Shoot-out chaos brings down curtain on thrilling 2026 U21 Inter Provincial Tournament
North West women dethroned Western Province while the WP men held their nerve in a 12-goal thriller to retain their crown as both finals went to shoot-outs.
The 2026 South African Hockey U21 Inter Provincial Tournament concluded with a dramatic finale in Gqeberha on Friday night. North West emerged victorious in the women's championship, while Western Province retained their men's title after both finals were decided by shoot-outs.
North West secured the women's title by defeating Western Province 1-0 in the shoot-out, despite both teams finishing 1-1 in regulation time. North West's Tanya Pieterse had earlier scored for Province, and Spershott equalized for North West late in the match. The decisive conversion in the shoot-out secured North West's triumph.
Western Province claimed the men's crown after overcoming Northerns Blues in the men's final. Western Province and Northerns Blues delivered a thrilling 12-goal match, but Province ultimately edged out the Blues 6-5 in the shoot-out. Reuben Sendzul was the top scorer for Western Province, netting four goals, including a hat-trick. The match saw Northerns Blues fight back from a two-goal deficit, while Western Province demonstrated resilience to claim the title.
KZN Raiders secured the men's bronze medal with a 4-0 win over SA U18 Boys, led by Tristan Boyall's two goals. The SA U18 Girls finished with a bronze medal after defeating Northerns Blues 2-1, marking an impressive campaign against stronger opposition. Ruby Kraus and Leah du Plessis were the leading scorer and best player for Western Province in the women's final, respectively.
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