The Madikwe Rangers had the best chance early in the game when Nomnikelo Veto broke through the defence of the table topping Wineland Wings to have a one-on-one chance with Sandisiwe Tabata, in for Zimi Shange. However superb pressure from Dunell van Taak put Veto off her stride and the chance went astray.

The Wings created their own good chance, but nobody was able to convert after good by-line work from Tarryn Glasby. The Rangers then created another half chance but in truth both teams were defending impressively and the midfield battle between Kristen Paton and Jess Lardant was one of the finest CTM Premier Hockey League battles ever seen at Randburg.

The Rangers did however think they had taken the lead through Veto when she bundled home the ball after a goal mouth melee. The Wings though referred the decision and ultimately were proven correct as the ball had edged off Toni Marks shoe.

If there was doubt in that decision, there was no doubt a few minutes later when Veto fired in what could be the goal of the tournament to give the Rangers a lead. Picking up the ball on the right she moved into the D before firing home a superb tomahawk strike.

The goal opened the game up and the Wings looked to surge back into contention with Jade Mayne regularly pulling the strings in midfield. The pressure would eventually tell as Jessica Lardant got the goal her performance deserved.

That was the last big chance of the game and the 2019 title would be decided on a shootout. The Rangers scored their opening two, while the Wings missed theirs before a turnaround and three saves gave Stephanie Botha the chance to win the Wings the titles. Although she did eventually score it was well after the 8 second limit and it meant that we headed to sudden death. The order reversed and when Tarryn Glasby missed it gave Lise-Marie Deetlefs the opportunity to end the pain of two previous final defeats. She didn’t need to be offered twice as she fired home an unstoppable shot that sealed the match and a maiden CTM Premier Hockey League title for the Rangers.

The Drakensberg Dragons were also in their third final but unlike the Rangers had tasted victory before. The Mambas, who had topped the table were competing in their first final. Although a highly competitive final was expected, in truth it was a largely one-sided final.

The Dragons were tasked with keeping the attacking trio of Dollman, Kok and Cassiem quiet and they did that with spectacular effect. The best form of attack is defence and from the start that’s exactly what the Dragons did from the start. Creating at least 3 early chances before Miguel da Graca, who’s team has made the final in every Premier Hockey League. Da Graca found himself with a little space and punished the Mambas.

The Mambas would have been pleased to get to the half time break only 1 goal down as they had very little attacking opportunities in the opening half hour. After a big chat with his team at half time Lungile Tsolekile would have wanted the boys to come out fighting but they found themselves 3-0 down in just four minutes.

Bili Ntuli got another PHL final goal to his growing collection of big game goals. Richard Pautz produced a moment of magic to put the ball through his legs and find a fine run by Ntuli who chipped it over Mckinley. Pautz turned goal scorer two minutes later collection a ball by Bothma and finishing on the stretch. Pautz goal was the 100^th goal of the men’s tournament in this year’s CTM Premier Hockey League.

Ntuli then made it a record final score when Pierre Bothma ran up the wing and fired in a cross for Bili Ntuli to score another final goal and the final goal of this year’s CTM Premier Hockey League final. The Dragons becoming just the second team to defend a PHL trophy.

Earlier in the day the Orange River Rafters secured a bronze medal when they beat the Daisies 4-1 thanks to Zimkhita Weston, Donna Small, Dirkie Chamberlain and Ongi Mali. Bianca Wood scored the only goal for the Daisies, her fifth of the tournament and making her the outright all-time highest goal scorer for the Daisies.

The Garden Route Gazelles were the men’s bronze medal winners with a 3-2 win. After leading 2-0 through Brandon James and Keenan Horne, the Gazelles saw Dayaan Cassiem and Keegan Hezlett erase that lead. Reece Arendse then netted the winner and a second bronze medal for the Gazelles.

CTM Premier Hockey League – Results – 04 August 2019

Women’s Bronze – Orange River Rafters 4-1 Namaqualand Daisies
Men’s Bronze – Maropeng Cavemen 2-3 Garden RouteGazelles
Women’s Final – Madikwe Rangers (3) 1-1 (2) Wineland Wings
Men’s Final – Drakensberg Dragons 4-0 Mapungubwe Mambas

CTM Premier Hockey League – Final Standings

Women
1. Madikwe Rangers
2. Wineland Wings
3. Orange River Rafters
4. Namaqualand Daisies
5. Blyde River Bunters
6. St. Lucia Lakers

Men
1. Drakensberg Dragons
2. Mapungubwe Mambas
3. Garden Route Gazelles
4. Maropeng Cavemen
5. Addo Elephants
6. Golden Gate Gladiators

CTM Premier Hockey League – Individual Awards

Player of the tournament
(M) – Bili Ntuli (Dragons)
(W) – Lisa-Marie Deetlefs (Rangers)

Top Goal scorer
(M) – Keegan Hezlett (Cavemen)
(W) – Sylvia van Jaarsveldt (Wings)

Young Player of the tournament
(M) – Dayaan Cassiem (Mambas)
(W) – Bianca Wood (Daisies)

Goalkeeper of the tournament
(M) – Rob Mckinley (Mambas)
(W) – Mmatshepo Modipane (Rangers)

Photos by- Marcel Sigg

The Garden Route Gazelles come out firing with an early first quarter goal. Gareth Heyns standing on post was unable to deny Connor Beauchamp’s low drag flick and it was 1-0. The Elephants showed their own fighting spirit and brought matters level through skipper Reza Rosenberg. The South African dual indoor and outdoor national finished with a very reactive strike to restore parity.

