Varsity hockey kicks off with a bang

In the opening match, UFS-Kovsies secured a 2-1 victory over NMMU’s Madibaz, with Alfred Hensburg scoring the decisive goal right at the end.

The result was a bitter pill for the Kovsies, but their performance showed that they are definite contenders in the competition.

UP-Tuks and UCT went into half-time deadlocked at 0-0 in the second match of the day, but it was ultimately UP-Tuks who emerged victorious.

A fabulous second half saw Matthew Guise-Brown and Andrew Buckley score to secure a 2-0 victory for UP-Tuks, with Guise-Brown receiving the Super Striker award for his opening goal.

Later in the day, UJ proved too strong for Rhodes in clinching a 7-1 win. UJ’s Clinton Panther, who has represented SA’s national team 69 times, scored a stunning goal in the second half of the match to cement UJ’s win.

But it proved a disappointing end to the day for Wits, who were unable to secure a victory on home ground. Despite a strong start from the hosts, together with some brilliant goalkeeping, it was Maties who emerged clear 5-1 victors.

Man of the Match awards went to Jason Maclachlan (UFS-Kovsies), Richard Pautz (UP-Tuks), Gareth Heyns (UJ) and Jordan Turnbull (Maties)

The opening game on Sunday starts at 11am and Monday’s action gets under way at 1.30pm.

– Sapa