Argentina net ascendancy in test series
SA men's hockey team go down 4-2 to Argentina at the Riverside Sports Club.
THE South African men’s hockey team fought bravely but could not overcome a first half deficit going down to Argentina 4-2 at the Riverside Sports Club on Wednesday evening (11 December).
Argentina were the quicker out of the block and duly took a fifth minute lead through Pedro Ibarra from a penalty. A further field goal from Facundo Callioni (26th) and Lucas Vila (36th) saw the number 12th ranked team take a 3-0 lead.
South Africa’s reply was emphatic with two quick goals to Craig Haley and Durban North homeboy Taine Paton. However it was not to be for SA as a final goal from Juan Martin Lopez (67th) put the result beyond doubt.
SA have already qualified for next year’s World Cup finals in the Netherlands in May/June and it’s clear the SA brains trust are experimenting with different combinations before making a final decision on the final team.
In the second test match played at Kearsney College on Thursday (12 December), another Pedro Ibarra goal was enough to see off the SA team. The South American champions have been in good form against a relatively inexperienced team. However SA captain, Rhett Halkett believes his young charges can turn things around.
“It was a much tighter Test match and we produced a far better team performance. We created some good scoring opportunities and were sharper in defence. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get the result we felt we deserved but that is how narrow the margin is on the international stage. This young group is learning quickly and we are improving with every game,” he said.
