Ireland (0) 0 South Africa (1) 1

Ireland played South Africa today in the first game of the Tri Nations series between South Africa, Belgium and Ireland. The only goal of the game was scored from a penalty corner in the 6th minute through Pietie Coetzee trademark drag flick. The first half did not see much goal mouth action with Ireland's best chance in the dying moments after great cross from Emma Clarke just evaded the diving Connery.

Ireland came out of the traps fast after the break but South African defence could not be penetrated. Ireland conceded some soft penalty corners but each one was well defended (5 in total in 2nd half). Ireland had their 1st corner of the game in the 57 minute but Sargent's strike was well saved. Ireland forced another PC in the 61st minute but a mistrap saw the chance go a begging. Heavy downpour slowed down the pitch considerably in the final 7 minutes making conditions very difficult for both teams.

After the game Irish Coach Gene Muller said "we improved from last nights performance, we were defensively very good and created some quality chances it was a tight and physcially demanding match"

Ireland have a rest day tomorrow whilst South Africa play Belgium at 12noon (Irish Time). Next up for Ireland on Monday at 5pm Irish Time v Belgium