s session.
– Sunday 12 October
Popular songbird Carmen Rodrigues is back at Westown Square for a laid-back chill
interlude.
Author: Shelley
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Karl
21 October 2014 at 2:47 pm
Pates makes the best cover boy for any Article.
Cool Article about hockey, nice to see it getting some exposure
Thanks for the great pics Greg, always nice to have your pics at games