But Ashlin Freddy’s side re-established the lead when Matthew Martins made a good penalty corner save but Keenan Horne was on hand to slap in the rebound. It was very soon 3-1 as Taine Paton showed superb aerial skills before a blistering strike gave Martins no chance. If Paton’s goal was good, then Reece Arendse’s finish was great. Picking up the ball in the D, Arendse pushed it across to create the space and fired it home.

The Elephants brought themselves back into the game with a penalty corner strike by Gareth Heyns before the superb youngster Marvin Simons rounded Martins and made it 5-2 which would ultimately be the final score and a confirmed place in the semi-final for the Garden Route Gazelles, while the Elephants would miss the final four for the first time in PHL history.

The others men’s game today was to decide the top team in the group stages and the Mapungubwe Mambas continued their fine form to run home with a 4-1 win over the Drakensberg Dragons. Neil Raath opened the scoring with a low drive into the bottom corner and Dylan Swanepoel levelled with a great drag flick for the Dragons.

With 8 minutes left the Mambas broke the deadlock with some quick passing and quick thinking for Mustapha Cassiem to make it 2-1. They quickly made it 3-1 when a Ryan Julius was saved but Ross Goncalves reacted quickly to fire home. There was still time for a bonus point as the Mambas finished the group stages with a perfect record. Calab Syce finished from an Owen Mvimbi cross into an empty net. 4-1 the final score.

In the Women’s tournament only the Wineland Wings were assured of the semi-final spot but were quickly joined there by the Orange River Rafters when the Blyde River Bunters beat the St. Lucia Lakers. The 2-1 win inspired by Celia Evans again and gave themselves a hold of fourth spot for the time being.

Former Wing’s player Stephanie Baxter had opened the scoring for the Lakers to put the Bunters on the verge of elimination but Celia Evans first and later Miecke Flemming turned the game on its head and confirmed a 2-1 win that eliminated the Lakers.

The Madikwe Rangers were then able to add their name to the semi-final list as Kristen Paton inspired the team to a victory to deny the Wineland Wings a perfect group stage. The seven-goal thriller was arguably the game of the weekend as both teams held the lead at different points and a last-minute winner decided the game.

The Rangers opened the scoring with a superb top right corner drag flick by Antoinette Louw, but early in the second quarter Jade Mayne forced the equaliser through a superb run. Mayne’s goal was the 200^th in the CTM Premier Hockey League history. The Wings then completed an early comeback as Sylvia van Jaarsveldt celebrated her recall to the national team by catching Lisa Deetlefs in possession and finishing past Modipane.

Lisa quickly atoned for that error though as she went up the other end and finished off a penalty corner won by Toni Marks with a trademark slap. Deetlefs then finished her second with a slap into the opposite corner to make it 3-2 to the Rangers. The Wings then had a sensational save by Zimi Shange to thank for keeping it to one goal and rewarded her with a levelling goal through Stephanie Botha, the 50^th women’s goal in this year’s PHL.

Zimi Shange then made another sensational save to keep the scores level but she could not deny Tamlyn Kock after more Paton good work and the Rangers had sealed their spot in the final four.

The last place in next weekends finals was decided in the final game of the group stage. After going into the break at 0-0 the Namaqualand Daisies were in dreamland as they took a 1-0 lead against the Rafters through an Ashleigh Thomas penalty corner.

It got even better for the Daisies when they took a 2-0 lead through Jean-Leigh du Toit with a bullet strike but the gave was given a breath of life when Charne Maddocks finished a goal mouth scramble with just 3 minutes remaining. The Rafters poured forward looking for an equaliser and pulled Cheree Greyvenstein off, but the gamble backfired as they conceded a last-minute penalty corner and Jean-Leigh du Toit made it 3-1 expertly. The Daisies had made the semi-finals and confirmed that for the first time in four seasons the Blyde River Bunters would not medal!

CTM Premier Hockey League – 28 July Results

08:00 – (W) – Blyde River Bunters 2-1 St. Lucia Lakers
10:00 – (W) – Madikwe Rangers 4-3 Wineland Wings
12:00 – (M) – Addo Elephants 2-5 Garden Route Gazelles
14:00 – (M) – Mapungubwe Mambas 1-4 Drakensberg Dragons
16:00 – (W) – Orange River Rafters 1-3 Namaqualand Daisies

Photos by- Marcel Sigg

Picture 1 – Bjorn Sorenson (Addo Elephants) and Keenan Horne (Garden Route Gazelles) race for the ball at the CTM Premier Hockey League

Picture 2 – Robin Jones (Mapungubwe Mambas) and Miguel da Graca (Drakensberg Dragons) fight for the ball during the CTM Premier Hockey League encounter at Randburg Astro

The final day of the opening weekend began with the untelevised game between the SA U21 side playing under the guise of the Golden Gate Gladiators taking on the Garden Route Gazelles. Unfortunately for the youngsters it was another defeat that left them on the verge of elimination from the 2019 CTM Premier Hockey League.

It was an incredible whirlwind start to the game after frost had caused a delay to the proceedings. The action didn’t take as long as the pitch to warm up and within five minutes we had four goals. The Gazelles first struck through Hans Neethling before Sihle Ngubane doubled the lead with a fine deflection from a Jonty Robinson pass. Before we had time to blink it was 2-1, Sam Mvimbi who recently earned his first cap for South Africa, pulled one back for the Gladiators.

Lance Louw got his first for the Gazelles in the fifth minute from a variation penalty corner to make it 3-1 and a superb flick from Connor Beauchamp made it 4-1 by the end of the first quarter. The remaining three quarters saw the Gazelles solidify the bonus point with goals in each period through Berne Burger, Marvin Simons and Connor Beauchamp with the final goal. 7-1 the final score.

