It goes down to the wire in big Gauteng hockey clashes
St David’s Marist Inanda showcased strong resilience to hold Parktown Boys’ High to a thrilling 2–2 draw after a closely contested clash, on Saturday, at Parktown.
They trailed by a goal when Parktown scored six minutes into the third chukka, but St David’s dug deep and found a late equaliser to deny the hosts a victory.
The visitors made a promising start, coming out of the blocks with intensity and opening the scoring after seven minutes after a length of the field counterattack.
Just 15 seconds remained in the first chukka when Parktown levelled. Backed by a lively home crowd and the school band, the home team found their rhythm.
It was 1-1 at halftime.
Then, in the third quarter, Parktown, after a scramble following a penalty corner, hit the front for the first time.
St David’s pressed hard for an equaliser and two minutes from time their never-say-die efforts paid off after they turned over possession high up the field and finished a counterattack with a spectacular tomahawk shot that gave the Parktown ‘keeper no chance.
Reflecting on the match, Parktown captain Zeyad Davids said both teams had their chances and were guilty of mistakes.
“Going up against St David’s is always a challenge. They’re passionate, and they fight for every ball,” Davids said. “The game was close throughout, but mistakes crept in on both sides and ultimately led to goals.
“Being 2–1 up until the last minutes felt great. There was pressure, but the boys handled it well. Unfortunately, one slip in midfield allowed them to score.
“Still, I’m proud of my team, both sides played well and gave it their all.”
King Edward VII School (KES) travelled to Pretoria to face Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies). In a six-goal thriller, the Red Sticks netted late to pull off a stunning comeback and Affies to a 3-3 draw.
The home side enjoyed control of the contest in the early going and they went ahead in the first chukka, but KES, playing with composure and tactical discipline, equalised in the second chukka on the counter.
Affies replied with a second goal in the third chukka to take a 2-1 lead into the last quarter of the match.
With the game on the line, the fourth chukka was about all-out action, and only two minutes in KES was on level terms. Affies, though, edged in front once more and, with time running short, it appeared as if the Red Sticks were about to go down. They kept fighting, though, and snatched a late equaliser to rescue a share of the spoils.
RESULTS
Parktown Boys’ High 2-2 St David’s Marist Inanda
Affies 3-3 KES
