South Africa

By Karien Jonckheere

South African women's hockey team coach Jenny King describes herself as an eternal optimist.

"But getting to the final with a game in hand - I couldn't have imagined that in my wildest dreams," she admitted yesterday after her team's 1-0 victory over New Zealand in the Champions Challenge.

Speaking from Virginia Beach in California, King explained that her side had dominated the first half, with Tarryn Bright scoring from a field goal in the sixth minute.

"They came out hard in the second half but we saved a ball off the line about half way through. It was a brilliant diving save from Lindsey Carlisle and I think the team fed off that," added the coach.


King said the side were confident going into their final pool game against England today, but they would rest key players as the result of the match was immaterial.

"We won't have the best 11 on the whole time, but we also don't want to lose the game and be on a downer before Saturday's final," she said.

England, New Zealand and Japan are now in a race for the other place in the final.

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