Eaglesvale School senior boys' hockey team beat hosts Gateway School 2-1 defeat in a hockey match played on Wednesday.

The Willowvale-based Eaglesvale still managed to win the closely fought contest despite a strong showing by the hosts, Gateway.   Donald Kazirati got the two goals that ensured the visitors were the victors while Gateway got their goal through striker Dion French.

Eaglesvale captain Rugare Magarira was elated about the outcome.

“I would like to admit that during the first half we started off 50-50 and got chances we failed to capitalise on.

“Coming into the second half, I think we were on top because we were attacking more although they put pressure on us, we managed to get our goals.

“We are going to take a rest and practice tomorrow (Thursday) since we have a game on Friday (today) with Peterhouse,” he said.

Gateway captain Simbarashe Gomwe lamented the wasted chances that came their way.

“I would like to admit that my team was very reluctant during the play giving a lee-way to the visitors who emerged the winners,” said Gomwe.

“Losing to Eaglesvale is something that has never happened for a long time and this was not our day.

“We had an off day especially upfront considering that we had 18 chances and scored only one goal.

Gomwe added: “At the end we got tired and let them run at us and they scored the second goal, we are also going to have a game on Friday (today) against Lomagundi College and we have to practice more.”

Gateway coach Prince Mwale said despite losing to Eaglesvale he still had faith in his team.

“The boys played well and to our instruction  but it was unfortunate we could not get a result.

“They really played well considering that we are one of the underdogs in the league which has 11 teams," he said.