From 14th August to 26th August 2024, the boys and girls’ 1stx1 hockey teams were on Tour to South Africa. This was the first international hockey tour undertaken by the school and so it was with great excitement and slight apprehension that 38 pupils and 10 staff boarded the coach, early Wednesday morning, 14th August.
After two long flights and a stunning scenic drive around the coast, we arrived at our accommodation: The Rocklands Centre with epic views over False Bay and Cape Point.
The KHS group were indebted to our full time guide, Gillian and Coach driver Isaac who were amazing and stayed with us throughout the whole trip, ensuring we kept to our busy schedule of matches and excursions around Cape Town and beyond.
The touring party played 5 matches in nine days, playing four schools in Cape Town and one in Hermanus.
The teams played their first matches against Fishhoek High School in warm afternoon sunshine on Friday 16th August, match sponsored by Gordon Bell & son solicitor. The girls won 2-0 and the boys narrowly losing 3-2. Players of the matches were Anna Chestnutt and David Hamilton.
On Saturday, match day 2, kindly sponsored by J Knox & Sons, Kilkeel High travelled to Rallim High who welcomed their first overseas opposition to their school. KHS were comfortable winners in these night games under the floodlights, with the girls winning 9-1 and the boys winning 6-0.
Players of the matches were Jane Annett and Samuel Campbell.
Match day 3, Monday 19th August saw the girls and boys’ teams travel to Somerset College, north of Cape Town for a match under the sunset skies. The teams gave a very good account of themselves against one of the top teams in South Africa. The girls lost 3-1 and the boys lost 5-1. Players of the girls’ match were Mia Henning and Lilly-Ella Curry and the boys’ player of the match was Jamie Stevenson. Thanks to our sponsors for this game Trim-Tech Graphics.
The last hockey matches in Cape Town were on Wednesday 21st August when the Kilkeel HS teams played Pinelands High School. Our games were sponsored by Donaghy’s Banbridge.
The girls won 6-1 and the boys won 2-1.
Our players of the match were Acacia Kincaid and Daniel Chestnutt.
We travelled to Hermanus for our last match, sponsored by the Galley Annalong, on Saturday 24th August. It was our fifth game in nine days for the players, but the teams battled right to the end; the girls losing 4-0 and the boys losing 4-1. Kasey Nicholson won player of the match for the girls and the boys’ players of the game were the goalkeepers, Jack Graham and Aaron Rogers.
It was an absolute pleasure to play against so many different schools and we were grateful for this opportunity and for all the kindness and hospitality shown by the five schools.
It was an excellent swan song for the six girls who are leaving school and played their last matches for Kilkeel High, Sarah, Faith, Alice, Anna, Jane and Alex. It was an excellent pre-season training exercise for the hockey season ahead and a great opportunity to bring some of the junior players to get a taste of Senior school hockey.
As well as lots of matches, there were some unforgettable moments including the trip to Langa Township, hearing a history of South Africa, visiting some of the houses in the area, the local craft shop and a children’s crèche.
There were also tours of the Cape Peninsula and the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Camps Bay and Houts Bay.
Shopping in Cape Town Waterfront and the trip and stay in Hermanus.
The highlight for many was the Safari trip to Aquila Game Reserve and the surfing on Muizenberg beach which all combined to make this Summer 2024 Tour to South Africa a fantastic opportunity and experience.
The Kilkeel High School touring party would like to thank all the Sponsorship given by the local companies supplying kit and making this trip a reality, including;
Collins Aerospace, Eric Niblock Engineering, Sea Source, Craigmore and Classic Coaches.
A big thank you also to our five game day sponsors;
Gordon Bell & sons solicitors
J Knox & Sons
Trim Tech Graphics
Donaghy’s Banbridge
The Galley Annalong.
Thanks to all the staff who made this unforgettable South Africa Tour happen. It truly was an amazing trip of a lifetime!
