Jeppe claims much-needed come-back win, Parktown and KES draw
It was cold on the Boden AstroTurf at Jeppe High School for Boys on Saturday morning, but the home team’s performance warmed up the hearts of their supporters as they claimed a victory over the visitors from KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Boys’ High.
It was goalless after the opening chukka, and the intensity ramped up in the second chukka. Eventually, the hosts made a breakthrough, with Ezray Stadt netting, to take a one-goal lead into the half-time break.
With eight minutes remaining in the third chukka, they doubled their advantage, thanks to a Ben Benjamin strike, but Westville, unbowed, came storming back, reducing the deficit to one goal shortly after that, with Bo Mokoena scoring a cracker.
Jeppe, though, were not to be denied and they responded with a third goal, this time from the stick of Tumiso Kameel, to secure a hard-fought 3-1 win.
The contest was Jeppe’s first since a shocking 1-4 loss to St David’s Marist Inanda. Afterwards, the Zebras‘ relieved coach Siya Sityana praised his side’s effort.
“Overall, the game was an exciting contest,” he said. “My boys were a well-organised and well-structured team.
“We bounced back nicely with our mental state after losing so many games. Also, we cannot downplay the positivity that comes with playing at home, with having such support.
“All in all, the boys fought a good fight. That’s all I can say.
“I’m looking forward to our next game, next weekend against Affies.”
Meanwhile, the hosts’ Parktown Boys High School and King Edward VII (KES) played to a draw.
In an entertaining tie, KES took the lead in the first chukka, but Parktown levelled just before the break. When KES made a breakthrough again, Parktown quickly responded, and the match ended in a 2-2 draw.
KES coach Sharmin Naidoo commented: “The result is a draw, and I think it is a true reflection of the game. It was a very good match between two good teams.”
