SA win deciding hockey Test

Cape Town – South Africa clinched a 2-1 win in a highly entertaining match in their third and final hockey Test against Belgium despite star striker Greg Nicol being rested on Tuesday night.

South Africa won the first game of the three-match series but lost the second.

SA took control as the first half progressed. Veteran Wayne Denne starred in the midfield, and was almost rewarded when his fine shot was saved by goalkeeper Manu Leroy in the 26th minute.

The hardworking Belgian captain Xavier-Charles Letier almost scored when he intercepted a pass, but the teams, despite working hard, failed to break the deadlock.

The home side’s first penalty corner came in the 51st minute.

Leroy saved the shot after being cautioned for breaking early, and the Belgians came close to scoring as they swept upfield on the break.

SA took the lead in the 55th minute when Denne converted a penalty stroke after the ball hit a defender’s foot on the line. Two minutes later, Ian Hale cracked in a reverse stick shot after some fine work by the outstanding Clyde Abrahams.

With ten minutes reamining, home goalkeeper Chris Hibbert saved from a penalty corner and Belgium were unable to find the equaliser.

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