The Spar South African women’s hockey team delivered a far more assured performance in the second Test against Canada at the Tshwane University of Technology on Tuesday night to register a convincing 2-0 win.
The result puts the hosts 2-0 up in the four-Test series and was undoubtedly an improvement on Monday’s slap-dash effort.
The South Africans had to absorb considerable pressure from the visitors in the opening gambit, but the defence held firm in the face of some inspired play by Canada.
South Africa hit back well and were rewarded when Henna du Buisson profited from good work by Lesley-Ann George to fire the ball high into the net in the 11th minute after the Canadians repelled the initial penalty corner threat.
The home team continued to dominate. Canada’s few forays into South Africa’s territory were well contained before they could cross into the circle.
Indeed, South Africa goalkeeper Caroline Jack did not have to make a save throughout the first 35 minutes.
South Africa deservedly doubled their tally seven minutes before the interval when a slick midfield move involving Marsha Marescia and Liezel Dorothy found Candice Forword at the top of the D. Forword swivelled and hit a superb reverse stick shot over Canada goalkeeper Sarah Forbes for a 2-0 cushion at the break.
That should have became 3-0 when Du Buisson deflected the ball home in the 43rd minute, but umpire Leslie Nunn reversed her decision after consultation with Philette de Jager. Video replays suggested her initial decision was spot-on.
The girls in green and gold, though, continued to press as the half wore on — with little Kathleen Taylor prominent — but the familiar Canadian stoic defence held out to ensure a respectable final scoreline.
The third Test takes place at the same venue, starting at 7pm on Thursday. The fourth Test will be played on Friday night, also in Pretoria. — Sapa