South Africa’s hockey women beat India 2-1 in the second Test at the Stellenbosch Hockey Stadium on Wednesday night to go two up in the four-match Spar Challenge series.
South Africa won the first Test 2-1 on Tuesday night.
The hosts could not have asked for a better start in the wintry Cape weather when they were awarded a penalty corner in the second minute. From a neat variation the ball found its way to striker Henna du Buisson, who guided it past Indian goalkeeper Helen Mary.
The goal puckered up India’s play and they dominated for the next 20 minutes. Their possession nearly earned an equaliser from a penalty corner in the 15th minute but South Africa goalkeeper Caroline Jack pulled off a great save.
If South Africa’s opener was a well-worked ploy, India’s equaliser in the 25th minute was a stunner.
The ball was struck hard at the right upright from a penalty corner variation, and Jyoti Sunit Kullu charging in from the right, lunged, and deflected the ball high into the top right-hand corner.
South Africa pressed back hard and after a rare attacking foray earned a penalty corner in the 28th minute. Not to be outdone, their variation topped that of their opponents, with the ball changing sticks on no less than five occasions to see Sharne Wehmeyer get the final touch and a 2-1 lead.
South Africa began the second half in similar vein and attacked from the start, but slowly the visitors worked their way back in the game. With the Indians shading possession, the local women were on the back foot for large spells.
But captain and player of the match Kate Hector marshalled her defence brilliantly to thwart many a menacing Indian attack. However, India nearly made the breakthrough in the dying minutes when Saba Anjum found some space in the South African goal area but was denied by the in-form Jack.
South Africa coach Jenny King said that her team were under immense pressure from the Indian side.
”In the first game we had far more space to move, but the Indians closed us down very quickly tonight,” said King.
”But I was very impressed with the way we defended, especially at free hits and short corners.”
King was also chuffed with her team’s resilience. ”We did very well to defend our lead. In the past we have led but then thrown the game away in the death.”
Hector agreed with her coach. ”It was very tough tonight but we did well to soak up the pressure. Our defence was solid and our goalkeeper was brilliant.”
South Africa now cannot lose the series and play the third Test at the same venue on Friday night. — Sapa