South Africa: Southerns Secure Semi-Final Spot as Pressure Mounts at U21 Hockey IPT

The intensity climbed another level at the SA Hockey U21 IPT and, with semi-final places up for grabs, some teams rose to the moment while others face must-win clashes after results on Day 2 at Cornwall Hill College in Centurion, Gauteng, on Wednesday, 30 April, 2025.

Southern Gauteng booked their place in the semis in dominant fashion with a 6-1 victory over Mpumalanga, Hannah Quinton scoring twice and joined by Emily Weaver, Hannah Smyth, Unathi Magudulela, and Sabeehah Mia to make sure of the result.

Jean-Mare van der Merwe netted a consolation goal for Mpumalanga.

North West and KZN Raiders played to a thrilling 1-all draw between two sides in the semi-final mix, Ane Janse van Vuuren gave the defending champs the lead, but Georgia Swart equalised soon after to set a deadlock which held in the high-stakes, hard-fought contest.

In Pool B, Amy Kotze and Solange Jacobs delivered the goods for a crucial 2 -nil win for Free State against Eastern Province to stay in the semi-final hunt.

Arista van Zyl opened for the hosts Northern Blues who beat Western Province 3-2 in one of the best matches of the day. Lane Barnard responded for WP before Anja Tromp and Elizabeth Porter pushed the Blues clear in the final quarter. A late goal by Ruby Kraus made it a tense finish, but their win puts the Blues in pole position for a semi-final spot.

With semi-final places within reach and every result shaping the knockout path, Day 3 promises high drama with the 13:00 match between Southern Gauteng and North West for the top of Pool A stakes in what could be a potential preview of the final.

Results on Day 2 of the South African Hockey Under 21 Inter-Provincial Tournament on Wednesday, 30 April 2025

Pool A

Southern Gauteng 6-1 Mpumalanga
North West 1-1 KZN Raiders

Pool B

Free State 2-0 Eastern Province
Northern Blues 3-2 Western Province

Day 1 Results on Tuesday, 29 April 2025

Pool A

North West 8-0 Mpumalanga
Southern Gauteng 2-1 KZN Raiders

Pool B

Western Province 5-0 Free State
Northern Blues 5-1 Eastern Province


Main Photo Caption: Ngomusa Zweni in goals for Eastern Province, who fell 2-nil to Free State for the Bloemfontein team to remain in contention for a semi-final berth in Pool B lead by the Northern Blues, at the SA Hockey Under 21 IPT at Cornwall Hill College in Centurion, Gauteng, on Wednesday, 30 April, 2025. All Photos: Silver Edge Photography

Photo 2 Caption: Tine Jenkins prepares to play from the sideline in Mpumalanga’s 6-1 loss to Southern Gauteng, who booked a semis berth at the top of Pool A with two big wins.

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