England played their opening match in the Investec Challenge when they met the hosts in Cape Town yesterday.
Taking the opportunity to rest many of the GB squad and blood some less experienced players, England struggled against a South African side who have been together for the last six weeks. Pietie Coetzee, South Africa's penalty corner specialist and world's top scorer, opened SA's account in the first five minutes and, with less than five minutes left to play, England were trailing 4-0. Canterbury's Dilly Newton, playing her first senior match for England, scored England's only goal of the match, which finished 4-1.
In the other match in this four-nation tournament, Australia drew against The Neherlands.
England squad in South Africa for Invesetc Challenge: Giselle Ansley, Laura Unsworth (both Louhgborough Students), Susie Gilbert, Sam Quek (both Reading), Sarah Haycroft (Surbiton), Beckie Herbert (Pinoke [Netherlands]), Maddie Hinch, Jo Hunter, Nic White (all Leicester), Jo Leigh (Clifton), Dilly Newton, Susannah Townsend (both Canterbury), Hollie Webb , Ellie Watson (both Beeston), Sophie Bray (MOP [Netherlands]), Steph Elliott (Uni of Durham), Lauren Turner (HDM [Netherlands]) and Kirsty Mackay (Bowdon Hightown).
England's next match is against The Netherlands today.
