It’s a close shave for Beaulieu hockey team up against UJ
BEAULIEU – A late field goal from Beaulieu’s Marvin Simons ensured six victories from six matches in the Southern Gauteng Hockey Association outdoor league.
Beaulieu men’s A team pulled off a miracle win against a defensively strong University of Johannesburg (UJ) side on 23 May.
The Beaulieu side is currently on a six-match winning streak after beating Wanderers 5–2 and now UJ 1–0.
Five minutes into the first chukka, the first penalty corner was awarded to UJ but good pressure from the Beaulieu defenders saw the shot go off target.
One minute left in the chukka and Beaulieu was awarded their first penalty corner but the strike was also wayward.
In the second chukka another penalty corner was awarded to the UJ but was saved by Beaulieu goalie Sizwe Mthembu.
Both sides were unable to break the deadlock as opportunities for goals were not taken.
The third chukka was a back and forth affair with the UJ defence not cracking and their goalkeeper Culin de Jager making some amazing saves. Both teams were awarded penalty corners but none were converted.
In the last chukka both teams showed incredible intensity but again opportunities were missed.
However, with one minute left in the match, Beaulieu’s Marvin Simons delivered for his team by eventually getting the better of De Jager.
Coach of UJ, Moabi Malebye said he was proud of the individual and team performance of his side and felt his players were growing every week.
“We played the top team in the league, went toe to toe with them for 58 minutes and they got a goal in the end.
“It will be difficult to pick one player who stood out, but I would definitely say our keeper,” he told Fourways Review.
Allistar Fredericks of Beaulieu said even though his team won it was a ‘scrappy game’ as his goal scorers were not in the greatest form.
He felt that their tactics were spot on as there was a number of opportunities created.
“From our side, it was very scrappy. I don’t think we played well enough to run away with the match as we have in previous games.
“UJ defended very well and broke down our attacks in certain areas.
“UJ’s goalkeeper was really good. For Beaulieu, Marvin Simons, Sanele Mchunu and there were consistent performances from Reza Rosenberg and Gerald Mpopo in the field,” he concluded.
