The Dutch wrapped up their tour of South Africa with a hard-fought 1-0 win in the second men’s hockey Test at Hartleyvale in Cape Town on Monday.
Both teams took a step down from the intensity of Sunday’s game. South Africa started positively, but the visitors seized the initiative, although they took a while to settle into their controlled pattern of play.
South Africa blunted the Dutch’s main weapon, not conceding a penalty corner while earning four themselves. The first came after a good run by Reece Basson, but goalkeeper Klaas Veering saved the shot. The strikers had several chances as half-time approached, but their aim was lacking.
The Dutch attacked early in the second half, but Matthijs Brouwer and Teun de Nooijer failed to convert good chances. South Africa earned a penalty corner after the defenders failed to retreat from a free hit, and another after a further good break by Basson. Substitute keeper Guus Vogels foiled them on both occasions.
South African ‘keeper Chris Hibbert also had to pull out the stops as the Dutch stepped up their efforts with time running out. Brouwer broke the deadlock with seven minutes remaining after some confusion in the South African circle.
The home team launched a desperate closing offensive. Greg Nicol’s spectacular shot was saved with a minute left. They forced a penalty corner on full-time, but three shots at goal failed to beat the defence.
The Dutch return confidently while South Africa take on Germany and Canada in Potchefstroom as they continue their Olympic qualifying preparations. — Sapa