The second day of action at the Varsity Hockey tournament saw Tuks and NWU play to a 4-4 draw at full time, but because the tournament rules stipulate that there has to be a winner, both teams were involved in a shootout which Tuks won 3-2.

The first quarter of the game was a tightly contested one, with very little between the two teams. Tuks looked to take the long and narrow approach to the game, whilst NWU preferred to counter attack. This saw both teams struggle to score and create threatening opportunities, with both keepers only having to make one save apiece by the time the teams went into the second quarter deadlocked at 0-0.

The second quarter was much of the same, but Tuks did eventually manage to break the deadlock, through great field goal courtesy of Tim Halle, who gathered in the circle and neatly tucked the ball away to give the men from Pretoria a slender 2-0 lead at the break.

The third quarter saw the game open up slightly, with both teams showing more intention to score but it was Tuks who managed to add to their lead, when yesterday’s Samsung Super Striker Michael Forest brushed off a few NWU defenders to beat goalie Andrew Oosthuizen and make it 4-0. That’s how things eventually ended at the end of the quarter, with Tuks now enjoying a healthier lead.

The last quarter then saw Tuks look like they were well on course to record another comfortable victory. NWU on the other hand, had other ideas when they left it late with Killian Ludick and Mitesh Makan scoring two quick field goals to level matters with 3 minutes to go. The hooter did eventually sound with both sides having to settle for a 4-4 stalemate.

A shootout followed to find a winner between the two great sides and it was Tuks who proved more clinical in the end as they came out 3-2 winners, only missing one of their attempts.

Scores
Tuks: 4 (3)
Goals: Tim Halle, Michael Forest

NWU: 4 (2)
Goals: Killian Ludick, Mitesh Makan

FNB Player of the Match: Ashley Kemp (Tuks)
Mugg & Bean Star Player: Hendrik Kriek (Tuks)
Samsung Super Striker: Michael Forest (Tuks)

Teams
Tuks: 1. Henrik Kriek, 3. Letuka Onke, 4. Currie Mitchell, 5. Jared Cass, 6. James Redfern, 7. Sam Mvimbi, 8. Peabo Lembethe (C), 9. Steven Paulo, 10. Michael Forest, 11. Ashley Kemp, 13. Matthew Butler, 15. Bradley Sherwood
Subs: 16. Nicholas Pio, 19. Matthew Davies, 20. Christian Kriek, 21. Tim Halle, 22. Mark Chong, 23. Sizwe Mthembu

NWU: 3. Lochner Van der schyff, 4. Wayne Jeffery, 5. Leonard Du Plessis, 6. Anru Kock, 7. Gertjie Lamprecht, 9. Killian Ludick, 10. Sinoxolo Mbekeni, Franscois Cilliers, 12. Damian Tamine, 13. Franscois Joubert, 14. Mitesh Makan,
Subs: 17. Damian Kyle Kenny, 18. Pierre Botma, 21. Siyabonga Mabo, 20. Naude Stean, 23. Tait Clayton, 1. Andrew Oosthuizen, 22. Mthokozo Mbotho

By Sifiso Nyawo