Match three on day one of the Maties leg of the Varsity Hockey competition Friday witnessed another hotly-contested tussle that embodied the pride these exciting young students have in their team colours.
The fancied Madibaz (Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University) who, player-for-player, boast a healthy number of performers with more illustrious reputations than their hardworking opponents Pukke (North West University), were made to sweat on the way to a 4-3 victory, the score reading 1-0 to the Port Elizabeth lads at half-time.
The tenacious Pukke from Potchefstroom were forced to play catch-up for 75% of the game but it was a tribute to their gritty determination that they were able to stay within a whisker of forcing this absorbing clash into a winner-takes-all penalty shootout.
Madibaz struck the first blow when Kevin Carroll hit a field goal in the seventh minute and that’s the way the score remained until Pukke’s Sinoxolo Mbekeni netted from a penalty corner (PC) three minutes after the interval.
The Madibaz restored their one-goal lead almost immediately from the re-start but once again the Pukke clawed their way back into contention when Gertjie Lamprecht’s effort from field play left the teams at even-stevens (2-2).
But two goals in an eight-minute period in the final quarter by Madibaz’ Kevin Carroll (his second of the match) and Ignatius Malgraff left Pukke with too much to do in too little time.
Madibaz’ 4-2 advantage was whittled down when Francois Cilliers converted a PC at the death but the final hooter forced the proud Pukke to accept defeat, but an honourable loss of the highest order.
FNB Player of the Match: Ignatius Malgraff (Madibaz)
Mugg & Bean Star Saver: Grant Kapp (Madibaz)
Samsung Super Striker: Kevin Carroll (Madibaz)
By Jonathan Cook
