Don’t judge the tour by the results — it was more successful than the results imply. That was the plea from the former captain of the Spar South African women’s hockey team on Tuesday, when the team arrived home from a four-Test series against Argentina in Buenos Aires.
”It was actually a very successful tour,” said Carlisle. ”We were playing the number-two team in the world, and even though we lost all four Tests, I think we did pretty well.
”We’d made some big tactical changes and we were able to build on those. At the beginning of the week, we saw that we were being outplayed in certain areas, and we wanted to nullify that. By the end of the week, we were doing that, and doing it very well.
”Argentina have got some very superior players. Several have World Cup gold medals, and they outweighed us heavily as far as international experience is concerned.”
Carlisle said one of the important aspects of the tour was the emergence of some exciting young players. Some of the South African stalwarts, such as goal-scoring machine Pietie Coetzee, Kerry Bee and Natalie Fulton, were unavailable for the tour, which gave some up-and-coming players an opportunity to show what they can do.
”It was very exciting to see how well some of the youngsters did,” said Carlisle. ”It certainly showed that there is a pool of talent out there for us to call on.”
She said another important aspect was the opportunity to play in different conditions.
”The facilities were excellent, and so was our accommodation, but the food wasn’t great, which can often cause problems. One of the Tests was played in the worst conditions I think I have ever played in. It had been raining from the morning, and it was very cold.
”We played in this torrential rain, but what was so great was the way we responded. It was one of the most significant matches I’ve ever played in. What really impressed me was the way the team rose to the occasion, and refused to allow the conditions to get them down.”
Carlisle said the fitness levels of the players are very good for this time of the year, going into the South African hockey season. She said there are no more internationals planned between now and the Champions Challenge in the United States in July, but there will be squad camps, and the team will play against some strong opposition — probably against men’s teams.
Team coach Jenny King is also very pleased with the team’s performance in Buenos Aires.
”We learnt to play another system — we had to change our system to play Argentina, and that came together well. I think to play such a good team is ideal preparation for the Champions Challenge.
”If we can hold the Argentinians, particularly on a one-on-one basis, which is where they excel, then I’m very encouraged for July. I’m also very excited about some of the young players, who really did well.” — Sapa