The Mapungubwe Mambas sealed top spot in the weekend with their own bonus point victory over the Addo Elephants despite trailing to an early Chad Futcher deflection. The Mambas then produced a near perfect performance from there on out and pulled level through Wade Dollman finishing off after a wonderful Tevin Kok delivery. It got better before half time as Matt Brown pulled off a trademark finish into the top right corner.

Mustapha Cassiem showed his opportunistic ability to make it 3-1 with a good tomahawk finish. The best was yet to come as the sensational trio of Kok, Dollman and Cassiem combined for arguably the best team goal of the tournament. A quick-thinking Mambas move fell to Cassiem who presented with the opportunity squared it for a diving Dollman to put it into the empty net. It was the men’s 300^th Premier Hockey League goal. They added another milestone right at the end when Kok deflected home the 50^th goal of the current year’s competition to send the Mambas to the top.

Over the past couple of days, the opening quarter had been a tentative one as the teams tried to get into the swing of the action. Today that was not the case and the Orange River Rafters, and the St. Lucia Lakers came out swinging. Sulette Damons gave the Rafters an early lead after being given acres of space after a penalty corner, before a determined run by Erin Hunter led to Refilwe Ralikontsane levelling from a Lilian du Plessis shot. Zimkitha Weston then made it 2-1 to the 2017 Champions bundling home a variation PC. The Rafters then had a golden opportunity to make it 3-1 but Simone Gouws wasted the one-on-one opportunity.

The Lakers showed their class in the third quarter as they turned a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 lead. Quanita Bobbs showed incredible reactionary skills to deflect a rebound back over Greyvenstein and Lilian du Plessis made it 3-2 with a spectacular solo goal and finish from the most acute of angles.

Sulette Damons however had other ideas and ensured the game would go to a shootout to decide the destination of the three points with a replica of the game’s opening goal. After the high of pulling level the Rafters will be disappointed that they were unable to convert any of their shootout efforts and ultimately had to only accept 1 point on the log.

The Namaqualand Daisies next took on the Wineland Wings with both teams on a high from their victories on the previous day. The Wings had an early opportunity after a sensational run by Jess Lardant, but a superb goal line clearance denied a tap in for the table toppers.

The Daisies then produced their best chance of the half with Bianca Woods denied by Magazwa. Sylvia van Jaarsveldt broke the deadlock with a sensational strike. It was van Jaarsveldts 10^th PHL goal in history. The Wings looked more and more like they were going to extend their lead, but Stephanie Botha went off her feet and took Segoale out leading to a penalty stroke. Sare Loubscher just about finished it although Magazwa got the glove to it. The game would go to a shootout. The Wings, having shaken their curse scored all four of their shootouts with Jess Lardant finishing the last one to seal a full house of points from the opening four days.

The Maropeng Cavemen and Drakensberg Dragons are the only two teams to have lifted the PHL trophy and they met in the opening weekends final game. The Dragons were on an 8-game winning streak extending back to the opening game of the 2018 competition and were the strong favourites.

In a dominating opening half the Dragons will be disappointed with only leading 1-0 through Chad Caincross with a penalty corner. Lots of chances were wasted to the frustration of Sihle Ntuli. The Cavemen managed to restore parity through Dayaan Cassiem, who along with Brynn Cleak was growing in influence in the game for the Cavemen. But the supremacy of the Dragons was re-established when Ignatius Malgraff, the all-time top goalscorer in PHL, scored his first for the Dragons after a Courtney Halle slip was brutally punished.

But despite the statistics going against them, the chances stacked against them and the weight of pressure against them, the Cavemen emerged victorious. The duo of Cleak and Cassiem were causing serious issues and a bad stick tackle by Swanepoel led to a Cavemen stroke which Keegan Hezlett finished giving no chance to Gowan Jones.

With the Dragons trying to pour forward Cleak won a penalty corner for the Cavemen and the Courtney Halle finished with the type of goal that will remind the SA Hockey loving public why he was so highly regarded with the SA U21 side.

The opening weekend has come to and end with nearly 100 goals scored. Teams will be back next Saturday and Sunday as the group stages wind up and the final four are decided. For now, though it will be the Wings and the Mambas who are in celebratory mood.

CTM Premier Hockey League – 21 July Results

08:00 – (M) – Golden Gate Gladiators 1-7 Garden Route Gazelles
10:00 – (M) – Mapungubwe Mambas 5-1 Addo Elephants
12:00 – (W) – Orange River Rafters (0) 3-3 (2) St. Lucia Lakers
14:00 – (W) – Namaqualand Daisies (2) 1-1 (4) Wineland Wings
16:00 – (M) – Drakensberg Dragons 2-3 Maropeng Cavemen

Photos by- Marcel Sigg

Picture 1 – Thati Segoale (Daisies) takes on Sisipho Magazwa (Wings) during the shootout at the CTM Premier Hockey League at Randburg Astro.

Picture 2 – From left Mark Chong (Cavemen), Bili Ntuli (Dragons) and Dayaan Cassiem (Cavemen) fight for the ball during their CTM Premier Hockey League encounter at Randburg Astro.

It was record breaking start to the second day of the 2019 CTM Premier Hockey League when the St. Lucia Lakers and the Namaqualand Daisies started their campaigns. The record they beat was one they held together, being the most goals in a game. The 8 scored today beats the seven they shared in their first meeting in 2016.

The Daisies will be disappointed to have ended the contest with a defeat after leading 2-0 and 3-2 in the game. Sare Laubscher and Thati Segoale started the game almost unbelievably for the Daisies with goals in the 6^th and 7^th minutes. A frenetic second quarter saw the Lakers peg back twice through Steph Baxter and Lilian du Plessis but trailing again to Jean-Leigh du Toit. If the Daisies were hoping to get to the break even, they were disappointed as Polly Mashau levelled again.

