The Irish girls defeated South Africa in Wednesday’s 5th place playoff. Team South Africa has lost the sixth match in a row and finishes last. The round-robin match between Ireland and South Africa had ended 1-0.

Ireland started off very well and took the lead in the 5th minute when Kathryn MULLAN benefitted from the great work done by her team-mate Leah EWART. She brought the ball into the circle and passed it to the unmarked MULLAN who scored. South Africa became dangerous with two penalty corners but Keisha ARNOLDS and Quanita BOBBS were denied. MULLAN doubled the Irish lead out of open play in the 15th minute.

South Africa became stronger after Jacinta JUBB cut the lead in half. This was South Africa’s second goal in this tournament; their first one was also scored by JUBB in the match versus Korea. They won two more penalty corners but both shots were saved by the Irish goalkeeper Jenna HOLMES. The crowd did not see much action in the circles in the second half. It took up to the 56th minute until Ireland scored again. Katherine MORRIS won a penalty corner and MULLAN took the shot which was saved by the South African goalkeeper Phumelela MBANDE. The rebound landed in front of team-captain EWART who did not hesitate and smashed the ball into the goal.

Both teams went on a lap of honour after the match and the spectators cheered.

Ireland v South Africa 3-1 (2-1)
1-0 5′ Kathryn MULLAN (FG)
2-0 15′ Kathryn MULLAN (FG)
2-1 21′ Jacinta JUBB (FG)
3-1 56’ Leah EWART (PC)