WPCC Hockey battles bravely in Elite Club Challenge final
The WPCC Hockey team showcased their hunger and determination in a thrilling final of the Belgotex Elite Club Challenge at Riverside Club in KZN this past weekend.
Despite a valiant effort, they were edged out by local rivals Central Hockey Club with a final score of 4-3.
Coach Devin Stanton praised the intensity and quality of the match.
“The final was a great battle between two of the best club sides in South Africa. We both come from the same province (WP), so we know each other's games very well,” he said.
The game started explosively, with WPCC finding themselves 2-nil down early on. However, they demonstrated some remarkable resilience and fought back in the second quarter.
Their efforts paid off as they clawed their way to a 3-2 lead. Despite this, Central Hockey Club's class shone through, and Stanton’s caution that a one-goal difference wouldn’t be enough proved prophetic.
Central equalised and then clinched the winner in a dramatic finish.
Stanton reflected on the game, stating they needed to score again early in the last quarter, but unfortunately missed their chances.
“Ultimately, the reality of not scoring our chances set in when Central scored an equaliser and then the winner. This was the tournament's best game and both teams put on a show that any hockey fan would have wanted to watch. Credit to Central for capturing the big moments and winning the game,” he said.
Stanton said the Belgotex Riverside Elite Challenge holds special significance for WPCC.
“As a club, not everyone in our teams plays provincial hockey, so this is a great stage for not just the elite hockey players to showcase their skills but also for the club player who continuously puts in the hard work week in and week out to then be rewarded with playing in this tournament.
"We also use it to maintain our club culture and to let other clubs know what WPCC is all about and what it stands for,” he said.
Adding to the team's pride, veteran player Stuart Spooner played in his 10th Belgotex Elite Challenge, marking a significant milestone in his distinguished career.
In their group stage matches, WPCC’s men’s first team won 5-0 in the opening game against Pretoria Boys’ High School’s Old Boys men's team (PHSOB), followed by a 6-0 win over Morningside Hockey Club, and a 2-0 win over the hosts, Riverside Hockey Club.
WPCC's women's team also made their mark in the tournament. Invited again as the reigning champions, they fought bravely and secured a respectable third-place finish this year. They beat the home side, Riverside 3-1, to secure a bronze. Their section was won by Beaulieu Ladies, beating the PHSOB women’s team 3-0 in the final.
Despite the loss, coach Stanton applauded WPCC Hockey’s performance in the tournament.
He expressed optimism about their upcoming matches, stating that they look forward to returning to the final stages of the Western Province Hockey Union’s men’s and women’s grand challenges.
Next week, July 27, WPCC Hockey will be competing for a top finish in both divisions, currently just two points and a point behind the log leaders, Maties, respectively.
