St Mary’s Waverley and Hoërskool Waterkloof won their semi-finals on Thursday at St Mary’s to set up a showdown for the Pullen title in the Pullen and Howell Hockey Tournament on Saturday.
St Mary’s recorded a dominant 2-0 win over Hoërskool Noordheuwel in the first semi-final, and Waterkloof edged out Helpmekaar Kollege in a 1-0 thriller.
In the first game, St Mary’s seized the initiative from the push-back, dominating much of the first half’s territory and possession.
Their persistent pressure won them a handful of short corners early in the game, and they successfully executed one of those to breach the Noordheuwel defence for the opener.
That spurred the home side to hunt for a second, but Nories‘ defence held firm.
When they were able to attack, Noordheuwel had to deal with a well-organised St Mary’s defence, which limited their shots on goal.
Still, it took until four minutes from time for the contest to be settled, with St Mary’s emphatically striking from a short corner again to double their lead.
Waterkloof and Helpmekaar took to the field shortly after the contest between St Mary’s and Noordheuwel ended, and Klofies gained the upper hand early in the contest, troubling the Helpmekaar defence with industrious runs into Helpies‘ final third.
They were rewarded with a goal eight minutes before halftime.
After going behind, Helpmekaar showed character and resolve, battling hard in the midfield as they tried to shift the pressure onto Waterkloof.
Helpies started the second half strongly, but Waterkloof’s defence held firm to deny Helpmekaar clear-cut opportunities on goal. Then, they took control of possession, which created chances that forced the Helpies’ keeper into a string of fine saves, which kept her side in the contest.
Waterkloof could have put the result beyond dispute with three minutes left on the clock, but Helpmekaar’s defence repelled the attack.
They had a last chance to equalise from a penalty corner in the final seconds of the match, but Waterkloof’s defence had the final say.
Results
Semi-final
St Mary’s 2-0 Noordheuwel
Waterkloof 1-0 Helpmekaar
5th to 8th place playoffs
Affies 3-0 Monument
Steyn City 3-1 St Andrew’s School for Girls
