The first match of the Mens tournament at the African Hockey Indoor Cup of Nations produced a battle that few would have anticipated. After a tentative 10 minutes Zimbabwe stunned SA with a poachers goal. That seemed to kick start the SA men though as a hat-trick by Olympian Wade Paton made the half-time score 3-1. When Tembo made it 3-2 with a beautiful dink there were some nerves in the SA Squad who then faced four consecutive Penalty corners from Zimbabwe but held on to the lead. Keagan Robinson then got himself a hat-trick as South Africa turned on the class to run away with it. In the end it was a comfortable victory for SA, but one that would have given them more than a few moments of anxiety in a tough opening game. Final Score: South Africa 10 – Zimbabwe 2 GOALS – SA – Paton (3), Robinson (3), Eustice, Domleo, Fairweather & Rosenberg ZIM – Maredza & Tembo

Game 1 – Women – SA 7-0 ZIM The opening game of the African Hockey Indoor Cup of Nations took place between SA and Zim in the picturesque dome in Swakopmund. Zimbabwe were making their debut in the tournament, while South Africa were the hot favourites. South Africa dominated the first half and took a 6-0 lead into the break with Heather McEwan grabbing herself the first hat-trick of the tournament. Zimbabwe keeper and captain Jamie Haasbroek was in inspired form in the goal and the whole team were lifted with a stronger defensive display in the second half. In the end both teams were happy with elements of their game and both would look for improvement in others. Goals – Heather McEwan (3), Cindy Hack (2) and Kelly Reed

Scores Sheet

Starting tomorrow in the Dome Swakop Indoor Sports Centre, Swakopmund, Namibia. Participating teams (M&W): Namibia ?? South Africa ?? Zimbabwe ?? May the best team win!