The U16 boys embarked on a tour to Knysna from the 5th – 8th August, with tremendous excitement and a keenness to test their skills against new and unknown opposition. Leaving on Monday, 5 August just as the 1st period of school started, academic responsibilities were left on ice for a while.
The tour started with a match against Die Punt Hoёrskool in Mossel Bay. This astro has a beautiful view of the ocean as a backdrop and many opposition parents watched the game with curiosity and intrigue. Driving three hours and having to play a game was not an easy task, but the boys played beautifully and ended with a 1-1 draw. After the game the final destination was Knysna. Once settled in, all enjoyed a delicious dinner experience at a local pizzeria.
Tuesday started with an early breakfast and training session at the beautiful sport campus of Oakhill. Directly after the practice – an exciting activity awaited…Paintball! What a blast with a tournament setting, pitting four teams against one another in a round-robin style tournament. It was splash-tastic. After Paintball came the much-anticipated game against York High School in George.
This game was just as fast-paced, maybe faster than the Paintball, because the final score was 5-5! It was an exhilarating game of momentum swinging constantly. Cannons ended up scoring in the last moments of the game, through a short corner, to draw the game. That evening it was a celebration and the post-game talk at another great local restaurant.
The last full day of the tour started with a breakfast and training session at a local high school astro in Knysna. Next on the agenda was a visit to the Cango Wildlife Ranch in Oudtshoorn.On a guided tour through the park important insight into the endangered species of the country was gained and about efforts the dedicated workers carry out to help these animals.
Cannons experienced a great game against Langenhoven Gimnasium but unfortunately was on the losing side with a score of 0-3. Failure is sometimes the best medicine because it provides a sound view of what to improve on.
The tour ended with a good, classic burger and chips at Spur. What a way to end a tour.
On Thursday everyone packed and left with hearts, minds and hockey spirit filled with great stories and experiences.
Written by Matts van den Berg, U16 Coach & Sports coordinator
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