UP-Tuks were forced to work hard for their 3-2 Varsity Hockey victory over a determined Wits side in Bloemfontein on Monday.
Wits made a strong start to the game as they took the game to their more fancied opponents, but they could not turn their attacking possession into a goal as the UP-Tuks defence held out.
UP-Tuks’ Grant Glutz forced a great save from the Wits goalkeeper with a drag flick, and they opened the scoring soon afterwards through a brilliant individual effort from Richard Pautz who got in a good position before unleashing an unstoppable backstick shot.
The Pretoria side had the powerplay at the start of the second period and piled the pressure on Wits but could not add to their 1-0 lead.
However, they would double their lead when a brilliant ball into the area from Dale van der Merwe was deflected in by Dave Robertson.
Keegan Nicol was shown a yellow card for taking a player out which gave Wits a golden opportunity, but they were still 2-0 down at the second break.
UP-Tuks nearly went 3-0, but Ross Goncalves hit the post, and Wits were right back in after Stuart Phillip capped off a period of pressure by smashing a goal to make it 2-1.
With less than ten minutes to play Wits went in search of the equaliser, but UP-Tuks scored next as Pautz got another goal after being set up by Glutz.
Phillips got a late goal for Wits which sealed a deserved bonus point for his side.
Wits captain and goalkeeper Cole Zondagh was named FNB man of the match and Super Saver, whilst Stuart Philip was the Samsung Super Striker.
