Intense Battles Unfold on Day 2 of 2024 SA Hockey IPT at St. Stithians
The second day of the 2024 South African Hockey Interprovincial Tournament (IPT) at St. Stithians College saw teams battling for position, with some rising up the rankings while others face mounting pressure. As the competition heats up, every match counts in this fiercely contested tournament.
Women’s B Section: Western Province Peninsula Start Strong
Western Province Peninsula made their tournament debut after sitting out the opening day, facing a Northern Daisies side fresh off a victory. In a closely contested match, Peninsula broke through in the second quarter with two quick goals from Isabella Booyens in the 22nd and 25th minutes, securing a 2-0 win.
The KZN Mynahs kept their perfect record intact with a hard-fought win over Mpumalanga. South Africa U18 star Emily Macquet scored a decisive goal in the final quarter, giving the Mynahs a 1-0 victory and keeping their hopes alive for a return to the A Section.
Meanwhile, SA Country Districts (SACD) rebounded from their opening day draw to claim a dominant 4-0 win against Eastern Gauteng. Tanya van Bosch opened the scoring in the first quarter, followed by two third-quarter goals from Jayde Viljoen and Ntokozo Dube. A late strike from Adelaide Sidell sealed the comprehensive win, leaving Eastern Gauteng still in search of their first victory.
The Women’s B Section continues with a packed schedule on Wednesday, featuring six matches. With no play-offs, every game is crucial in the race for the title.
Women’s B Section Fixtures – 11 September
- 08:30 – Mpumalanga vs. Eastern Gauteng
- 10:10 – WP Peninsula vs. Eastern Province
- 11:50 – KZN Mynahs vs. SACD
- 14:00 – WP Peninsula vs. Mpumalanga
- 15:40 – Eastern Province vs. KZN Mynahs
- 17:20 – Eastern Gauteng vs. Northern Daisies
Men’s B Section: Competitive Race Tightens
After just two days of play, no team in the Men’s B Section has managed a perfect record, keeping the competition wide open.
SG Nuggets kicked off their campaign with an emphatic 7-2 win over Northern Cape. Adams Mesach was the standout performer, netting a hat-trick. Mbulelo Ncube, Jordan Gongo, Kago Phetlhu, and Nashaan Matroos also added their names to the scoresheet. Northern Cape’s two goals from Hayden Grey and Thomas Waddell were mere consolation in the one-sided affair.
SACD, who impressed on Day 1, faced KZN Mynahs in what turned out to be a tight contest. Cameron Hallowes struck twice for the Mynahs, securing a 2-0 win and putting his team back on track after dropping points the previous day.
Free State appeared to be cruising to victory with a 2-0 halftime lead over Northern Daisies, thanks to an Abraham Delport brace. However, the Daisies staged a late comeback, with David Baxter scoring to pull one back before Liam Elkington equalized with just two minutes remaining, ending the match 2-2.
With the top five teams separated by only two points, Wednesday’s matches will be pivotal in determining who gains an edge in this highly competitive division.
Men’s B Section Fixtures – 11 September
- 08:30 – SG Nuggets vs. Northern Daisies
- 10:10 – SACD vs. Northern Cape
- 11:50 – KZN Mynahs vs. Free State
