The SA Hockey U21 IPT competition is approaching a thrilling final, where the North West and Western Province teams will meet in the women's division on Friday. Both teams managed to pass the intense semi-final matches held on Thursday.
The North West team earned the right to participate in the final by securing a narrow 1-0 victory over the SA U18 Girls. The only goal in this game was scored by Germarrie Spershott in the 60th minute from a penalty kick, ending the U18 Girls' unbeaten streak and ensuring North West's place in the final.
This result marked the conclusion of an impressive campaign for the invited junior national team, which dominated Group A by winning all three matches. Previously, the U18 Girls began their campaign with victories over Southern Gauteng and Northerns Blues, and then concluded the perfect group stage with a convincing 5-1 win against WP Peninsula.
Women's Division
In the women's tournament, North West will now face Western Province, who managed to remain calm and defeat Northerns Blues 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a tense 2-2 draw. Initially, Province appeared dominant when Ruby Kraus opened the scoring, and Tara Parkendorf doubled the lead in the third quarter. However, Blues did not give up, and Abigail Holderness scored two goals closer to the end of the match, leading to a penalty shootout. Ultimately, Province won 4-3, guaranteeing their spot in Friday's final and setting up a match against North West for the U21 women's title.
Men's Division
In the men's competition, Western Province also confirmed its participation in Friday's final, achieving a convincing 6-0 victory over KZN Raiders. Province, as the reigning champion, completely dominated the group stage, winning four out of four matches by a margin of plus 22 goals. The team awaited the results of the men's second semi-final, which took place on Thursday evening between Northerns Blues and SA U18 Boys.
