The SPAR South African Indoor Hockey Womens side completed their FIH Indoor World Cup campaign with a match against Australia to decide their 9th place.
After a cagey first 10 minutes neither side was able to score with the African champions arguably creating slightly more. And it was that upper hand that saw the South African’s open the scoring. A free flowing counter attacking move ended with Laylaa Davids firing in at the near post to open the scoring.
The South Africans would double the scoring from a penalty corner finished off with a strong flick from Malikah Hamza. On the stroke of half time the Africans made it 3-2 as a slip pass to Jess Lardant was enough to put the ladies in green and gold in control at the half time break.
In the second half a tactical switch from Australia caused the South Africans a few problems and they scored a quick double through Jamie Zimmerman and Caitlin Burns to create some nerves.
The South Africans themselves adjusted and despite some pressure from the Australian the chances were limited while still creating chances. The fire had gone from the game and South Africa saw out the game to confirm a ninth place finish in the FIH World Cup.
It was a tough group stage for the South Africans that saw them consigned to the 9-12 bracket, the team has brought two good performances to end as high as possible in the tournament.
by South Africa
