Durban High School claimed their second consecutive boys’ title whilst Our Lady of Fatima produced a stunning final upset to win the girls’ division at the 2026 Kearsney Hockey Fives, a weekend showcase of fast-paced, high-intensity hockey featuring 25 teams across three divisions.
DHS overcame a pool-stage defeat to Hilton College to storm back and dominate the final, whilst Fatima turned the tables on previously unbeaten St Mary’s DSG to claim their first-ever girls’ title in dramatic fashion.
The tournament, played in excellent weather conditions at Kearsney College, featured seven boys’ high school teams, six girls’ high school sides, and 12 primary school teams competing in the thrilling five-a-side format that rewards skill, speed, and tactical nous.
DHS bounce back from Hilton defeat
For the second successive year, the boys’ section belonged to Durban High School – but they had to do it the hard way. Despite losing to eventual runners-up Hilton College in their pool match, DHS regrouped superbly to turn the tide when it mattered most.
The final saw DHS deliver a convincing performance that left no doubt about the deserving winners. Their ability to learn from the pool-stage defeat and execute a tactical shift for the knockout stages showcased the kind of tournament nous that wins silverware.
Hilton College finished second after their pool-stage victory over DHS proved insufficient when the stakes were highest. Kearsney College claimed third place on home turf, with Westville Boys’ High, Glenwood High, Michaelhouse, and Ashton College Ballito rounding out the seven-team field.
Fatima dtun unbeaten St Mary’s in final
The girls’ division delivered the weekend’s most dramatic narrative as Our Lady of Fatima produced a stunning upset to claim their first Kearsney Hockey Fives title.
St Mary’s DSG had swept through the pool stages unbeaten, including a victory over Fatima that suggested they were the team to beat heading into the knockout rounds. But finals are great equalisers, and Fatima saved their best performance for the moment that mattered most.
Coming out strongly from the opening whistle, Fatima executed their game plan with precision and “sneaked past” a shellshocked St Mary’s side to claim the girls’ title for the first time in the tournament’s history.
Curro Hillcrest finished third, with Danville Park Girls High, Ashton College Ballito, and Maris Stella completing the six-team girls’ field.
Primary Schools showcase future stars
The primary schools division operated in a more relaxed festival-style format, prioritising development and enjoyment alongside competition – and the young players delivered superb matches showcasing impressive skills and enormous potential.
Chelsea Primary emerged as the standout performers with a particularly strong set of results across their pool matches. But the team spirit award went to Bonisanani Primary School, whose standard of play has improved dramatically since their initial Kearsney Hockey Fives appearance in 2016 – a testament to the tournament’s developmental impact on emerging programmes.
The 12 primary school teams contributed enormously to the weekend’s spirit and atmosphere, with parents and supporters treated to glimpses of KwaZulu-Natal hockey’s bright future.
Final Results
Boys High Schools:
- DHS
- Hilton College
- Kearsney College
- Westville Boys’ High
- Glenwood High
- Michaelhouse
- Ashton College Ballito
Girls High Schools:
- Our Lady of Fatima
- St Mary’s DSG
- Curro Hillcrest
- Danville Park Girls High
- Ashton College Ballito
- Maris Stella
Primary Schools:
12 teams participated in festival format
Best Team Spirit: Bonisanani Primary School
Standout Performers: Chelsea Primary
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