Victoria Park reign supreme on derby day with Alex

THE Victoria Park soccer teams made a clean sweep against Alexander Road in their derby day at the weekend.

In two hard-fought matches, the U14 and U15 teams won 4-0 and 2-1 respectively.

The second team emerged with a 4-1 win after a game in which VP clearly dominated.

The first-team game was the highlight of the morning. Alex scored an early goal and held on to their lead going into half time. Despite some fine play and several chances, VP were not able to score.

After the break, VP again threatened but were still 1-0 down with 17 minutes left. Then striker Yonela Mkele capitalised on a defensive error to level the score.

When a draw seemed certain, Mkele again found his way through to make the score 2-1.

In the game’s dying moments and in front of an ecstatic crowd of VP supporters, Aseza Mtati scored a brilliant goal to secure VP a 3-1 victor y.

Rugby

THE first-team rugby match was a highly anticipated clash that coincided with VP’s reunion weekend.

VP made a slow start as Alex had them under pressure for most of the first half which was spent desperately defending their tryline.

Alex converted the pressure into points by kicking a penalty to go 3-0 up. However, VP replied with a penalty by Sesona Macala before a defensive blunder by VP towards the end of the first half allowed Alex to score an unconverted try to lead 8-3.

After half time, Alex managed to score another uncon- verted try to increase their lead to 13-3.

VP replied with a spectacular unconverted try by Nkcubeko Kwayini (13-8).

After the kick-off, VP managed to work themselves upfield again and Macala brushed off three tackles and sprinted 30m to score under the poles. He dusted himself off to convert the try, giving VP a 15-13 lead.

VP defended well and held on to record their first win over Alex in 16 years.

Girls’ hockey

THE VP first team delighted their supporters at the NMMU astro with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Alexander Road. It was not an easy win and the sides were well matched.

VP took the lead through Michelle Stockwell after 15 minutes. In the second half, VP captain Nicky Veto put them 2-0 ahead with a superb field goal.

Alex closed the gap to 2-1 through a shot by Michaela Le Vatte, but VP held on for the win.

Boys’ hockey

VP came away with an exciting 3-2 victory over Alex in a fiercely contested match.

After a nail-biting affair, VP scored the winning goal in the last minute of the game.