Stellenbosch University ensured that they stayed in touch with the Varsity Hockey leaders on the third day of the men’s competition as they walloped Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University 8-0 on Sunday.
The most-convincing win of the tournament thus far also made sure that Maties have a healthy goal-difference.
It was two goals in a minute by Charles Bowren and Shannon Boucher that set the tone for Maties, and the 2014 runners-up absorbed the pressure put on them by Madibaz to grab the third goal in the 27th minute. James Drummond, the FNB Player of the Match, stole the ball with a wonderful tackle and then hit it to the penalty spot, where Keenan Horne, the Samsung Super Striker, was well-placed to net the deflection.
Drummond then showed his prowess at the short-corner as his drag-flick low into the left corner of the goal increased the lead to 4-0 in the 35th minute.
Dylan Swanepoel, the Maties captain, scored from the middle of the circle five minutes later and a storming run by Alex Stewart in the 45th minute led to the sixth goal as Matt de Sousa pounced on his slip-pass and sent a first-time slap roaring into the net.
Madibaz took their powerplay at the start of the final quarter but the frustration continued for them as they could not break down the Maties defence.
The powerplay was productive for Maties, however, when they took it in the closing minutes of the match, with Horne showing why he was chosen as the Super Striker as he went on a fantastic dart and fired a brilliant reverse-sticks shot into the goal.
FNB Player of the Match: James Drummond (Maties)
Mugg & Bean Star Saver: Chad Durrheim (Madibaz)
Samsung Super Striker: Keenan Horne (Maties)
By Ken Borland
