Varsity Hockey powerhouses NWU-Pukke and UP-Tuks played out an intense 1-1 draw in Bloemfontein on Monday.
Tuks did well to fight back from a goal down, but it was not enough to end Pukke’s unbeaten run in the tournament.
The team from Potchefstroom established control of the game in the opening chukka, launching a number of raids in UP-Tuks territory.
They were rewarded in the sixth minute when the prolific Sulette Damons turned well in the circle and slotted a powerful backstick shot past the goalkeeper, leaving the Pretoria side to chase the game.
UP-Tuks were forced to defend for long periods, but showed good resolve to hold out and even created a few chances of their own.
A good pass from captain Kara Stella set up a great opportunity for UP-Tuks at the start of the second chukka, but the shot was hit straight at the goalkeeper.
Pukke continued to create good opportunities, giving Tuks goalkeeper Phumelela Mbande plenty of work to do, and she produced a couple of impressive saves to keep her side in touch.
Pukke’s Stephanie Baxter was shown a green card for a reckless tackle and Tuks were awarded a penalty corner shortly afterwards, but they could not convert as Pukke held on to their 1-0 advantage at the second break.
Despte enjoying the upper hand in the second chukka, Tuks did not have any goals to show for their efforts, but they continued to apply the pressure and it paid off when Janie Porteous was able to level things up at 1-1 after some good work from Kate Koenig.
Tuks were desperate for the win and they pressed hard as they searched for another goal, with Pukke forced to defend for their lives.
The final stages of the match saw both teams push for the win, but neither side could find the killer blow as it ended all square.
The scorers:
For NWU-Pukke: Sulette Damons
For UP-Tuks: Janie Porteous
NWU-Pukke: Anelle van Deventer, Danielle Kapp, Celia Evans, Amore de Wet, Jessica de Bruyn-Smith, Carli Gericke, Tania Kruger, Fay Irvine, Sulette Damons, Maartje Korten, Lentea Kamffer, Stephanie Baxter, Tiffany Jones, Sinalo Jafta, Carissa Vorster, Michelle Dias, Sharne van Loggerenberg, Zonica Smith, Schani Moore, Melissa de Koker, Anita Bouwer, Janke Erasmus, Mariska Fourie, Chandre van Niekerk.
UP-Tuks: Phumelela Mbande, Mmatsepho Modipane, Jenna-Leigh du Preez, Lisette du Plessis, Kara Stella, Chanelle van Zyl, Janie Porteous, Omari Pienaar, Kelly Kaulback, Tarryn Moses, Izelle Verster, Christi Prost, Kate Koenig, Jacinta Jubb, Jenna Shuker, Simone Barrett, Lilian du Plessis, Hlubikazi Siphamla.
