South African GreenFields Elite Club challenge won by WPCC Badgers


Hockey fans in the province had the luck to support and witness the GreenFields Elite Club challenge that took place from Friday 17th – Sunday 19th of July 2015, where six top South African teams at Riverside Sports Club in Durban North came in action. The event, started in 2013 by Riverside Sports and its Riverside Hockey Club, is targeted as an event for the whole family. “Pure hockey enjoyment at its best is our mission,” added RHC chairperson Wayne Phillips. And the line-up is impressive.

WP Cricket Club Badgers hockey team successfully defended their title at the third annual GreenFields Elite Club Challenge. This year, spectators were treated to an even more exciting display of intense hockey performances from SA’s top players and clubs from around the country. Participating teams included WP Cricket Club Badgers, Kearsney Hockey Club (2nd), Riverside Hockey Club (3rd), Wanderers Hockey Club (4th), and newcomers to the Tournament, Old Edwardians Hockey Club (5th) and Malik Old Albanians Hockey Club (6th), who all battled it out for three days for the coveted R25 000 prize money – the biggest ever awarded in SA hockey history.

Ayden Shrives, Synthetic Turf manager at GreenFields SA, concluded, “This weekend was a huge success and we’re privileged to have been a part thereof – particularly with our new TX World Cup turf at the heart of it all! The hockey displays and overall atmosphere was top-class and it was evident that the participating teams put their blood, sweat and tears into every game. Judging by the increased spectator turnout, we look forward to growing this event from year to year into only a national hockey highlight – but an international one too!”
Wayne Philips, Riverside Hockey Club’s Chairman and the Tournament Director added, “We are so delighted with this weekend’s turnout and performances. I cannot thank enough all those involved from our club and the sponsors for putting together such a professional and enjoyable sporting experience. Well done to all the teams who participated and to the winners – I’m sure they’ll all agree that this was the epitome of Pure Hockey Enjoyment!”