It’s a close match for the Beaulieu hockey side

Beaulieu men’s A-side pulled off a miracle win against a defensively strong University of Johannesburg (UJ) side on 23 May.

The Beaulieu side is currently on a five-match winning streak after beating Wanderers 5–2. The home side Beau started the first 15 minutes with a number of goal opportunities narrowly missed. Five minutes into the first chukka saw the first penalty corner awarded to UJ. Pressure from Beaulieu defenders saw the ball go off target. One minute left and a penalty corner was awarded to Beaulieu that was also missed.

The second chukka had another penalty awarded to the visiting side four minutes in, and was saved by Beaulieu goalie Sizwe Mthembu. Both sides were unable to break the deadlock as opportunities for goals were not taken. Beaulieu was awarded another penalty corner and missed.

The third chukka was back and forth from both sides, with UJ defence not cracking, and UJ goalkeeper Culin de Jager making some amazing saves. Corners awarded to Beaulieu and UJ were both missed.

Beaulieu were given a re-award for the penalty corner three times, with De Jager keeping the defence up. The home side was awarded one more corner with a minute left which was saved again.

The last chukka showed incredible intensity from both sides. Goal opportunities for both sides were still not utilised. With one minute left in the match, Beaulieu’s Marvin Simons delivered for his side by getting the ball over goalie De Jager to the back of the box.

Coach of the UJ side, Moabi Malebye said he was proud of the individual and team performance of his side and feels the men are growing every week in what they can do. “We played the top team in the league, went toe to toe with them for 58 minutes and they got a goal in the end.

“It will be difficult to pick one player who stood out, but I would definitely say our keeper,” he told the Midrand Reporter.

Allistar Fredericks of Beaulieu said even though his team won, it was a ‘scrappy game’ as his goal scorers were not in the greatest form. He also felt that tactics in the team were fine as there was a number of opportunities created.

“From our side, it was very scrappy. I don’t think we played well enough to run away with the match like we have in previous games. UJ defended very well and broke down our attacks in certain areas,” Fredericks said.

He concluded, “UJ’s goalkeeper was really good. For Beaulieu, Marvin Simons, Sanele Mchunu and consistent performances from Reza Rosenberg and Gerald Mpopo in the field.”