UJ clinch Varsity Hockey Cup

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) was crowned Varsity Hockey champions on 18 May after their women’s team beat UFS-Kovsies 3–0 in Bloemfontein.

The Joburg students emulated the feats of their male counterparts – who claimed the men’s title last year – after ending their campaign with a strong performance to hand Kovsies their first and only defeat of the competition.

UJ Team captain, Kaila-Ron Flemming said that they were placed under pressure from Kovsies because of their home ground advantage.

“We held our own and denied the other team any further shots at the goals. This is really huge for the team,” she said.

With the powerplay active, Kovsies were awarded a short corner but Izelle Lategan’s effort rebounded off the upright, three minutes into the quarter and they remained on the attack but UJ were able to withstand the pressure and managed to survive the early onslaught.

The visitors maintained the pressure on the home side for the remainder of the half and made their way into the Kovsies circle on numerous occasions but could not find that final touch to guide the ball home as the match remained deadlocked at the half-time interval.

Kovsies’ task became harder with 10 minutes remaining in the match when Lillian du Plessis finally found the backboard after she slotted home a perfectly placed drag flick to leave the Kovsies keeper flat-footed. Kovsies threw everything they had at the visitors but the Johannesburg women were having none of it and denied the home side with every circle entry.

The result was put to bed three minutes from full-time when Flemming smashed home a fantastic reverse stick shot from the top of the circle to leave Kovsies’ keeper with no chance.

Kovsies could not launch a comeback as UJ avenged their 1–5 defeat earlier in the competition and claimed the title of 2015 Varsity Hockey champions.

Mugg & Bean Star Save of the Match: Chloe Keeping (UJ)

Jet Striker of the Match: Kaila-Ron Flemming (UJ)

FNB Player of the Match: Kaila-Ron Flemming (UJ)