Big win for hockey women

The New Zealand women’s hockey team moved into overdrive in beating South Africa 4-1 to book a semi-final spot.

After their 1-0 loss to Australia in the previous game, the New Zealanders looked as if they had a point to prove.

They were 3-0 up by quarter-time, with Tessa Jopp, Tyler Lench and Hope Ralph scoring within three minutes of each other. The fourth New Zealand goal was scored by Kaitlin Cotter near the end of the game.

New Zealand dominated the match, having 24 shots at goal to South Africa’s nine. New Zealand earned 17 penalty corners, South Africa five.

Megan Hull, the New Zealand co-captain, said there was “a lot of fire in the belly” after the Australia game. “We wanted to go out there and stamp our mark on the game.”

South Africa began full of intent, but New Zealand weathered an early storm and then attacked effectively.

“South Africa brought it to us and didn’t make it easy. I was proud of our girls’ ability to pass the ball well and finish of some good goals.”