France completed their South African safari with a flourish when they registered a resounding 4-1 win in the fourth and final men’s hockey Test in Port Elizabeth on Thursday to share the series.
Down 2-0 after the opening games in East London, the Frenchman were deserved winners on Thursday, confirming their improvement during their two-week stay in South Africa. They won the third Test on Wednesday 3-1.
Ryan Ravenscroft’s South Africans were seldom in the game and they appeared to be unsettled by some decisions from French umpire Pierre Hayat.
They vehemently disputed France’s third goal, which came from a penalty corner on the stroke of halftime and re-established the visitors’ two-goal lead only moments after South Africa had made it 2-1.
There was a lengthy discussion between South African umpire Zain McLaren and Hayat, but the goal was allowed.
In the final analysis, however, South Africa were outplayed by their opponents. The home team battled to build up any momentum and the slick passing of the French often had the South African players under pressure.
As in Wednesday’s game, France claimed a 2-0 lead as Antoine Gouedard-Comte struck with field goals in the 12th and 19th minutes. South Africa hit back just before half-time through a penalty corner by Ricky Gay, only for Florent Durchon to put the visitors 3-1 up a minute later.
It was a telling lead and although South Africa had some chances late in the game — John McInroy and Ian Symons missed opportunities in quick succession — the French defence was extremely solid.
They put the result beyond doubt after a break into the South African circle saw the home side concede a penalty stroke.
Nicolas Gaillard rammed the ball home to complete the scoring. — Sapa