After six goals in the first half there was the inevitable third quarter stillness before the Lakers landed the killer blow in the final quarter netting through the sensational Tegan Fourie and securing the victory with a late Megan Anderson strike to secure a place in the record book and a winning start under the tutelage of Tarrin Ramsden.

In an act that we have seen before by Cheslyn Gie’s side the Addo Elephants, the 2018 runners-up bounced back from an opening day defeat to surge to a bonus point 5-0 victory over the Golden Gate Gladiators.

Reza Rosenberg opened the scoring for the Elephants with the only goal in the first half with a tap in from one metre after great work from good friend Julian Hykes. The first half would hardly have prepared you for the carnage that was about to come as the second half and the final quarter saw the Elephants ramp home their advantage over the deflated Gladiators. Cerezo Comersamy got the second and third with two well taken finishes before Sinoxolo Mbekeni got his second of the tournament after Kyle Coker had made three superb saves but a deflection beat him almost unfairly!

There was no lack of fortune with the Elephants fifth and final goal. Elephants and South African legend Julian Hykes re-joined Richard Pautz as the all time second highest goal scorer in CTM Premier Hockey League history when he finished into an empty net. 5-0 the final score.

Having been gifted two goal laden matches so far, the expectation for more just kept rising and although there was not as many goals the Orange River Rafters still entertained as they overcame their opening day disappointment with a 2-1 win over the Madikwe Rangers.

After hitting the post through Lisa Deetlefs, the Rangers had to watch the Rafter go 2-0 up through Sulette Damons and an absolute Dirkie Chamberlain thunderbolt. Sulette Damons goal itself was an experienced finished after a world class through ball from Charne Maddocks. The Rafters started pushing forward looking for a third and the bonus point that comes with that. Instead they ended up trying to preserve the victory when Kristen Paton pulled a goal back with a wonderfully worked penalty corner variation. The South African international was having an impactful game and the goal was just rewards for her performance. Unfortunately for the Rangers it was not enough, and they had to settle for their first defeat of the 2019 Campaign.

The Cavemen and Mambas were looking to steal a march on top spot as they met in the fourth game of the day. But only one team was going to end the day with their hands on the number one position. That team is the Mambas.

In a battle of the Cassiem brothers, the younger Mustapha got the laugh as his strike deflected off the stick of Kyle Lion-Cachet and looped over Duncan Fischer to make it 1-0. Greg Last then missed a stroke for the Mambas who were the better team on the day. Their second goal though was somewhat fortuitous as Tevin Kok poured forward. He looked to cross the ball for Luthando Jones but a mis-hit off the edge saw the ball diver through Fischer’s legs and into the Cavemen goal.

The Cavemen pulled off Fischer for the final four minutes and the decision paid benefit as Craig Wiid pulled a goal back with a blistering drag flick penalty corner. It gave Owen Mvimbi no chance on the line. Although both sides tried to get the games final goal, neither was able to and the Mambas secured the victory and top spot at this early stage of the 2019 tournament.

The final game of the day saw the 2019 champions the Blyde River Bunters look to bounce back from their opening day defeat as they took on the Wineland Wings. The Bunters though were left with more questions and no points after a Jessica Lardant inspired Wings performance gave them a second defeat.

The Wings opened the scoring through Sylvia van Jaarsveldt, her 8^th career Premier Hockey League goal. They created shot after shot and were as dominant as they have been in a PHL matchup. The match was settled for the Wings when a brilliant press effected the turnover and found Tarryn Glasby open in the D. The South African international rode the challenge of Mbande in the Bunters goal before finishing coolly. The win moved the Wings to the top of the 2019 CTM Premier Hockey league table.

CTM Premier Hockey League – 19 July Results

08:00 – (W) – Namaqualand Daisies 3-5 St. Lucia Lakers
10:00 – (M) – Golden Gate Gladiators 0-5 Addo Elephants
12:00 – (W) – Orange River Rafters 2-1 Madikwe Rangers
14:00 – (M) – Maropeng Cavemen 1-2 Mapungubwe Mambas
16:00 – (W) – Blyde River Bunters 0-2 Wineland Wings

CTM Premier Hockey League – 20 July Fixtures

10:00 – (W) – Orange River Rafters vs. Blyde River Bunters
12:00 – (M) – Drakensberg Dragons vs. Garden Route Gazelles
14:00 – (W) – Namaqualand Daisies vs. Madikwe Rangers
16:00 – (M) – Golden Gate Gladiators vs. Maropeng Cavemen
18:00 – (W) – St. Lucia Lakers vs. Wineland Wings

Photographer- Marcel Sigg

Picture 1 – Captain of the Mapungubwe Mambas looks for the opening against the Maropeng Cavemen during their CTM Premier Hockey League match at Randburg Astro.

Picture 2 – Laython Coombes breaks for the Addo Elephants in the victory against the Golden Gate Gladiators at the CTM Premier Hockey League at Randburg Astro.

As part of the sponsorship Tac Pulse will provide paramedical support to both events ensuring rapid medical intervention in the event of an injury to any of the players. Going a step further Tac Pulse have also agreed to have an ambulance available as well as a gazebo set up in case any members of the public require support.

With player and fan safety of optimum importance, the South African Hockey Association are delighted to have Tac Pulse Emergency Response Services on board. SA Hockey Association head of events, Josie Milella expressed her delight:

“We are delighted to welcome Tac Pulse on board. The safety of our players, coaches, officials and fans is of paramount importance and Tac Pulse Emergency Services bring a level of quality that allows us to rest easy. Now that they are protecting the bodies, we can focus on the hockey!”

