Plenty of positives for SA women from win over Scots

ALTHOUGHshe failed to score, Shelley Russell celebrated her 250th cap for the South African women’s hockey side with a 2-1 win over Scotland at Hartleyvale Stadium last night.

Russell is a midfielder and the sister of former Springbok rugby player Brent.

Last night’s match was the first Test between the two nations in more than two years – but failed to attract as many spectators as attended the weekend’s games when SA suffered a 1-0 series loss to India.

Nevertheless, it was an entertaining clash and the hosts made a promising start with the opening goal scored in double-quick time from open play.

Candice Manuel was on the mark with a fine shot that left Scotland’s goalkeeper Siobhan Cowie well beaten.

SA, who are 11th on the world rankings, dominated proceedings against opponents five places below them. The Scots hardly posed a threat going forward in the first half, bar when they forced a penalty corner from which the resulting shot on goal went horribly wide.

Maybe the South Africans would have rightfully felt they deserved more for their efforts going into the break, such was the manner in which they controlled matters with their slick passing and interlinking.

The second half played out much the same way as the first, with the home side doubling their lead through hard-working substitute midfielder Tanya Britz, pictured above, with two minutes left in the third period. The goal was just reward for the gritty midfielder who was more than a handful for the opposition with her terrier-like approach.

It left the Scots, who were fielding several new caps in their matchday squad, with much to do in the last chukka.

They had some good moments, and captain Rebecca Merchant pulled one back five minutes from time. A strong finish saw Scotland come close to drawing level but for a poor shot that did not trouble home keeper Nicole la Fleur.

“I’m quite happy for the win,” said SA coach Sheldon Rostron. “There were plenty of positives… and more time as a squad together can only stand us in good stead for future endeavours.”