PHL’s first weekend is smashing
PRAEGVILLE – It's goals galore and broken records at the first weekend of the Premier Hockey League.
South Africa’s best hockey players are at it again in the fourth annual Premier Hockey League (PHL).
The first weekend of action did not disappoint fans who turned up at the free event at Randburg Hockey Stadium.
Twenty matches were played between 18 and 21 July, and thanks to mandatory shootouts whenever the scores where tied at full time, there was always a winner.
“We have seen a lot of nervous teams coming out so the first quarters have been quite quiet, but things definitely heat up in the third and fourth chukkas,” said social media and graphics coordinator for the league, Jamie Chisholm.
Loads of goals were scored on the first weekend.
The record was broken for the most goals scored in a PHL game when St Lucia Lakers beat Namaqualand Daisies 5–3 in the women’s section in one of the most thrilling domestic hockey games played at the stadium.
The men’s Golden Gate Gladiators were also on the wrong end of a 5–0 thrashing by Addo Elephants that gave the Elephants a bonus point.
“The scores are sometimes not very reflective of the games,” Chisholm added.
“This year we are seeing a lot of new faces in all the teams, a lot of youngsters coming in, which is really exciting to see the development of hockey.”
After the first weekend of matches, Mapungubwe Mambas (10 points) narrowly lead the men’s division ahead of Maropeng Cavemen by one point and a goal difference of +2.
In the women’s section, Wineland Wings (12 points) have a strong lead of four points thanks to two wins and two shootout wins in their four matches.
The Orange River Rafters follow behind on eight points.
The next round of matches will be played on 27 and 28 July. Entrance to the stadium is free. Visit www.premierhockeyleague.co.za for information about the event.
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