Inline Hockey

Namibia pulled off a great victory in extra time against Australia to finish 13th at the Inline Hockey World Championships in Budapest on Saturday.
The teams were tied at 3-all at the end of the fourth quarter, but three minutes into extra time Timo Giersch scored the winner from a pass by Vincent van Biljon to give Namibia the victory, which ensures that Namibia automatically qualifies for the 2007 World Championships.

Namibia won its first game at the Inline Hockey World Cup in Budapest in dramatic fashion on July 12, scoring in the last minute of extra time, to claim a 5-4 victory over Argentina. The game was crucial for both teams, as the loser finishes in fourth place and will have to face the top seed in the playoff round.

After an early goal blitz, which saw three goals scored within the first 7 minutes, Japan went on to beat Namibia 7-2 at the Inline Hockey World Championships in Budapest on July 11.
It took a while for Namibia to regroup after the tough start, but eventually the team fought its way back into the game, and opened their account 2 minutes into the second quarter. Oliver Lohmeier scored the goal after a fine build-up involving Jorg Guther and Basti Faber.

Namibia narrowly lost their opening match at the Inline Hockey World Championships on July 10, after a late goal gave Great Britain a 3-2 win.
While the score was low by Inline standards, there was no lack of action as both teams fought hard for the victory. At the end of the first half, the Brits held a slim 1-0 lead on the strength of a Chris Colegate goal, 9 minutes 22 seconds into the game.

Coastal Pirates dominated the Cazadores Inline Hockey tournament in Windhoek from May 26 to 28, winning five of the nine age group categories that were contested.
Clubs from Windhoek, Swakopmund and Otjiwarongo competed in the tournament which saw 71 games played from Under 8 through to the Masters division, with a total of 399 goals scored.

Namibiaâ??s inline hockey team continued its dominance over South Africa by beating an SA Invitational team 12-2 in Windhoek on May 26.The match formed part of the Cazadores Tournament which continues to May 28.

An invitational All Stars team beat Namibiaâ??s national Inline Hockey team 5-3 in Windhoek on May 25, after the teams were level at 2-all at halftime.
The match formed part of the annual Cazadores Inline Hockey Tournament at its DHPS premises in central Windhoek, and served as a warm-up match for Namibia before they participate at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary in July.

While most Namibians were looking forward to a long weekend and days of fun and relaxation with family and friends, Namibiaâ??s national inline hockey squad thronged to Swakopmund, not for a jolly sojourn in this popular holiday resort, but to congregate at the SFC Sports Club to embark on an adventure of a different kind.

By Ulrike Roodenwaldt

Why walk if you can skate? Exactly why is what these youngsters set out to discover. Okay, so there were some spectacular falls, some bruises, but no broken bones (or damaged egos) thanks to the protection wear offered by the SFC Coastal Pirates Club. Luckily coach, Phil Boudreault, is there to assist and give a helping hand. Amidst whoops of laughter, wannabe skaters are helped to their feet (or should I rather say wheels) and pointed in the right direction.

The first inline hockey tournament for 2006, hosted by the Badgers Club in Windhoek, played under the auspices of the governing body, NIIHA, took place over the weekend, 7 â?? 9 April 2006.
33 Teams participated in 8 divisions.