With just two days left in the 2024 IPT B Section, the competition is intensifying as teams battle for top spots ahead of the final pool stage action in the Men’s tournament and the last two rounds of the Women’s. The list of potential winners is narrowing, but the race is still wide open with several contenders still in the mix.
Women’s B Section
After their shocking defeat to Eastern Province, KZN Mynahs faced a must-win situation against the Northern Daisies to keep their title hopes alive. However, the Daisies had other plans. Legae Mentoor kicked off the scoring in the 13th minute, with goals from Elne Lourens, Elizabeth Porter, and Arista van Zyl extending their lead to 4-0. Megan Coreejes managed to pull one back for the Mynahs, but the result reignited the Daisies’ title chase while ending the Mynahs’ campaign.
Eastern Province, riding high after their upset win over the Mynahs, continued their dominant form against Eastern Gauteng. Elan van Vught scored early and sealed the deal with another goal in the last quarter. Alucedo Dunga, Asithandile Nama, and Gemma Bower also found the back of the net, securing a 5-1 victory. Eastern Gauteng’s lone goal from Theron Mialette served only as a consolation.
WP Peninsula solidified their position at the top of the table with their fourth consecutive win. Early goals from Isabella Booyens and Jesse Gradwell put them ahead, though SACD’s Lisa February pulled one back, heightening the tension. However, Lane Barnard’s late goal sealed the game for WP Pens, ensuring their hold on first place with two days left to play.
Women’s B Section – Fixtures – 13 September 2024
08:30 – WP Peninsula vs. KZN Mynahs
11:50 – Eastern Province vs. SACD
15:10 – Mpumalanga vs. Northern Daisies
Men’s B Section
Free State held onto their top spot with a narrow but vital 1-0 victory over Southern Gauteng Nuggets. A well-executed penalty corner from Matthias Visser in the 39th minute was all that separated the two sides, securing Free State’s lead. However, they know their biggest test is yet to come, as they face SACD in a final pool game that could determine their place in the championship match.
SACD remained in the title race after a solid 3-0 win over Northern Daisies, thanks to goals from Tristan Loock, Vaughn van Reenen, and Robbie Corker. Sitting just one point behind Free State, they are well aware that a win in their upcoming match is crucial, especially with KZN Mynahs lurking in third place.
The Mynahs kept their hopes alive with a dominant 6-0 win over Northern Cape. Kade Burns scored twice, while Christian Lambert, Grant Prins, Linda Mthiyane, and Cameron Hallowes added their names to the scoresheet. With 7 points and a strong goal difference, the Mynahs will be looking to pounce on any slip-ups from the teams ahead of them when they face SG Nuggets on Friday.
Men’s B Section – Fixtures – 13 September 2024
10:10 – Northern Daisies vs. Northern Cape
13:30 – KZN Mynahs vs. SG Nuggets
16:50 – SACD vs. Free State
With every game taking on added significance, the coming days will determine which teams rise to the occasion and claim their place in the IPT B Section Finals. Stay tuned for more thrilling action!
