Hockey: Defensive lapses hurt England
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A FAST and determined South African side exploited a series of England defensive mistakes to win the first Test of the three- match women's series in Cape Town 3-0 on Saturday. For England, who had started their three-week tour with two convincing wins against Western Province, it was a disappointing performance.
South Africa were off to a splendid start - taking the lead in the sixth minute when Karen Symonds slipped the ball under goalkeeper Jo Thompson after a breakaway. England pressed hard for the remainder of the first half, but failed to score from a string of penalty corners.
Brigitte Tullis, intercepting Jill Atkins's clearance two minutes into the second half, put South Africa further ahead. The home captain, Ros Howell, completed England's misery in the 50th minute, punishing Lisa Bayliss's defensive lapse for South Africa's third goal.
England's management must take much of the blame for the defeat having agreed to play the second game against Western Province at 7.15 the previous evening. Their manager, Jenny Cardwell, conceded: 'Obviously playing right before was not good preparation and we may need to think again about the rest of the programme.' The teams meet again in Port Elizabeth on Sunday.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments