New Delhi:
Georgie Twigg scored the match-winning goal as England defeated South Africa 1-0 to clinch the Commonwealth Games women's hockey bronze medal on Wednesday.
It was the second bronze in a row for England, the world number five, after having finished third in the 2006 Melbourne Games.
South Africa, ranked number 12, failed to break their medal duck at the Games.
The South Africans proved to be quite a handful for their fancied rivals as they constantly tested the England defence with their threatening counter moves in the tie played in blistering heat at the Major Dhyan Chand stadium.
They forced six penalty corners early in the first half, four of them in succession, but were unable to convert any, thanks to a stout England defence and plucky goalkeeper Beth Storry.
England then stepped up their attacks and found immediate success when a cross from full-back Crista Cullen was netted in by Twigg in the 13th minute.
"I am thrilled to score that goal," said Twigg. "They fought hard but we were solid in our defence. We are pleased to come away with the bronze in the end.
"It was disappointing to lose the semi-final (against Australia) but we had to move on and focus on winning today's game. We knew we would have to work hard for it in this heat. We now know how hard we can push ourselves."
The South Africans tried to fight back in the second-half but their main striker Pietie Coetzee squandered a couple of golden chances to convert penalty corners.
South African defender Lenise Marais said it was just not their day.
"We are disappointed with the result," she said. "We played really well but were unlucky. We had our chances to get it into the box but sometimes things just didn't go your way. We gave it our all but they got a good first one.
"Overall, we are happy with our fourth-place finish because there were some really good teams out there."
It was the second bronze in a row for England, the world number five, after having finished third in the 2006 Melbourne Games.
South Africa, ranked number 12, failed to break their medal duck at the Games.
The South Africans proved to be quite a handful for their fancied rivals as they constantly tested the England defence with their threatening counter moves in the tie played in blistering heat at the Major Dhyan Chand stadium.
They forced six penalty corners early in the first half, four of them in succession, but were unable to convert any, thanks to a stout England defence and plucky goalkeeper Beth Storry.
England then stepped up their attacks and found immediate success when a cross from full-back Crista Cullen was netted in by Twigg in the 13th minute.
"I am thrilled to score that goal," said Twigg. "They fought hard but we were solid in our defence. We are pleased to come away with the bronze in the end.
"It was disappointing to lose the semi-final (against Australia) but we had to move on and focus on winning today's game. We knew we would have to work hard for it in this heat. We now know how hard we can push ourselves."
The South Africans tried to fight back in the second-half but their main striker Pietie Coetzee squandered a couple of golden chances to convert penalty corners.
South African defender Lenise Marais said it was just not their day.
"We are disappointed with the result," she said. "We played really well but were unlucky. We had our chances to get it into the box but sometimes things just didn't go your way. We gave it our all but they got a good first one.
"Overall, we are happy with our fourth-place finish because there were some really good teams out there."
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