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World Hockey

South Africa took the lead at Rabobank Champions Challenge by defeating Spain 2-0 – Japan and New Zealand each celebrated their first victory on day two of the tournament hosted in Virginia Beach.

By two goals from Toshie Tsukui, Japan gain the lead in the first half of their match against England.

Japan also dominated the second half of this match and enlarged their leadership at the 48th minute by a PC goal from Mayumi Ono. Following a free hit at the english circle Miyuki Nakagawa scored the final result at the 60th minute.

England didn’t have much to oppose to the fast game of the Japanese Team. Japan won deservedly 4-0.

Today’s second game won South Africa 2-0 over Spain. With this victory South Africa assumes the leadership, as it is the only team having won both matches.

South Africa took the lead after 21 minutes with a PC goal by Jen Wilson. She deflected Kate Hector’s hit and let no chance to the Spanish defense. Pietie Coetzee, who already scored in the first game, shot game’s last goal with a PC in the 67th minute.

In today’s last match New Zealand celebrated their first victory in this tournament. They defeated USA 2-1. Consequently host USA is still waiting for their first points.

This match was already decided within the first eight minutes. New Zealand assumed their leadership in the 2nd minute when Jaimee Provan could hit the ball straight into the goal among a scramble of players in front of the cage and enlarged it by a PC goal from Suzie Muirhead. The following time was dominated by a tigh defense and a midfield powerplay from both teams.

After several PC’s, USA finally got the ball into the goal of Anita Wawatai. It was Tiffany Snow scoring, in a moment when the PC already seemed over.

Sunday is a rest day at Rabobank Champions Challenge. Next games on Monday 11 July are Spain v New Zealand at 18:00 and Japan v USA at 20:00.

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