Northwood played against Glenwood in the final of the KZN Schools Hockey Night Series league in May. In typical final style both teams played tentative hockey and it was obvious that neither team wanted to make the error that could cost them the final. After the first two chukka’s the teams were at a stalemate and the game looked like going into extra time.
It was Northwood who started the third and final chukka with the greater purpose and some great play down the right hand channel resulted in the first penalty corner of the game. In this format of the game penalty corners are replaced by a one on one between an attacker and the goal keeper. It was at this stage that the first hero of the day, Matthew de Sousa stepped up to skilfully eliminate the Glenwood keeper and finish calmly to give Northwood the lead.
Glenwood started to play with more purpose after the goal and eventually managed to earn a penalty corner after an error from the Northwood defenders. Kyle Pillay was outstanding in his defence and pulled off two brilliant saves to keep the score at 1 – 0.
Northwood showed heart and passion to see out the final few minutes to be crowned the 2012 KZN Schools Night League Champions.
It was a fantastic all round team performance.
