A determined Dutch team gained a measure of revenge for the 5-5 draw against the Investec South Africa women's hockey team on Tuesday when they beat the girls in green and gold 5-1 in the second international amidst thick mist at Arnhem in Holland Wednesday.
The home side led 3-0 at half-time following a penalty corner from Maartje Paumen and field goals from Kitty van Male and Elen Hoog while SA were somewhat unfortunate that North West striker Sulette Damons's shot from field play hit the post and stayed out.
An SA side that included dynamic midfielder and 2011 SA Player of the Year Tarryn Bright of Western Province, enjoyed a much better second half and in-form Western Province forward Kathleen Taylor narrowed the margin via a field goal and was unlucky with another effort but Wednesday's Dutch squad demonstrated why their country is considered the world's top women's hockey nation with further goals from Daphne van der Velden and Ellen Hoog for the 5-1 victory.
SA and Southern Gauteng captain Marsha Marescia's Investec South Africa national side travel to Argentina early next month for two 4 Nations tournaments that includes hosts Las Leonas, the world's second-ranked team, before returning to SA for a marathon 16 Tests at Randburg Hockey Stadium in Johannesburg against Spain, Ireland and Belgium, beginning on January 15 and ending on February 6.
The SA national line-up then move to New Delhi in India for the all-important London 2012 Olympic Games Qualifier tournament against the likes of host nation India and other Olympic hopefuls, the Delhi competition taking place from February 15 to 26.
Head coach Giles Bonnet's African champions must win this tournament if they hope to book a berth in the four-yearly Olympic showpiece that will be taking place in London in July/August next year.
Netherlands v South Africa 5-1 (3-0)
14. 1-0 Maartje Paumen (PC)
20. 2-0 Kitty Van Male
26. 3-0 Ellen Hoog
37. 3-1 Kathleen Taylor
51. 4-1 Daphne van der Velden
60. 5-1 Ellen Hoog
