Ice-Cold but Valiant

The South African national ladies hockey team has had a torrid time of it in England, losing their first three matches in Division 3 of the International Ice Hockey Federation’s World Women Championships, currently being contested in Sheffield.

With two matches to come, the ladies will be disappointed with the margin of their losses against Australia (1-18), Korea (1-8), and Belgium (1-10), but will hold out hope for their two remaining matches.

The first to come will be a tough encounter on Friday 9 March against Great Britain, who have managed victories over Hungary (8-1) on Monday and Korea (10-1) yesterday, with a loss to Australia (5-6) in extra time on Tuesday, after the two teams played to a five-all draw at full time.

As hosts, Britain won’t be happy with their current third place on the log, but will take comfort in the fact that current log-leaders Belgium have played the weakest opposition for their three victories, and will hope to displace second-placed Australia by thrashing South Africa in tomorrow’s event.

Our ladies will have their hands full to defend against Britain’s forwards Beth Kavanagh and Laura Byrne, who have accounted for five of their team’s goals between them.

The South African team will face their final opposition on Saturday, when they have their best chance of a win against Hungary, who like the African team, have lost their three matches against Great Britain (1-8), Belgium (0-5) and Australia (1-3), and who lead South Africa on the leaderboard solely by virtue of having conceded less goals.

Struggling without goalie Angelique Otto, who is out with a neck injury, and following insufficient practice as a result of limited finances, coach Adele Kohlmeyer told gsport before the team departed of the several factors which combine to make this tournament difficult to compete in.

The local team will not progress past the Division III round-robin stage, but will be grateful for the opportunity to test themselves against some of the sternest international competition in the game.

All the action can be followed on the Division III web-page at the International Ice Hockey Federation’s website.