02-03-2010 SA Men defeated by England in 10 goal thriller

New Delhi, India
Day: 10
Tuesday, 2 March 2010
(Game 2, 16:35 GMT +3:30)

South Africa vs. England

South Africa started today?s game with the same line up as they did when they played Spain two days ago. An unusually hot today suited the South Africans who are used to hot, humid conditions.

We started well again today! We had moved on mentally from the discouraging result against Spain and came out all guns blazing. Reward was in store in just the 9 th minute. Justin Reid-Ross did well to eliminate two defenders and deliver the ball across the face of the goal for Marvin Harper to finish. Lapses in concentration and poor individual play (one of those being mine) led to England?s goals. However fought back again, this time it was Lloyd Norris-Jones who got the final touch.

Half time score 2-2.

The second half was all but over for us by the 53 rd minute. We allowed England to enter out circle at will and they neatly finished off three chances in 8 minutes. Despite the score line we are never a team to lower our intensity, or our belief, and we continued to try and get a goal back. Marvin Harper was at hand again to score from a fine infield run from Shanyl Balwanth. The goal was later announced as Goal of the Day by the local TV broadcaster. Marvin getting into an outstanding position to finish the far post backstick cross.

The games 10 th and final goal was scored by us, another ball played across the goal mouth by myself and finished off by Thornton McDade.

Final Score 4-6 (loss)

I?m frustrated that we haven?t yet been able to put 70 minutes of top class hockey together. Obviously at this level it takes mere seconds to score, and it means a momentary lapse in concentration leads to a chance for the opposing team. We need to reduce the number unforced individual errors if we are to improve our ranking.

The mood in the camp is positive though. The management,the team and I all know SA Men?s Hockey is moments away from achieving something new and special. We will continue to strive for that, and nothing less!

Other results from our Pool: Pakistan snuck a 2-1 win over Spain in the final minutes and Australia dominated India to win 5-2.

To see the after match video interview please click here!

 

Pool B standings after day 3 of the tournament