Hook Hockey

Sargent bashes Ireland to SA victory

Women’s Senior International
South Africa 1 (Jade Mayne) Ireland 2 (Cliodhna Sargent 2)
Hard-hitting Cliodhna Sargent netted 43 seconds from time to hand Ireland their first ever victory over South Africa, winning their warm-up game at high altitude in Randburg. It was her second of the evening with Jade Mayne’s rebound the response from the home side who had gone unbeaten in four matches against Ireland in the past 18 months.

After just 20 seconds a Dirkie Chamberlain deflection off Marescia’s accurate free-hit brought a sharp save from Pamela Smithwick. In the 11th minute Ireland missed a great chance after a lapse in the SA defence.

Intelligent running into space and pinpoint passing saw Aine Connery, captain Alexandra Speers and Lisa Jacob combine beautifully at times and Ireland’s industry was eventually rewarded with Sargent’s goal from the match’s second penalty corner, which was only awarded on consultation between home umpire Annelize Rostron and Irish colleague Liz Clifford.

SA hit back immediately when the pressured Irish defence conceded a corner and Kim Hubach’s accurate flick was popped in off the pads by Mayne. The hosts tried the same slip-pass left of the castle with their second corner but the Irish side were wise to the move.

Three minutes after the break, Connery got in a crisp shot on the turn and four minutes later Audrey O’Flynn induced a stunning stick save from Sanani Mangisa, low to her right from Ireland’s third corner. Soon after, a marvellous run by Marsha Marescia set up Celia Evans but her shot was again blocked by Smithwick.

The action was intensely competitive with play transferring from one end of the pitch to the other in an instant and midway through the second half, Kathleen Taylor worked some magic up the right flank to earn SA’s third corner, Smithwick blocking a Lisa Deetlefs effort.

Ireland were forced to defend desperately at times, Emma Smyth sin-binned with seven minutes to go, as SA went in search of the lead but it was much the same at the other end with the odd goalmouth melee requiring scrambled defence, but with 43 seconds left Ireland’s industry paid off when Sargent smashed home her team’s fourth corner for the 2-1 victory.

Speaking about the tie, Gene Muller was pleased with his first victory over his native country: “This was a good start to our South African tour we performed well and stuck to the task especially in defence. We have had many close matches against South Africa in the past so this win was very satisfying for the team.”

Ireland face Belgium next up on Friday afternoon before beginning their Tri-Nations tournament a day later against South Africa once more.

Ireland: Pamela Smithwick (GK), Michelle Harvey, Cliodhna Sargent, Sinead McCarthy, Audrey O’Flynn, Emma Smyth, Emma Clarke, Shirley McCay, Lisa Jacob, Alex Speers, Aine Connery
Subs: Louisa Healy (GK), Miriam Crowley, Megan Frazer, Chloe Watkins, Lizzie Colvin

** Words courtesy of Jonathan Cook; pictures from Duif du Toit/Gallo Images