The Spar South African national women’s hockey team beat England A by four goals to one in a friendly match played at the Randburg Astroturf on Tuesday. South Africa led 2-1 at half-time.
Marsha Marescia scored the first goal for South Africa in the 20th minute. England A equalised a short time later, but the South African captain, Susan Webber, who had an excellent game, put South Africa in the lead again with a goal from a penalty corner.
The South Africans came out strongly in the second half. Lindsey Carlisle scored South Africa’s third goal five minutes into the half, and Webber found the back of the net less than a minute later.
The match was played in very hot weather, and both teams showed signs of weariness towards the end of the match. The second match will be played at the same venue on Wednesday.
Grazjyna Engelbrecht had an excellent game in goals in the second half, with some outstanding saves for South Africa.
The two matches against England A form part of a training camp for the national team, who have a packed international calendar next year. — Sapa