K-Day victory for DSG hockey

Superior cheering from the Diocesan School for Girls (DSG) supporters- compared to a subdued Kingswood College (KC)- was an excellent soundtrack to a classy display from DSG’s first hockey team, trumping KC 3-0 on Saturday.

Excited parents, learners and locals vied for position to catch the anticipated K-Day spectacular. There was some vocal feedback from both the KC and DSG coaches, urging their teams to work harder during a slow first half. Nerves saw some basics lacking in the early minutes of the game with both teams missing chances.

A constant and entertaining vocal extravaganza by DSG supporters spurred on their team as they skilfully worked the field’s length and breadth. Running hard, DSG applied the pressure with successive shots on target, which were denied by a tenacious KC defence.

However, in the 21st minute of the first half, DSG made a quick turnover from KC’s shot on goal and charged down field where right winger, Lauren Graven, showed her skill by finding the back of the net.

Finally some KC support began with the beating of a drum. KC almost capitalised on an unforced DSG error in the ‘D’, but were found wanting.

Uncontrollable seconds
Despite a faster second half, both teams regularly lost possession and neither seemed in control.

A series of better looking DSG attempts at goal were easily dismissed by the KC defence. But with nine minutes to go, DSG worked the ‘D’ like hungry sharks in a feeding frenzy, where Kim Tessendorf found the back of the net to make the score 2-0.

Looking stronger and more focussed, DSG kept a quick pace and confidently retained possession while looking for gaps. Their hard work payed off when Kelly Rautenbach flicked in a third goal through a seemingly absent KC defence.

Tenacious to the final whistle, KC came close to a consolation goal, but a full-stretched dive from DSG’s left half Rebecca Dakin denied any KC celebrations. The final result was 3-0 to DSG.