28 June 2023
Day four of the u18 Inter-provincial Hockey Tournament in Bloemfontein was a very good one for the KZN Coastal A and B teams, but a less rewarding one for the two KZN Inland sides.
It began with a shock to the system as Eastern Province scored within the first minute against the KZN Coastal A side. “It wasn’t a great start,” admitted Coastal coach Michael Baker but, as he added: “We were in control.”
Leruo Dithlakanyane and his team were more than in control. They ran out 5-0 victors to finish top of Pool B. Thir reward on Thursday will be a semifinal showdown with Southern Gauteng, who finished runners-up to Western Province in Pool A.
The Coastal B team began Wednesday by cruising to a 3-0 lead over the KZN Inland B side, but two late goals made it 3-2 to Coastal B.
They were in action again in the final match of the day, up against Eastern Province. EP, once more, took an early lead, but the Coastal B team played an outstanding match to take charge of the contest and dominate it. In the end, they recorded an impressive 4-1 victory.
The KZN Inland A side took on Boland for a place in the semifinals, needing a win to secure their spot in the final four. Unfortunately, although they own the better of the possession and territory, their finishing was not up to scratch, and they had to settle for a 1-1 draw.
SCORES
KZN Coastal A 5-1 Eastern Province
KZN Coastal B 4-1 Eastern Province
KZN Coastal B 3-2 KZN Inland B
KZN Inland A 1-1 Boland
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