HOCKEY TOUR TO SOUTH AFRICA
The next morning was an intensive three-hour training session at the stunning Hartleyvale Stadium ( Table Mountain as the backdrop ) with top Western Province coaches , readying us for our six-match schedule versus quality South African schools : DF Malan , Wynberg , Hermanus , Herschel , Durbanville and Bloemhof GHS .
The matches were a superb opportunity to play some fantastic hockey ; bonding as a team as year groups mixed and new friendships blossomed . A highlight was joining in with South African schools as they came to support their teams ; their music , singing and cheering igniting smiles on everyone ’ s faces – Wynberg were especially fun ! Our South African friends were all wonderful hosts , and students thoroughly enjoyed socialising with them after matches .
The return of trips and tours has been a huge excitement and so the chance to visit South Africa on our fifth school hockey tour since 2008 provided 26 students with a jam-packed itinerary to enjoy and an unforgettable and exhilarating experience .
Following training in the Summer term we finally landed , checked in and settled before heading straight into an electric atmosphere at the DHL Stadium to watch the Springboks take on Wales in the final deciding match of their rugby test series – a great way to start the tour !
Alongside hockey matches the group enjoyed excursions to The Gold restaurant for a real African experience of drumming and a seven-course meal , Table Mountain , Robben Island , the Mandela monument at the Drakenstein Correction Centre , cheese and wine tasting at Fairview Wines , seeing the penguins at Boulders Beach in Simon ’ s Town and enjoying fish and chips in the harbour , Camps Bay for a dip in the ocean , chocolate making and tasting at Huguenot Franschhoek , visiting Stellenbosch , shopping and eating at the V & A Waterfront , whizzing down 11 zip lines across canyons and crossing the suspension bridge at Cape Canopy Tours in Elgin , and finishing with a two-night stay at Kariega Game Reserve to go and spot the big five and some welldeserved rest and relaxation .
In short , the opportunity to have so much fun , play a sport they love , enjoy the history , culture , scenery and wildlife in a such a beautiful country , will no doubt be a highlight of many students ’ Sevenoaks experience ; it certainly is special to make lifelong friends while creating warm , magical and lasting memories .
Cath Nicholson
86 SPORT REVIEW