On day 2 of the BDO Champions Challenge I Women in Cape Town, New Zealand won their first match of the competition against Spain, Azerbaijan and Chile split points in a nil all draw, and South Africa surprised Japan to book their place in the medal round pool.
The day’s opener saw New Zealand enter the competition after not coming into action on day 1, and the Kiwis entered with a splash. In a high energy game that saw every ball fiercely contested, New Zealand put forward the more structured team performance, which took them to a 3-0 win and tournament favorite status.
Laying the foundation for victory in the first half, the Black Sticks scored on two penalty corners out of five through Kayla Sharland and Clarissa Eshuis, while Spain had seven corners without converting a single one. After halftime, play resumed with the same intensity as before, and for a moment, it seemed like Spain was going to get back into the game. The Iberians attacked aggressively and had a few opportunities, but they paid for their forward drive with another goal conceded as Anita Punt finished off a counter-attack with New Zealand’s goal no. 3.
For the remainder of the match, Spain fought to salvage some pride, but they could not create any real danger, while New Zealand had a few opportunities to inflict more damage. The scoreline stayed where it was, and New Zealand went into the changeroom with a 3-0 win under their belts.
Next up, Azerbaijan took on Chile. After locking each other down in a stalemate in the first half, Chile picked up momentum in the second half but struggled with too many unforced errors again and could not find the net. They had a good grip on the match, and it looked like it was a question of time until they scored but heavy rain cut their plight short. With 5:42 on the clock, play was suspended, and when the encounter continued 45 minutes later, Chile were still the superior side but had lost enough steam for Azerbaijan to hold on to the draw and one point.
Last but not least, finishing off the second round of matches, South Africa played Japan in the evening game. In an entertaining match which saw expectations formed after yesterday’s performances fly out the window, South Africa was the stronger team throughout the 70 minutes and claimed a deserved victory which sees them through to the medal round pool C, giving the crowds that had weathered the heavy rain to cheer for the home team ample reason to celebrate.
Jen Wilson opened the scoring with a penalty corner deflection in the 12th minute, but Japan pulled even less than a minute later thorugh Mazuki Arai. In the following open battle, South Africa was the more dangerous team, especially on quick breaks, but they could not capitalize on their opportunities until Miyuki Nakagawa picked up a yellow card, leaving Japan a player short. South Africa jumped at the opportunity and won and sank another penalty corner.
In the second half, South Africa got off to a flying start with a superb field goal from the edge of the circle by Farah Fredericks. They piled on yet another, through a Kate Woods penalty corner goal, before Japan finally brought out a few valiant attempts in the dying minutes of the match. Their efforts yielded Mazuki Arai’s second goal of the day, but it was too little too late, and South Africa happily celebrated their passage into the medal round.
After the second day of competition of matches, South Africa thus top pool A on six points, with Japan following on three points, while Chile and Azerbaijan follow on one point each. In pool B, New Zealand lead on goal difference, followed by Spain who also boast three points, while Italy follows in third place.
After tomorrow’s rest day, the tournament will resume on Wednesday. Japan and Chile open the afternoon, followed by the encounter between Italy and New Zealand, while South Africa will be taking on Azerbaijan in the final match of the day.
New Zealand – Spain 3:0 (2:0)
2′ NZL – Kayla SHARLAND (PC)
21′ NZL – Clarissa ESHUIS (PC)
50′ NZL – Anita PUNT (FG)
Azerbaijan – Chile 0:0 (0:0)
South Africa – Japan 4:1 (2:1)
12′ RSA – Jennifer WILSON (PC)
13′ JPN – Mazuki ARAI (FG)
29′ RSA – Tarryn Bright (PC)
36′ RSA – Farah FREDERICKS (FG)
57′ RSA – Kate WOODS (PC)
68′ JPN – Mazuki ARAI (FG)
