South Africa: French hockey men hit back  x2
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| South Africa |
April 19, 2005
News24, South Africa
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The touring French hockey team hit back here on Tuesday against South Africa Under-21 with a 4-1 win in their second friendly.
The French are to meet South Africa here in a two Test series on Saturday and Sunday.
Having gone down 3-2 to SA Under-21 on Monday, the French, bolstered by six new players, meant business in the first half and in no time were two goals up from a short corner rebound and field goal by Matthew Durchon.
A third goal by Durchon following a dummied pass from Nicolas Monnier into the circle saw France streak ahead and with seven minutes remaining in the half Julien Boyer added the fourth from a pass by Monnier.
The SA Under-21 side were completely outplayed in the opening 35 minutes. They allowed the French to close them down, hung onto the ball and passes under pressure were poor.
Their best scoring chance came when a diving Marvin Harper failed to latch onto a pass from Michael Kruger across the goalmouth.
It was different story after the break. After pulling back an early goal following a terrific shortcorner flick by PG Geldenhuys, the South Africans created numerous chances.
Wayne Madsen shot high and Austin Smith's field attempt sailed wide and near the end, a feeble penalty flick by Madsen, after Leroy Phillips was brought down, was saved by keeper Julien Thamin.
Had been unlucky at times
The card count was shared with the yellow presented to two players from each side.
Despite the win, French coach Bertrand Reynaud wasn't happy, saying the South Africa had been unlucky at times.
"We were forced to use too many players which upset our rhythm but it was a good training match," he said.
SA Under-21 coach Mark Hensburg said his side were far more competitive in the second half.
"It's a learning experience for them and I'm satisfied with our second half performance.
"We played three new players but it's about making progress with each game,'' he said.
The two meet in their third and final friendly on Thursday.
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