Zimbabwe’s u18’s win hockey series

ZIMBABWE u18 won the Junior Hockey Test Series against Namibia after beating Namibia u18 2-0 in their final match on Thursday.

It was Zimbabwe u18’s second victory against Namibia u18, while they also drew 1-1 against Namibia u16.

In Thursday’s match, Namibia put up a better performance than their first encounter which they lost 4-0, but Zimbabwe still took the honours.

They opened their account after only three minutes, winning a penalty which captain Amber Hinze put away from the spot.

Namibia’s Jeani Holz and Dure Boshoff had shots saved while Boshoff wasted a great chance when she was put clear in front of the goal but could not control her shot.

Namibia had more chances after the break through Holz and Boshoff, while Hester Neethling and Jahntwa Kruger shot wide from short corners, but it was Zimbabwe who increased their lead midway through the second half when 7 dispossessed a defender and slammed the ball into the net from close range.

In the final stages, Namibia’s goalkeeper Vicky Stiemert brought off a fine save to thwart a counter attack by 12 while she also saved a shot by 4 from a short corner.

In the early match Namibia u16 beat Zimbabwe u16 5-0 to complete the double over their guests.

In a tight first half, Carien van Rooyen gave Namibia the lead when she scored from a short corner on 14 minutes, to give Namibia a 1-0 lead by the break.

Namibia upped the tempo in the second half and two short corner goals within five minutes by Joane van Rooyen and Cele Wessels suddenly put them 3-0 ahead.

Namibia maintained their pressure and another short corner goal by Kaela Schimming and a final field goal by Kiana Cormack completed a comprehensive 5-0 victory for the hosts.