The Steinhoff Maties Hockey women did not only win their sixth consecutive Western Province title this past weekend, but also their 15th title in 16 years.
It was a thrilling weekend for any Maties hockey fan.
The final games of the WP league's second round took place on Saturday. To force a final match for the league title, Maties had to win their match against WPCC after Somerset West beat Conberg earlier.
Maties beat WPCC by 4-2 thanks to goals by Tarryn Glasby (2), Quanita Bobbs and Dani Cairns and ensured a final against Somerset West.
All the previous games between Maties and its neighbours this season ended in a draw. However, on Sunday Maties ensured a victory when Glasby hit the back of the goal-box in the second chukka.
It was an emotional day for Maties.
Not only did they play for the title, but it was Bobbs and Nicole Bartsch's last game for the Stellenbosch team, and perhaps also the last game for co-captain Heather McEwan.
"It was an amazing series and the perfect end to a wonderful season. I'm so proud of my team," McEwan said.
Bobbs added: "I was overwhelmed by emotion once the final whistle blew. The league meant a lot to me and the team. It was a great feeling to finally reach our goal of being league champions after such a long and hard season."
Since 2000, the only year the Maties women did not win the title was 2010. Jenny King has been the Maties coach since 1998 and it was also her 15th title as coach.
In total Maties have won the title 32 times.
