A sensational day of hockey saw our winners crowned in the A Section for 2024.
Women’s A Section
Northern Blues 1-0 Western Province
It was a tight battle between the defending champions and Northern Blues in the women’s final. In a typical final both teams played somewhat within themselves and the chance creation stats were limited to very few, and even less of quality.
Maikemisetso Marokoane scored an early goal for the Northern Blues. After an early goal a game can often explode or unfortunately recede within itself. The latter was the case today as the two teams were cagey and at times guilty of picking the wrong pass onto many occasions.
As such no further goals were added and it was a victory for the Northern Blues. Tegan Fourie, the team’s co-captain shared her delight after the game:
“We feel incredible, we put in a massive shift not just today and throughout the week. Credit to Western Province who kept us on our toes throughout that game. I am so proud of the team and I’m looking forward to the celebration.”
The bronze medal game saw Southern Gauteng seal the final medal with the final strike of the game. Shanna Medonca got her second and the hooter went after the second struck the backboard to make it 2-1 over the SA Under 21.
Women’s A Section Final Standings
- Northern Blues
- Western Province
- Southern Gauteng
- SA Under 21
- North West
- KZN Raiders
- Free State
- SG Witsies
Individual Awards:
Top Goal Scorer: Hanrie Louw (Northern Blues) & Margerite van Wyk (Northern Blues)
Goalkeeper of the tournament: Marlise van Tonder (Western Province)
Player of the Tournament: Edith Molikoe (Northern Blues)
Men’s A Section
It was an incredible battle between Southern Gauteng and SA Under 21. It was a tense game as neither side was able to find the precision needed in front of goal while both defenses were dialed in superbly.
In the final quarter Southerns were gifted an opportunity to take the lead. The defender moved into the space in an overhead and a penalty stroke was awarded. JP Britz stood up and made no mistake opening the scoring.
With the last minutes ticking past Southerns returned the gift awarded a penalty stroke to the National Juniors. Jaydon Brooker made no mistake and sent the game to a shootout.
In the shootout after conceding the first attempt Daniel Dillon was superb for SA, saving the following four and sealing a famous 2-1 win for the South Africa U21 side. SA Under 21 captain Daniel Neuhoff was jubilant after the game:
“It’s such a privilege to be out here with the boys. All credit to the Southerns boys for that incredible game. When we went to shootouts, I backed whichever keeper was up because we know the quality that we have.”
The Bronze Medal went to Western Province in a thrilling 3-2 win over Northern Daisies while Eastern Province avoided relegation with victory over SG Witsies
Men’s A Section Final Standings
- South Africa U21
- Southern Gauteng
- Western Province
- Northern Blues
- WP Peninsula
- KZN Raiders
- Eastern Province
- SG Witsies
Individual Awards:
Top Goal Scorer: Brad Sherwood (Northern Blues)
Goalkeeper of the tournament: Cullin de Jager (Southern Gauteng)
Player of the Tournament: Jaydon Brooker (SA Under 21)
