The weather dictated what was set to be a heated encounter between the Spar SA and the Ireland women’s hockey teams at the astro-turf field at the University of Stellenbosch this Sunday.
The first half was dominated by the Spar SA ladies, who created numerous goal scoring opportunities, but they failed to capitalise, and the score line read 1-1 at the break.
The Irish ladies drew first blood, with a well taken reverse-stick goal by Rachel Mulligan after only 5min of play. Despite this early set back, the Spar SA ladies settled down and took control of the half.
After a few unconverted penalty corners, the Spar SA ladies struck in the 16th minute thanks to some great individual play by Lesle-Ann George from the right of midfield, which opened up Henna du Buisson on the edge of the circle, from where she slotted a crisply struck reverse stick into the top left corner to level the scores at one all.
The last 13min of the first half saw the Spar SA ladies pile on the pressure and resulted in regular goal scoring opportunities for the home side. Kathleen Taylor set Du Buisson up with a great one-on-one chance with the goal keeper 6min from the break, the Irish Keeper, Mary Goode, however moved smartly off her line to smother the shot and keep the Spar SA attack at bay.
The second half failed to deliver the same quality as the first half. It was rather a half characterised by the Spar SA ladies looking to force the initiative by relying on hopeful long balls through the middle, whilst the Irish were content to sit back and look to intercept and then counter attack with a quick break away.
The Irish patience paid dividends when they created a glorious opportunity on the break away with 10min remaining in the game. Spar SA goalkeeper, Mariette Rix, was up to the challenge and kept the Irish out with some composed defending.
This resulted in an opportunity for the Spar SA ladies to launch a counter attack of their own, and fortunately for the home side, Kathleen Taylor was on hand to score a well-taken goal for the South Africans, to give the Spar SA ladies a deserved 2-1 lead.
The game ended without much excitement, except for an opportunistic chance created by Shelley Russell when she dispossessed an Irish defender and forced a reflex save from the Irish keeper.
The Spar SA ladies will be happy with the victory after a disappointing series loss suffered against Great Britain recently, and the performances delivered by George, captain Marsha Marescia, and Taylor were positive.
This regular exposure to top-flight international hockey has certainly assisted the development of a youthful Spar SA team, and as individuals the players are reaping the benefits of being tested by international opposition on a regular basis.
However, the SA ladies will have to beware not to become complacent, as the game clearly showed that they will have to improve certain key areas in attack and defense, as well as their general composure should they wish to take any significant steps forward in their development as a team during this series featuring Ireland and Canada.
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