Fortunes mixed for Madibaz on hockey field

THERE were mixed results for the Madibaz in the Varsity Hockey competition in Stellenbosch at the weekend, with a win against UKZN but a loss to Witsies.

Despite trailing at the start of the second half, Pietie Coetzee’s Witsies managed to clinch a 7-3 victory against the Madibaz on Saturday night.

In what was predicted to at least be a tough fixture in the first half, the side from Port Elizabeth made their intentions clear with a goal in the third minute by the in-form Caitlin Gouws.

Despite Madibaz’ impact pressure, Wits’ defence remained rock solid, with the first chukka ending 2-0 in favour of Madibaz.

Running was the name of the game at the start of the second chukka as both teams went for possession.

With two Witsies green-carded in the 25th and 26th minute, the Madibaz side could still not work their way through Wits’ defence despite making use of their Powerplay advantage which saw an extra two Wits players sidelined for two minutes.

Their break, however, came when captain Nina Lauren scored an impressive goal from a penalty corner at the end of the first half, making it 3-0 for the women from the Eastern Cape.

Madibaz started the second half like a house on fire, but Vicky Jonker turned the game on its head by scoring two impressive goals from a penalty corner and field goal attempt in less than five minutes, equalling the game in fine style.

Taking advantage of their goal-scoring momentum, the women from Johannesburg worked their way through the Madibaz defence and ensured Nicole Smith was in the perfect position to bag goal number three, to make it 5-3 for Witsies at the end of the third chukka.

The fourth chukka remained goalless until Jonker hammered the nail into the coffin by scoring her third goal of the game with 30 seconds left on the clock.

The Madibaz were made to work hard in their opening match when they defeated newcomers UKZN 4-2.

Madibaz started the brightest of the two teams and put on some early pressure.

Kiona van Niekerk opened the scoring for the Madibaz just before the end of the first chukka when she tapped in after a scramble from a penalty.

UKZN, however, came out all guns blazing at the start of the second chukka and they were rewarded when Hqobile Shange scored a brilliant field goal from a counter attack to give her side the lead.

UKZN’s defence proved solid as they kept Madibaz out for the remainder of the second chukka and took a 2-1 lead into half time.

The second half and third chukka got off to a slow start for both sides.

The Madibaz came close on a couple of occasions but failed to convert and the game was still deadlocked at the start of the final chukka.

The Madibaz eventually broke through the UKZN defence with six minutes left.

Substitute Aimee Pohlman grabbed a field goal to give her side the lead and Simone Dolley tapped in from a penalty corner moments later to all but secure the result for the Madibaz.