Hats off to hockey women

THE South African women’s hockey team were outstanding in defeating Ireland 4-0 after leading 1-0 at half time in the World League in Valencia, Spain, yesterday to finish in seventh position.

South Africa opened the scoring when a Lisa Deetlefs penalty corner strike (PC) was deflected with pinpoint precision high into the net by Candice Manuel.

Ireland coach Darren Smith said South Africa had improved with every game, borne out by the fact that they had lost 4-1 to the Irish on the opening day.

South Africa were physically stronger than Ireland on a very hot day and head coach Sheldon Rostron’s half-time wish for a repeat performance in the second half came true.

The Irish won their first PC four minutes after half-time and Jade Mayne made a crucial save on the goalline from Megan Fraser’s drag-flick.

SA keeper Sanani Mangisa was excellent in saving from Katie Mullan.

Bernie Coston made a number of incisive breaks down the left and right flanks that put the Irish defence under huge pressure. Coston earned South Africa’s fourth PC and Deetlefs’ sizzling slap shot curved away from the keeper into the backboard for a score of 2-0 in the 43rd minute.

Lilian du Plessis made the game safe in the 62nd minute with a flashing reverse-stick shot into the top corner from the edge of the strike zone, and Kelly Madsen was superb in steering the ball over the goalline for the 4-0 score.

South Africa’s outside chance of qualifying for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games through the World League route was dealt a blow when they lost 2-0 to Spain on Saturday. A 2-0 defeat to the UK in the quarterfinals on Thursday dashed their chances of a semifinal berth.