Scotland in eight goal thriller in opening test against South Africa

Scotland Senior Women were involved in an exciting opening test match against South Africa in Pretoria this evening, unfortunately on the wrong side of an eight goal thriller at the
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).
Ailsa Wylie, Catriona Ralph and Nikki Lloyd were the Scottish goal-scorers in a 5-3 defeat but Scotland Senior Women Head Coach Gordon Shepherd remarked, “It was a mixed performance tonight, losing by two goals. However, some great hockey was played and there are areas to work on. A quick recovery will be need with another match tomorrow.”
Wylie opened the scoring for the Scots after only 43 seconds when Vikki Bunce cracked in an accurate cross from the left wing, to which the Grove Menzieshill striker got the vital touch past home goalkeeper Anelle van Deventer.
However, South Africa were back on level terms in the fifth minute, as Illse Davids slotted the ball home to make it 1-1.
Vice-captain Ralph almost put Scotland ahead in the 16th minute after her shot from the edge of the circle was brilliantly saved by Van Deventer, stretching far to her right.
The home side found themselves in the lead six minutes later courtesy of a stunning Candice Manuel strike that found the back of the net, giving the South Africans a 2-1 advantage.
Shortly before half-time, Lilian Du Plessis made room for herself before smashing a beautiful backhand that thudded into the backboard to give her side a 3-1 lead at the interval.
Despite being two goals down, Scotland refused to let despondency get in the way and got themselves back on parity with two goals in a minute during the second period. Ralph registered on the scoresheet in the 47th minute before Lloyd made it 3-3 in the 48th minute.
South Africa missed a chance from the penalty spot when Du Plessis’ effort brought a fine save out of in-form Scotland goalkeeper Nicola Cochrane low to her right.
The last ten minutes saw a strong-finishing South Africa pile on the pressure, Davids and Manuel combining for Du Plessis to make the score 4-3 in the 60th minute.
SA settled the game five minutes from the end when Celia Evans showed tenacity to keep control under immense pressure before firing past Cochrane to leave the final score at 5-3.

Scotland Senior Women were involved in an exciting opening test match against South Africa in Pretoria this evening, unfortunately on the wrong side of an eight goal thriller at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).

Ailsa Wylie, Catriona Ralph and Nikki Lloyd were the Scottish goal-scorers in a 5-3 defeat but Scotland Senior Women Head Coach Gordon Shepherd remarked, “It was a mixed performance tonight, losing by two goals. However, some great hockey was played and there are areas to work on. A quick recovery will be need with another match tomorrow.”

Becky Ward v SA

(Scotland’s Becky Ward closes in on SA striker Tanya Britz during the first Test at Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria)

Wylie opened the scoring for the Scots after only 43 seconds when Vikki Bunce cracked in an accurate cross from the left wing, to which the Grove Menzieshill striker got the vital touch past home goalkeeper Anelle van Deventer.

However, South Africa were back on level terms in the fifth minute, as Illse Davids slotted the ball home to make it 1-1.

Vice-captain Ralph almost put Scotland ahead in the 16th minute after her shot from the edge of the circle was brilliantly saved by Van Deventer, stretching far to her right.

The home side found themselves in the lead six minutes later courtesy of a stunning Candice Manuel strike that found the back of the net, giving the South Africans a 2-1 advantage.

Shortly before half-time, Lilian Du Plessis made room for herself before smashing a beautiful backhand that thudded into the backboard to give her side a 3-1 lead at the interval.

Despite being two goals down, Scotland refused to let despondency get in the way and got themselves back on parity with two goals in a minute during the second period. Ralph registered on the scoresheet in the 47th minute before Lloyd made it 3-3 in the 48th minute.

South Africa missed a chance from the penalty spot when Du Plessis’ effort brought a fine save out of in-form Scotland goalkeeper Nicola Cochrane low to her right.

The last ten minutes saw South Africa pile on the pressure, Davids and Manuel combining for Du Plessis to make the score 4-3 in the 60th minute.

They. settled the game five minutes from the end when Celia Evans showed tenacity to keep control under immense pressure before firing past Cochrane to leave the final score at 5-3.

News Credit: Jonathan Cook

Photo Credit: REG CALDECOTT

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