The South African women’s hockey team finished off their visit to Ireland in style with a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Ireland in the final Test of a two-match Test series on Thursday.
It took the South Africans only 14 minutes to break the deadlock when experienced vice-captain Kate Hector netted after a perfectly executed penalty corner.
A good defensive step-up by Les George saw Jen Wilson intercept a loose pass and cross it to Kathleen Taylor, who was waiting at the far post. She made no mistake in finishing off a great move with a well-timed shot to make the score 2-0 in the 20th minute.
The next two goals came in quick succession with a good counter-attack from South Africa that led to a breakaway by Tarryn Bright and, after a nicely waited pass to Shelley Russel, Vida Ryan touched it in for the third goal (25th minute).
Seven minutes later the scorers were troubled again when Kate Hector scored her second goal after Kathleen Taylor slipped her a slick pass that Hector finished off without any trouble.
In the second half, the South African team maintained possession with only a few sporadic attacks by the Irish. The South Africans did well in the first half and capitalised on opportunities created, but the second half saw some eager attempts at goal and more determined defence by the Irish.
The South Africans will now have a short break before they leave for The Netherlands on Sunday where they compete in the Four Nations Women’s Trophy Hockey Tournament against the hosts, Britain and India. — Sapa