SOUTH AFRICA: 5 Games ago nobody would believed it, the Scorpions seemed to have wrapped the League up, but the Wildcats who have struggled throughout the season with their team refused to give up the fight; they have been on a 3 game winning streak .With winning 3 games in a row it has lifted them to 3 points off the top of the log with the Scorpions and Warriors tied on 18 points each. 2 Weeks ago saw the Warriors take on the Scorpions in a much anticipated game, it lived up to the hype and the Scorpions emerged 3-2 victors. The game was close throughout and going into the last 2 minutes of the game it was all tied at 2-2. With 58 seconds left on the clock the Scorpions got a lucky break and fired a shot in on goals at A. Bock, he made the first save but his defence was nowhere to be seen and Scorpions put in the game winning goal. A dejected Warriors team left the ice knowing that win would of won them the League title.
The next week saw the Wildcats take on Scorpions in what was expected to be a the game that would win the league for the Scorpions. Wildcats came out firing scoring a quick goal through George Lyon. Every time Wildcats went 2 up, Scorpions fought back to keep the game close, at the end of the first period it was 2-1 to Wildcats. The second period was much of the same with Wildacst going 3-1 up, and the Scorpions scoring to keep it 3-2. Wildcats however could not keep it up and ended the second period at 3-3. After a good team talk from their captain and assistants the Wildacts hit the third period with everything they had, the Scorpions who are normally a very strong 3rd period team due to the depth on their bench did not seem to be able to match the pace and skill of the Wildcats on this day. Wildcats once again went up 4-3, the Scorpions again fought back valiantly to make it 4-4. Clinton Foy got a break down the left wing, stepped over the blue line and took a shot on G. Bock in goals for Wildcats. The shot seemed to be harmless enough but somehow it bobbled through the legs of Bock; a very weak goal to let the scorpions back into the game. After that goal, Bock was determined not to let another one in and this was to be the story. The Wildcats applied the pressure on the Scorpions net and netted 3 more goals in this period to make the score 7-3 to the Wildcats.
Nobody expected the Wildcats team to be one of the teams to challenge for the title due to their poor mid-season from, but a drastic turn around in their game has seen them go on a winning streak. This is largely thanks to them acquiring Nicky Beukes as coach, he is the assistant coach for the South African National team for 2011.
The win now meant the standings are as follows:
Gary Bock.
1: Warriors 18 Points
2: Scorpions 18 Points
3: Wildcats 15 Points
This coming Tuesday 9th November 2010 sees the final game of the season between Warriors and Wildcats. If Wildcats win, that means that the league champions will be decided by goal difference. It would be a sad way for the championship to be decided but would be a first in South Africa as all 3 teams would end off on 18 points.
That been said, the Wildcats will not go down without a fight and would like to end the season on a High.
Look out for the next article where we will report on this game and hopefully be able to tell you who emerges as the Gauteng League Champions for 2010.
Till next time.
Contact: gary.bock@prohockeynews.com
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