For more information on Tac Pulse and their services offered, check out their website at https://www.tac-pulse.co.za/home/

There is often a sense of trepidation in the opening fixture of a tournament and many may have expected something similar in the first fixture of this year’s tournament between the Golden Gate Gladiators and the Mapungubwe Mambas. Many would have been wrong. Neville Rothman’s charges came out with fire in their bellies but had to wait until the 23^rd minute before Tumi Ramphele opened the scoring.  Jacque van Tonder pressured the Mambas defence, effected a turn over and crossed for Ramphele to slide in a superb finish.

Things got better for the Gladiators as on the stroke of half-time as Sam Mvimbi converted a penalty stroke for the youngsters. The Mambas, who have won their last two encounters against the Gladiators pulled one back through their own stroke by Greg Last setting up a tense finish. They pulled level on the whistle of the third chukka when Luthando Jonas turned home a goal bound effort by Owen Mvimbi. Although the Mambas tested Taine Bird in goals for the Gladiators regularly, they could not break through and the opening game would be decided by a shootout.

Luthando Jonas, Mustahpa Cassiem and Ross Goncalves all finished for the Mambas as they claimed the opening victory of the 2019 tournament.

The women’s tournament started with a tighter affair as 2017 winners the Orange River Rafters took on the Wineland Wings. The two teams had met three times previously and in all three encounters both teams got on the scoresheet. They would continue that tradition, but to the delight of Ryan Pillay and the Wineland Wings another tradition would disappear!

The Wings were looking fantastic creating a host of opportunities with Jade Mayne central to everything right that the Wings were doing. Jessica Lardant was also a prominent figure while the Orange River Rafters were looking to soak up pressure and launch counters through retired former national skipper Sulette Damons. Stephanie Botha opened the scoring with a fine tomahawk strike for the Wings before Damons showed a moment of quick thinking to fire home the equaliser. The result meant we had our second shootout of the day, something the Wineland Wings would not have wanted. In the three previous season they had competed in nine shootouts winning zero.

It looked like that may continue after early shootout goals for Ongi Mali and Donna Small, but the wings surged back with Robyn Johnson, Tarryn Glasby and Cailynn den Bakker. Stephanie Botha then came forth and confirmed the victory with a coolness that would make Chuck Norris proud and to end the longest streak in Premier Hockey League history.

The Maropeng Cavemen and Garden Route Gazelles played off for the fifth time with the three previous encounters ending in draws. The game came to life in the third quarter after a dour first half. Cameron Mackay showed his poacher like ability in the 34^th minute to net his sixth career PHL goal. The Cavemen were then pegged back by nationally capped Dan Sibbald who turned home after great work from the wing. Parity had barely been restored when Spencer Botes fired home a bullet finish to regain the lead for Cavemen who hung on to remain unbeaten in normal time against the Gazelles over four seasons.

The young Cavemen will be chuffed with that opening day victory and impressed with the performance of Duncan Fischer in for Rassie Pieterse, while Mark Chong was superb for the two-time winners.

The women’s final game of the day was a repeat of the 2019 and 2017 finals with Madikwe Rangers and Blyde River Bunters locking horns. The score has ended 1-0 to the Bunters in the three most recent meetings between the two teams, with the Bunters holding a 4-1-0 Head-to-Head advantage ahead of the game.

With the game being limited to many half-chances throughout it felt like another game where the odd goal would decide it. And that’s exactly what happened. With three minutes remaining the Rangers won the penalty corner and Antoinette Louw fired a drag flick past Phumelela Mbande with a venom that gave Pietie Coetzee flashbacks. Sandile Bosman, making his debut as a coach, was delighted with the victory as the team held on for the points.

The final match of the day was a repeat of the 2018 final with the Drakensberg Dragons taking on the Addo Elephants, two-time silver medallists. The Dragons were looking to make a statement to join the Cavemen as teams to defend the trophy and they did just that with a goal in each quarter on their way to a bonus point win.

They opened the scoring when man of the match Richard Pautz finished from some good work from Bili Ntuli. The goal by Pautz moved him into a tie for second in the all-time Premier Hockey League goal scorers alongside Julian Hykes and Ricky West. He then moved into second outright alone when he brilliantly deflected from a Jethro Eustice penalty corner to make it 2-0. Pierre Botma made it three after a brilliant feint one way and squaring the ball by Amkelwa Letuka. Botma fired in his second on the night a few minutes into the fourth quarter at a time when three players were off the field with yellow cards.

Cheslyn Gie’s Elephants managed to pull a goal back through sheer will and strength from Sinoxolo Mbekeni. Unfortunately, it was only a consolation goal and its back to the drawing board for the Addo Elephants.

CTM Premier Hockey League – 18 July Results

(M) – Golden Gate Gladiators (1) 2-2* (3) Mapungubwe Mambas
(W) – Orange River Rafters (3) 1-1* (4) Wineland Wings
(M) – Maropeng Cavemen 2-1 Garden Route Gazelles
(W) – Blyde River Bunters 0-1 Madikwe Rangers
(M) – Addo Elephants 1-4 Drakensberg Dragons

CTM Premier Hockey League – 19 July Fixtures

08:00 – (W) – Namaqualand Daisies vs. St. Lucia Lakers
10:00 – (M) – Golden Gate Gladiators vs. Addo Elephants
12:00 – (W) – Orange River Rafters vs. Madikwe Rangers
14:00 – (M) – Maropeng Cavemen vs. Mapungubwe Mambas
16:00 – (W) – Blyde River Bunters vs. Wineland Wings

Photos taken by Marcel Sign

Picture 1 – Nomnikelo Veto (Madikwe Rangers) on the charge against the Blyde River Bunters during their CTM Premier Hockey League encounter at Randburg Astro.

