“We expected a hard match against Poland, and it was so. Am happy we could finish off well, and came out with three points”, said South African coach Giles Bonnett, soon after the African champions narrowly defeated Poland 2-1.

kate Woods, who scored the first goal through one of the five penalty corners was almost in sync with the coach. She too said they expected a tough match.

“We don’t underestimate any team here. We haven’t played at all against Poland in my long hockey career”.

The veteran of 160 matches is happy her goal helped SA to win the match.

Its is grounder off the penalty corner, good it reached home”, she said.