The excitement generated during the first leg of this season’s Varsity Hockey programme, which got off to a compelling start at Wits University last weekend, has continued unabated throughout today’s events. Held at the campuses of both UFS-Kovsies and Stellenbosch Maties this weekend, the eight teams from universities around the country continue to battle it out for top honours. Today’s action saw strong and dominating play, with clear and convincing victories from the winning teams.
The opening matches saw huge wins for both UP-Tuks and Maties, playing at UFS-Kovsies and Maties respectively. Amidst some brilliant goal scoring all round, Michael Murdoch-Eaton scored to give UP-Tuks a 4-0 lead by the end of the first chukka. A display of great skill by both Stephan Cant and Kewan Harries saw UP-Tuks finish with a resounding 5-1 victory over Rhodes. Maties gave the local Stellenbosch crowd a reason to scream and cheer. With an opening goal by Charlie Bowren, Maties enjoyed a strong and dominant start which led them to a convincing 4-0 win against UCT.
The second half of the day heralded more of the same – decisive play and energetic excitement, from participants and spectators alike. At UFS-Kovsies, the home team got off to a compelling start which saw them enjoying a 4-0 lead against Wits rivals by the end of the first chukka. Despite a valiant effort from Wits, it was ultimately UFS-Kovsies who thrilled home crowds with a 6-4 win. The second game of the day in Stellenbosch saw UJ continue their winning streak with a 2-0 win over NMMU’s Madibaz.
FNB’s Man of the Match awards went to Dylan Swanepoel, Maties; Ross Gonsalves, UP-Tuks; Xander van Biljon, UFS-Kovsies and Gareth Heyns, UJ.
With two more days of non-stop and explosive hockey action to look forward to, get yourself down to UFS-Kovsies or Maties’ hockey fields to witness the excitement first hand. Matches commence this Sunday 11th May and Monday 12th May at 14h30 at Kovsies and 17h00 at Maties.
And for those living further afield, be sure to watch all the drama unfold by following non-stop Varsity Sports action on SuperSport channel 210, broadcast live from Kovsies this Sunday and Maties on Monday.