Picture 2- Damian Kimfley (Mapungubwe Mambas) trading in his grey and orange kit for his new Mambas kit in action during their CTM Premier Hockey League clash against the Golden Gate Gladiators.

The opening day offers supporters the tantalising prospect of repeats of the 2019 finals with first the Blyde River Bunters taking on the Madikwe Rangers before the Drakensberg Dragons play the two-time silver medallists the Addo Elephants. The early opportunity for the runners up of 2018 to get one up on their victors of the prior year is the definite highlight of the first day of action.

Another change in 2019 is that the opening weekend sees the double fixtures. With teams needing to hit the ground running it will be imperative for the experienced players to hit the ground running and the unknown factor that comes with the “New Generation” pool of players drafted offers an exciting prospect.

In the men’s tournament the Dragons feature four players from the successful FIH Hockey Series Finals in India and along with the signings of the experienced duo of Ignatius Malgraff and Miguel da Graca on paper they look a very tough team to beat. The Maropeng Cavemen, winners in 2016 and 2017, will look to try and reclaim their crown with addition of Dayaan Cassiem a major boost for them. The Golden Gate Gladiators will once again be the South African U21 side and it will be the first opportunity for Neville Rothman to see how his team will fare.

In the women’s tournament the Blyde River Bunters look a fantastic side already with Phumelela Mbande, Celia Evans, Marizen Marais and Izelle Verster featuring from the most recent Supergroup South Africa squad. With Marcelle Keet in charge they also have a fantastic coach who will look to continue her brilliant start as a head coach last year. The St. Lucia Lakers will be a massive threat with the superb spine of Erin Hunter, Kara Botes, Tegan Fourie, Lilian du Plessis and Quanita Bobbs. While you can also not right off Shaun Hulley’s Orange River Rafters, the 2017 champions, with Cheree Greyvenstein and Dirkie Chamberlain the outstanding names.

The 2019 CTM Premier Hockey league will be played over three weekends culminating in the final taking place on 4 August.

Each squad consists of 20 players, made up of 7 marquee players as determined by SA Hockey’s High-Performance team, with a further 3 players into their 20 from the “new generation” pool featuring the country’s most exciting young talent. Coaches were forced to release between 4 and 8 players from the 2018 squads ahead of the draft.

In the men’s tournament the only change to the coaching staff was Neville Rothmann, who as head coach for the SA U21 Coach, will lead the Golden Gate Gladiators. Returning coaches are Mark Sanders (Cavemen), Ashlin Freddy (Gazelles), Cheslyn Gie (Elephants), Lungile Tsolekile (Mambas) and defending champion Sihle Ntuli (Dragons).

After the announcements of marquee and released players, the honour of the first pick for the 2019 Premier Hockey League, from the new generation player pool, went to Mustapha Cassiem, called on by the Mapungubwe Mambas, while the first draft for the defending champions Drakensberg Dragons first pick was Suubi Mugerwa-Seawabe.

Onto the main pool the Mambas had first pick once again and gave Greg Last his place in the history books as the first main pool pick of the 2019 CTM Premier Hockey League. Other notable picks from the main pool included Julian Hykes (Addo Elephants), Ignatius Malgraff (Dragons), Robin Jones (Mambas) and Spencer Botes (Cavemen).

In the Women’s tournament Tarrin Ramsden and Sandile Bosman made their debuts at the draft tables after being appointed as head coach at the St. Lucia Lakers and the Madikwe Rangers respectively. They are joined by defending champion Marcelle Keet (Blyde River Bunters), Shaun Hulley (Orange River Rafters) and Ryan Pillay (Wineland Wings).

Also starting with the “new generation” pool, the women’s honour of first pick went to the exciting Cailyn den Bakker for the Wineland Wings, much to the disappointment of the next five coaches in line. The defending champions, the Blyde River Bunters, made Gracious Mpe their opening pick for the 2019 CTM Premier Hockey League.

As the coaches analysed their playbooks and sums that reminded you of William Smith on a Saturday morning, just without the smarties, the draft moved onto the main pool of players. In this round the drafts of Christine Seggie (Wings), Londeka Dlamini (Rangers) and Tasmin Preller (Lakers) attracted the most animated reactions when selected.

Marissa Langeni, CEO of South African Hockey, shared the following thoughts: “The CTM PHL is always an exciting event on the hockey calendar. I think the coaches have done some good hard work in planning their squads for 2019 and I think they will be happy with what they have done. We are delighted to continue our partnership with CTM as our headline sponsor of PHL for 2019. The CTM PHL has a fantastic legacy already of making sure we make top level hockey accessible to all players, and we look forward to growing this legacy again in 2019!”

The battle lines have now been drawn and the planning can begin. Who will topple the Drakensberg Dragons and the Blyde River Bunters in 2019? Will the Maropeng Cavemen win back their title? Will the Daisies and the Gladiators rock the Premier Hockey League boat. The answers to these questions and more will be revealed at the Randburg Astro when the fourth edition of the CTM PHL gets underway on July 18.

Ladies coaches from left to right- Marcelle Keet (Bunters), Shaun Hulley (Rafters), Sandile Bosman (Rangers), Tarrin Ramsden (Lakers), Ryan Pillay (Wings).

Men’s coaches from left to right- Lungile Tsolekile (Mambas), Mark Sanders (Cavemen), Sihle Ntuli (Dragons), Ashlin Freddy (Gazelles), Cheslyn Gie (Elephants).

The Blyde River Bunters started their semi-final against the St. Lucia Lakers much on the back foot but managed to keep the score level until half-time. The Bunters then started the second half in better form before, the Lakers finally got the lead that their first half deserved when they scored through Megan Anderson, the 150^th goal in Women’s PHL history. The striker picked up the ball at the top of the D, turned and fired brilliantly past Phumelela Mbande, something that almost seemed impossible with the form of the South African keeper on the day.

