The South African men’s hockey team claimed a series win over the touring English side following their 3-1 victory in the fourth and final Test at the Tshwane University of Technology on Tuesday night.
Coming back from 1-0 down in the series, the South Africans won the second Test on Saturday, drew the third on Sunday and it was all down to the last match to decide the series.
While the first half only produced one of the four goals scored in the match, it was the better of the halves hockey-wise, with the South African side earning themselves nine penalty corners.
Ian Symons scored first for the home side, from a penalty corner in the 27th minute.
The South Africans were 1-0 up going into the break and eventually went to 2-0, thanks to John Paul’s strike in the 40th minute, before the English managed to get themselves on to the scoreboard.
It was Barry Middleton who scored for the visitors five minutes later to take the score to 2-1, but Steve Phillips made sure of the South African victory by scoring in the 50th minute to claim the 3-1 victory.
Meanwhile, the Spar South African women’s hockey team were notching up a victory of their own, defeating Scotland 7-0 in the second Test in Potchefstroom on Tuesday night.
Marsha Marescia, Anli Kotze, Candice Forword, Lindsey Carlisle, Taryn Bright and Tsoanelo Pholo (who scored twice) all got their names on the score sheet.
The South African side now lead the four-Test series 2-0. — Sapa