The South African women’s hockey side beat Ireland 2-1 in the Spar Hockey Festival series in Stellenbosch on Sunday.
The first half was dominated by the hosts, who created numerous goal-scoring opportunities but failed to capitalise, and the score was 1-1 at the break.
The Irish women drew first blood with a well-taken reverse stick goal by Rachel Mulligan after only five minutes of play. Despite this early setback, the South Africa settled down and took control of the half.
After a few unconverted penalty corners, the hosts struck in the 16th minute thanks to some great individual play by Lesley-Ann George.
From the right of midfield, George made space for Henna du Buisson on the edge of the circle and she slotted a crisply struck reverse stick into the top left corner to level the scores at one all.
The last 13 minutes of the first half saw the South Africans pile on the pressure, resulting in regular goal-scoring opportunities for the home side. Kathleen Taylor set Du Buisson up with a one-on-one chance with the goalkeeper six minutes from the break, but Irish goalkeeper Mary Goode moved smartly off her line to smother the shot and keep the attack at bay.
The second half failed to deliver the same quality as the first. It was rather characterised by South Africa looking to force the initiative by relying on hopeful long balls through the middle, while the Irish were content to sit back and then counter-attack with a quick break away.
The Irish patience paid dividends when they created a glorious opportunity on the break away with 10 minutes remaining in the game. South African goalkeeper Mariette Rix was up to the challenge and kept the Irish out with some composed defending.
This resulted in an opportunity for the hosts to launch a counter-attack of their own and Taylor was on hand to score a well-taken goal for the South Africans to give them a 2-1 lead.
The game ended without much excitement, except for an opportunistic chance created by Shelley Russell when she dispossessed an Irish defender and forced a reflex save from the Irish goalkeeper.
The home side will be happy with the victory after a disappointing series loss suffered against Britain recently. — Sapa