The Bunters tried to raise the game in the second half as they looked for the equaliser, but in truth were struggling to break the superb defence of the Lakers. Eventually though they got a penalty corner opportunity, just their second of the game to the five from the Lakers, and in an identical repeat of last week’s game, Carmen Smith fired home the goal that restored parity in the 56^th minute. Ayanga Baleni had a golden chance to settle it for the Lakers in the last minute of the game but she fired wide and sent the game to shootouts.

Kara Botes and Tegan Fourie scored for the Lakers, but because of Elmien Marais, Izelle Verster and Minke van Heerden scoring for the Bunters, Stephanie Baxter, the first player ever drafted in PHL history, had to score but she was unable to beat Mbande sending the Bunters back to the final.

“It was an exciting game and we are so happy to make it to the final! Our coaches made the big calls and the right times and all credit to them getting us to the final” shared player of the match Phumelela Mbande

The Rangers were huge underdogs taking on the Orange River Rafters and their task looked even harder when Charne Maddocks put the undefeated defending champions in the lead in the fourth minute. There was a super goal line clearance by Lezaan Jansen van Vuuren but Maddocks was perfectly positioned to tap into an empty net. Things went from bad to worse for the Rangers when the Rafters skipper Sulette Damons made it 2-0 early in the second quarter. Picking up the ball on the base line Damons created her own space before smashing the ball home. It was a reminder why she is so highly feared across global hockey. It had been a perfect first half for the Rafters limiting the Rangers to just one shot at goal.

With nothing to lose the Rangers tried to fight back and Sylvia van Jaarsveldt started the Rangers comeback in the 36^th minute making her the leading all-time scorer in PHL history, with a real poacher’s effort just in front of Greyvenstein in the Rafters goal. The Rangers then pulled level, taking advantage of the Rafters yellow card and scoring through a slight deflection from Shindre-Lee Simmons. It was a goal they deserved for their best half of hockey in the tournament so far.

The Rangers poured forward with sensational intensity and were unlucky to not win the game in normal time denied by bad luck, poor finishing and Cheree Greyvenstein and the second semi-final went to the shootout. The Rangers winning 3-1 with Deetlefs, van Vuuren and van Jaarsveldt all netting and setting up a repeat of PHL 2016’s gold medal match.

“We know the Rafters are a great side with good momentum. We had to make big changes at half-time, we got the result in the end and I couldn’t be prouder.” Shared Lisa-Marie Deetlefs the player of the match and captain of the Madikwe Rangers

CTM PHL Women’s Semi-Finals

Tivoli Taps Blyde River Bunters (3) *1-1 (2) Private Property St. Lucia Lakers
Italtile Orange River Rafters (1) 2-2* (3) Top T Madikwe Rangers

CTM PHL Women’s Final

Sunday 26 August 2018 – 14:00

Tivoli Tap Blyde River Bunters vs. Top T Madikwe Rangers

The Addo Elephants followed the example of the Rangers and the Bunters in returning to a final for the first time since 2016 with a fantastic 3-1 win over the Garden Route Gazelles. Having played last weekend, the Gazelles were victorious 3-1 and carried the momentum into the semi-final.

The Elephants were the team who laughed first getting the game’s opening game through Damian Kimfley in the last play of the opening quarter, just after a fantastic save by their own keeper Matthew Martins. The finish by Kimfley gave no chance to Nolutshungu who had already made a few telling saves for the Gazelles. It was a half of few great chances with the Gazelles probably shading the stats at half-time.

Based on that they were probably deserving of their equaliser when it came in the 38^th minute through Reece Arendse with a beautifully taken goal, Pierre Bothma with a fine assist laying off the pass at the right second to put Arendse through. It was an even game at the end of the third quarter that was crying out for a moment of magic to settle it. It would come from Kimfley who was fed a ball from Bjorn Sorenson and with a powerful strike on the tomahawk gave the Elephants the lead.

The Elephants managed to add shine to the scoring in the final minute of the game when they won a penalty corner with the Gazelles having taken their keeper off. Tim Guise-Brown finished off clinically to wrap up the game and book a spot in the final.

“We have a great attacking threat, we shared the love with the goal scoring today and well done to our boys. I would love to win a title with my new team too!” shared Elephants captain Miguel da Graca, who previously won with the Maropeng Cavemen.

The second semi-final was a repeat of last year’s final as the Dragons took on the double defending champions the Cavemen. The group stage game was a landslide victory for the Dragons, but only the foolish would predict a similar score line today.

There were no goals in the first half, but the Dragons probably had the better half with Andrew Jarvis, Dylan Swanepoel and Richard Pautz calling on saves from Pieterse, while the Cavemen fired their best shot wide through a PC from Kyle Lion Cachet. Both sides had produced 15 circle penetrations further highlighting the tightness of the game.

The biggest crowd of this year’s CTM Premier Hockey League were rewarded with a goal at last when in the 44^th minute Bili Ntuli popped up to put the Dragons into the lead. The South African international is developing a reputation for big goals taken in big games and his team were delighted with the effort. It was a brilliant reaction finish after the penalty corner was saved, Matt de Sousa controlled exceptionally well before firing in a shot and Ntuli’s touch gave an in-form Pieterse no chance. It was a goal the Dragons deserved in a dominant third quarter.

They extended the lead in the 55^th minute with a superb diving finish by Amkelwa Letuka after wonderful work from Chad Caincross. It was a goal made of superb commitment and it confirmed that for the first time in PHL history, the Cavemen would not lift the trophy on Sunday.

