The North-West University Pukke were being their normal tenacious, hard-to-break-down selves but the University of Pretoria did eventually manage to beat them 5-2 in their Varsity Hockey match at the University of Johannesburg on Sunday. To do so, Tuks had to dig deep and come back from being 2-0 down in the first quarter.

It was a tough start for Tuks as they conceded a penalty stroke in the second minute, converted by Sinoxolo Mbekeni, and their frustrations certainly overflowed as they felt they were being harshly treated by the umpires.

Pukke scored again in the 13th minute, somewhat against the run of play, as Mbekeni was strong on the ball at the top of the D and then flicked on to Louis Calitz, who first-timed a lob into the top of the goal for a tremendous second strike.

Tuks eventually broke through the feisty Pukke defence in the 20th minute as a skilful run by Grant Glutz earned a penalty stroke, which he converted.

The Pretoria students joined level with Pukke at 2-2 in the 36th minute as a defensive mix-up saw Tim Halle get the ball at the top of the circle and he married power and precision to bury the chance.

The next two goals were scored by the physically-imposing Richard Pautz. The first was by a fine reverse-sticks finish after he had been found in the D by Ashley Kemp, bursting down the right after Pukke had been robbed of possession by Dirk van der Spuy.

The second Pautz goal came in the 53rd minute after Glutz and Matthew Butler did the groundwork, sports management student Pautz once again getting into a good position in the circle.

The final Tuks goal came four minutes before the close as a short-corner variation saw the ball go back to the pusher, Kewan Harries, who slotted it home.

The victory was comfortable in the end, but the Pukke defence, led by goalkeeper Lyndan Schutte, were once again impressive, the scoreline not reflecting the struggles Tuks had to go through.

FNB Player of the Match: Grant Glutz (Tuks)

Mugg & Bean Star Saver: Lyndan Schutte (Pukke)

Samsung Super Striker: Richard Pautz (Tuks)