Words: Jonathan Cook | Photo: Ady Kerry
England won the Investec Cup match against the Investec South Africa women's hockey team 2-1 at London's national hockey stadium Thursday after leading 1-0 at half-time.
Investec SA will kick themselves for not converting the numerous chances they created.
England scored a minute before half-time (34th) via a brilliant solo goal by world-class forward Alex Danson, SA replied in the 47th with a superb backhand strike from the top of the strike zone by Illse Davids while nine minutes from the end (61st) Georgie Twigg nailed the winner for England from the penalty spot.
World number 6 England, with the win over SA and an 8-0 drubbing of Wales during the first round Wednesday, are through to Sunday's 6.15pm (SA time) final - and SA, who meet minnows Wales in the final round-robin match on Saturday, should be their opponents in the title match, this after SA had beaten Scotland 2-0 on day one Wednesday.
SA will again be looking to be looking for big performances against Wales from double Olympian Shelley Russell of Western Province and captain Marsha Cox of Southern Gauteng.
The SA men need to beat England, the world number 5, at 8.30pm SA time tonight to have a chance of reaching Sunday's men's event final which kicks off at 3.45pm SA time.
Interview with Shelley Russell
Interview with Marsha Cox