“We had a good weekend last week and that gave us momentum. We know the Cavemen are a great side and we did enough today. We think we have an upper hand for tomorrow and are excited to be in the final.” Shared an elated Dragons skipper Jethro Eustice.

CTM PHL Men’s Semi-Finals

Kilimanjaro Addo Elephants 3-1 Garden Route Gazelles
Pro Grip Drakensburg Dragons 2-0 Origins Maropeng Cavemen

CTM PHL Men’s Final

Sunday 26 August 2018 – 16:00

Kilimanjaro Addo Elephants vs. Pro Grip Drakensberg Dragons

Picture 1 – Mo Mea from the Drakensberg Dragons evades Kingsley Botes from the Cavemen in the CTM Premier Hockey League 2018 semi-final – Picture – Sean Burke / PHL

Picture 2 – Monique Bartsch drives forward for the Madikwe Rangers in the CTM Premier Hockey League 2018 semi-final – Picture – Sean Burke / PHL

Picture 3 – Erin Hunter from the St. Lucia Lakers and Elmien Marais from the Blyde River Bunters compete in the CTM Premier Hockey League 2018 semi-final – Picture – Sean Burke / PHL

Picture 4 – Julian Hykes from the Addo Elephants fights off the Garden Route Gazelles defenders in the CTM Premier Hockey League 2018 semi-final – Picture – Sean Burke / PHL

Italtile Orange River Rafters (1^st – 15 points)
Coach: Shaun Hulley
Captain: Sulette Damons
Previous Best PHL Finish: Champions in 2017

The Rafters made history when they became the first team in CTM Premier Hockey League history to win all five group games. In the opening weekend it was about outscoring opposition, while in the second weekend it was about out defending others. The 2017 champions have Lerato Mahlangu in fine goal scoring form, while Sulette Damons and Donna Small continue to impress. It’s a relatively young side with half the team 21 or younger but they have shown their willingness to fight for each other. Although there have been some individual moments of brilliance their journey to the top has been one about team dynamic more than individual brilliance.

The coaches view – Shaun Hulley

“We have had a superb tournament and it’s been great to see the team fighting for each other. We pride ourselves on the team ethic and culture we have developed. The players know that whether they have SA Hockey experience or are just a youngster breaking through, they all have an important role in the team and they have all done their part!”

Tivoli Taps Blyde River Bunters (2^nd – 12 points)
Coach: Marcelle Keet
Captain: Phumelela Mbande
Previous Best PHL Finish: Champions in 2016

The Bunters have an incredible CTM Premier Hockey League history with 15 wins in 19 games over the three seasons. In goals they have the finest keeper in the country in Phumelela Mbande and conceding only three goals in the five games so far. Izelle Verster, Jessica De Bruyn-Smith and Elmien Marais have been critical to that form and it’s been the top scorer in the tournament Carmen Smith who has separated them from the others.

The coaches view – Marcelle Keet

“It’s been the most incredible experience moving into the coaching team and working with a wonderful bunch of ladies. I think the final four are so evenly matched that it could be anyone’s weekend, but we are obviously hoping that it will be us! We have a good day of training planned and we can’t wait for the weekend!”

Private Property St. Lucia Lakers (3^rd – 9 points)
Coach: Inky Zondi
Captain: Erin Hunter
Previous Best PHL Finish: Runners-up in 2017

In Erin Hunter and Kara-lee Botes they have undoubtedly got the centre back pairing of the tournament, while Tegan Fourie has proven that she is lethal when given the opportunity. There is a lot to like about the way Inky coaches his teams as they have been defensive masterclasses throughout the tournament. Having lost to the Bunters last weekend they will need big performances from the likes of Shelley Jones, Stephanie Baxter, Ayanga Baleni and the aforementioned trio to topple the 2016 champions.

The coaches view – Inky Zondi

“It’s been a really good tournament for us. We were fantastic in the opening four games and maybe took the foot off the throttle in our final game against the Bunters. We know we won’t be doing the same on Saturday. We will be working on our execution of our strategies and looking to build on the defensive work of our team”

Top T Madikwe Rangers (4^th – 7 points)
Coach: Bevan Bennet
Captain: Lisa-Marie Deetlefs
Previous Best PHL Finish:  Runners-up in 2016

The Rangers had to wait until the final game of the group stage to confirm their spot in the final four, but when offered the opportunity it was taken by Kristen Paton with both hands. Unfortunately for Bevan Bennett, Kristen is not available this weekend as she is playing hockey in Europe. If they are to cause an upset in beating the Rafters they will need Lisa-Marie Deetlefs to leave from the front, while Sylvia van Jaarsveldt offers goals and Nomnikelo Veto creates opportunities regularly with her off-the-ball movement.

The coaches view – Bevan Bennet

“It’s been a superb experience of getting together with a new group of players and seeing how we have progressed over the two weekends so far. We are really optimistic that if we stick to our plans and processes we can offer a good surprise this weekend and improve on our 2016 position.”

CTM PHL Women’s Semi-Finals

Saturday 25 August

10:00 – Tivoli Taps Blyde River Bunters vs. Private Property St. Lucia Lakers
Previous Results
PHL 2018 Group Stage – Bunters 2-0 Lakers
PHL 2017 Group Stage – Bunters 3-1 Lakers
PHL 2016 Semi-Final – Bunters 2-0 Lakers
PHL 2016 Group Stage – Bunters 0-1 Lakers

14:00 – Top T Madikwe Rangers vs. Italtile Orange River Rafters
Previous Results
PHL 2018 Group Stage – Rangers 1-3 Rafters
PHL 2017 Group Stage – Rangers 1-2 Rafters
PHL 2016 Group Stage – Rangers 3-0 Rafters

Photos by Sean Burke