Hockey women lose to ruthless Germany
THE South African women’s hockey team lost 6-2 to clinical Germany in their London Cup bronze medal match in the English capital yesterday.
The Germans, who are third in the world, scored through Natascha Keller, Kristina Hillman, Julia Muller, Janine Beermann (2) and Katharina Otte.
South Africa found the net with Dirkie Chamberlain and world record scorer Pietie Coetzee.
South Africa, who are 12th in the rankings, carried their chances in the encounter but were overdone by a master class in finishing and sound defensive play from the Europeans.
The half-time score was 2-1 to Germany with their goals coming from a Keller penalty corner and Hillman’s field goal.
Sandwiched in between the 10-minute goal fest was Chamberlain’s goal after having pounced on Coetzee’s initial strike.
While SA continued to conjure up a steady supply of goal opportunities after the changeover, they only had Coetzee’s 241st goal in 245 Test matches to show for it.
The Germans replied with four goals in a 19-minute period.
Preparations
Despite the result, SA’s assistant coach, Fabian Gregory, still praised the display as the team wound down preparations ahead of the London Olympic Games that start next month.
“We played very well against Germany in the first half today and while they got four goals in the second half, we had more goal shots,” said Gregory.
“If we are more clinical in our finishing and defend well there is no reason why we can’t get a medal at the Olympics.
“I am happy with what we achieved and am excited about what we can still achieve in the build-up to the Games.”
The side’s captain, Marsha Marescia, was named Player of the Tournament at the conclusion of the event after Hol- land beat Australia 4-1 in the final.
The South African players will now go into a three-week physical training programme in Cape Town and Johannesburg bases before returning to Europe early next month.
They will play two unofficial Test matches apiece against Holland and Great Britain before a four-nation event in Germany.
It will feature the hosts and fellow Olympic gold medal hopefuls New Zealand and Belgium. – Sapa