Sensational flicks, tackles, drives and goals characterised the final weekend of the Premier Hockey League.
The fourth annual edition of South Africa’s biggest league in the game lived up to the standards fans have come to expect of it.
The semi-finals and finals on 3 and 4 August respectively, were no different. On warm and sunny days, teams gave their all in front of a vibrant and excitable crowd at Randburg Hockey Stadium, in pursuit of ultimate glory.
In the men’s division, defending champs Drakensberg Dragons beat Maropeng Cavemen 3–1 in what was to be a close match in the semi-final, and then thrashed Mapungubwe Mambas 4–0 to defend their title.
Before this, the Mambas were the second team to win every group game in the league, following the Cavemen in 2017.
Garden Route Gazelles won the third/fourth place playoff against Maropeng Cavemen 3–2.
On the women’s front, defending champs Blyde River Bunters failed to make the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time.
The semi-finals were thrilling. Madikwe Rangers and Orange River Rafters tied 3–3 in regular time to set up a shootout which the Rangers won 4–3.
In the other semi-final, Wineland Wings took on Namaqualand Daisies who are the South African U21 side. The wings won in another nail-biter 4–3.
In the final, fans were left on the edge of their seats as there was another draw at the end of regular time (1–1). In the shootout, the Rangers got one over the Wings to win 3–2.
The Rafters secured third spot with a convincing 4–1 win over the Daisies in the third/fourth place playoff.
Sylvia van Jaarsveldt (Wineland Wings) scored the most goals in the women’s section with six blinders. On the men’s side it was Keegan Hezlett (Maropeng Cavemen) with five goals.
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