Blood, sweat and tears for hockey ladies

The NWU Vaal women hockey team’s first friendly match of the season did not go as planned as they lost by 8-0 to NWU Pukke - their older university sibling. The outcome of this match will definitely serve as motivation for the team to improve during the season.  NWU Pukke had already started their season by competing in the competitive Pretoria League, which includes other heavyweights such as Tuks and TUT.
 

NWU Vaal vs NWU Pukke women hockey team on their  first friendly match that took place at Astroturf Vaal University of Technology (VUT).

The match kicked off at 10:00, with the sun beating down on the green Astroturf at Vaal University of Technology (VUT). NWU Pukke dominated the possession early on as it sometimes looked like the ball was magnetically attached to their sticks. The blistering conditions also made it difficult for the players as the match started slowly with repeated substitutions being made by both sides to combat fatigue which was caused by the heat.
 

Anzette Kotze and Leandi Janse Van Vuuren in action during the game.

The heat eventually took its toll on NWU Vaal’s goalkeeper, as she had to be carried off after collapsing due to dehydration. NWU Pukke made the most of the situation and peppered the new goalkeeper with shots, eventually scoring three goals before the half-time break. The second half started with NWU Vaal gaining more possession as first Leana Kotze and secondly Mina van der Walt forced excellent saves from Pukke’s goalkeeper.

As the match progressed, fatigue and lack of match experience as a team contributed to NWU Vaal going down by the large score line. All-in-all, the match signaled the start of the new season for the ladies as they will be engaged in some sticky battles on the Astroturf, as they vie for success this season.
 

Published by Sipho Msolo