South Africa: SA Hockey IPT 2023 | The final two are revealed for 2023.

The South African Hockey IPT has been nothing short of tremendous in its quality and display and both the A and B Section now have just two teams left fighting for the title as provincial champions.

A Section

SF1 – Northern Blues 2-1 South Africa U21

It always promised to be a titanic and tough battle between the young international side and the defending champions laden with quality. The opening half proved exactly that as both sides sought out the opening. It would come after the hooter at half-time as Jean-Leigh du Toit fired home a sensational flick into the corner. Kiana Cormack doubled the lead at the end of the third quarter from a penalty corner. The U21 side continued to show great fight and determination and were rewarded with late consolation goal to Kayla Swarts, but the defending champions were able to secure a spot in the final.

SF2 – Western Province 3-2 KZN Raiders

Western Province continued their quest for the evasive title with a dramatic victory over the hosts. They were up against it early as Malikah Hamza created an instinctive opportunity for herself and took it brilliantly. Province would take 25 minutes to find their reply, but it was a loud one. Kayla de Waal drove and as she lost her footing she fired home superbly and before the half-time break Tarryn Lombard smashed home a ball into the top left corner. Early in the second half Lilian du Plessis levelled matters and the game looked destined for a penalty shootout when Lombard again underlined her pedigree to pop up with a winner. And seal a spot in the final.

B Section

SF1 – WP Peninsula 2-1 KZN Mynahs

It was a cagey affair that came to life only in the final 20 minutes. Jade Southon opened the scoring for WP Peninsula having to end of by merely tapping in at the back post. Early in the final quarter Ruby Kraus levelled matters for Mynahs with an absolute rocket on the reverse stick into the top left corner. But parity did not last long as Peninsula restored a lead that they would hang on to through a good variation at the penalty corner finished by Isabella Booyens.

SF2 – Eastern Province 2-6 Border

Border had been perfect so far in the tournament and that’s an apt way to describe their semi-final victory over Eastern Province. Catelyn Ferrer opened the scoring, but EP did well to maintain for the remainder of the first half. But Bianca Wood, Jaime-Lee Marais and Caitlyn Ferrer all added. Antonent Louw and Marais again would score either side of EP’s two goals (Alucedo Dunga & Rosemary de Bruin) and seal their spot in the final.

The KZN Robins fought back from an early goal down to Mpumalanga (Scored by Zanelle Moller) and stormed back to a 3-1 lead. Kerryn Hall, Elizabeth Anderson & Varetia Pillay. Chizelle Benson pulled a late consolation goal but it’s the Robins who will play for fifth place. They will fight that position off against SACD who beat Eastern Gauteng 4-0. Lianca Rall, Annelie Young (2) & Zama Nkosi put the goals away to seal a comfortable victory.

Eastern Gauteng U21 and Northern Cape drew 1-1 with goals by Anais Muller & Shemar Chase saw the two teams share the spoils before they meet again tomorrow.

SA Hockey IPT 2023 | Results – 25 August 2023