The hopes of the TukswomenHockey team to defend the Varsity-title came to an abrupt end last night in Potchefstroom when Maties beat them 7-5 in the semi-final.
The Tuks players deserve credit for the heroic fightback they staged during the second half. With the score being 6-0 at halftime it seemed to all over for the Tuks team. Somehow Inky Zondi (Tuks head coach) managed to find the right words to inspire his "troops" during the break. It was a rejuvenated Tuks team that took to the field to play the last 30 minutes.
Natalie Esteves scored Tuks's first goal in the third quarter from a penalty corner. Unfortunately, Maties scored soon afterwards to lead 7-1. From then on Tuks started to dominate which led to them scoring two goals in the first five minutes of the fourth quarter to take the score to 7-5. Onthatile Zulu and Ashleigh Thomas were the goal scorers.
Tuks probably lost the game in the first five minutes. Maties scored their first goal in the second minute of the game. Then in a brilliant tactical move Maties decided to take their "Powerplay" two minutes later when a Tuks player was yellow carded to make the score 4-0. About ten minutes later Maties scored again to lead 6-0.
It was as if Tuks was shellshocked by the Maties 'blitzkrieg'. It led to them making far too many unforced errors, being too individualistic on the attack and too quickly conceding ball retention. Maties seemingly were doing everything that little bit quicker which gave them an edge all the time.
Marizen Marais and Natalie Esteves are undoubtedly the two players that led from the front through the whole Tuks Varsity Campaign.
Onthatile Zulu also impressed with the way she is always in the thick of things. It led to her getting the player of the match award on Sunday in the game against Wits and last night she received the "connector award".
Pukke managed to beat Kovsies in the dying minutes to ensure they get to play Maties next Monday in Stellenbosch in the Varsity-final.
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