Three down and one to go as SA hockey team squares off against US

The South African men’s national hockey team pulled off a thrilling performance during their second test match against the defensive United States at Ashton College on Sunday afternoon.

The South African men won two – one with goals from Clinton Panther who scored during the second quarter of the first half and Keenan Horne who scored in the third quarter of the second half.

Aki Kaeppeler netted the consolation goal for the Americans, during the second half.

The Men’s Summer Series Hockey International is part of the preparation of the Olympics Games to be held in Tokyo this July.

The SA team won the first test match four – two on Saturday and their coach Garreth Ewing said they were excited to play in Ballito and said he was a bit disappointed with the scoring chances they missed.

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“I won’t be too hard on the boys, USA is a very good defensive side and to score two or more goals against them is not an easy job, credit must be given to the boys and I am happy with the win. We are still going to play against them on Tuesday afternoon – which has since seen SA claim victory – and the final game will be on Wednesday morning,” said Ewing.

He said they would have to be more efficient in the circles if they wanted to continue winning.

Ashton’s managing director Joe Erasmus said they were honoured to be hosting the Men’s Summer Series Hockey International at their campus.

“The astro was designed according to The International Hockey Federation (FIH) standards and is certified as a “Global” standard allowing Ashton to host international matches under the umbrella of the FIH and the South African Hockey Association,” said Erasmus.

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