ANTHONY JORDAAN
Following back to back play-offs and qualifiers in Stellenbosch and Potchefstroom earlier this month, the 2017 Varsity Hockey tournament concluded at TuksHockey’s Astro turf in Pretoria on Monday evening 22 May.
Even though it was a chilly evening, fans flocked to the stadium in support of the log leaders and home side Tuks, as they went on to claim their first ever Varsity Hockey title, defeating the University of Stellenbosch (Maties) 1-0.
The final game of the season saw the two teams topping the log go head to head, to produce end to end action from the offset.Tuks took advantage of early momentum and roaring home side support, however it was Maties who had two penalty corners in quick succession in the 14th minute of the game, and who produced one last attempt with a deflected shot just before the end of the first Chukka of the game.
Coming into the second Chukka, Tuks produced an immediate response just 10 seconds after the restart where a back-stick effort on goal by Anél Luus went just wide. Following more pressing but ultimately failed efforts by the home side, the match’s frantic pace eased into a steady rhythm just on the half time siren, with both teams maintaining clean sheets.
With the teams replenished at the return of play, it was Tuks who took advantage and quickly regained control as a dizzying run and exceptional piece of skill from Danielle Kerdachi in the 37th minute almost resulted in an opening goal.
However, the home side wouldn’t have to wait much longer as Tuks number 11, Catherine Morris, shot the ball into the roof of the net for the first and only goal of the match in the 43rd minute off a penalty corner. Heading into the final Chukka of the match Tuks appeared to look content to play the match at a far slower pace, slowing down play whenever they could as Maties had the majority of the possession and pressed for an equaliser.
It was a stubborn Tuks defence that would secure victory and deny the Stellenbosch outfit their second Varsity Hockey. Following the trophy proceedings and celebrations, Perdeby spoke to Head of Programme and Head Coach for Women’s Hockey at UP, Mr Inky Zondi, who described his team’s success as a fantastic feeling and one that he couldn’t put into words. Mr Zondi further stated that he believed the success of the season came down to his team’s ability to defend for long periods of time in the group phases, and that it was the defensive work ethic of the team that provided the platform from which the team were able to effectively propel themselves in attack. Tuks became the third University to claim victory in the now five-year-old tournament, and were able to put an end to UJ’s three-year dominance.
The latest triumph in the Varsity Hockey tournament will add to what continues to be an exceptional Varsity sporting year for the University of Pretoria,with victories now in the form of the Varsity Athletics, Varsity Cup and Varsity Hockey tournaments.
Photo: Stefan Stander
