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Namibia win series after battling win 

Jerrica Bartlett in action for Namibia against Croatia. Photo: Helge Schütz

Namibia’s women’s indoor hockey team beat Croatia 4-1 on Wednesday evening to win their series 2-0.

In a hard-fought, physical encounter, Namibia held a narrow 1-0 lead at halftime, but their constant pressure told after the break as they ran out comfortable winners. 

Two goals by Danja Meyer and one each by Marika Neethling and Azaylee Philander completed a commanding victory. 

In a tight first half, Danya Meyer, Kiana Cormack and Jivanka Kruger launched some attacks for Namibia, but Croatia’s defence stood firm and they had a great opportunity to open the scoring when they won a penalty for an infringement at the end of the first quarter. Namibian keeper Petro Stoffberg however brought off a stunning save to deny Lucija Cepo.

The intensity picked up in the second quarter as both sides battled fiercely for possession, but Namibia stuck to their guns and created more chances. Cormack put Jivanka Kruger through on goal but Croatia’s keeper Nicole Stepic saved well, while Azaylee Philander also shot into the side netting.

Croatia missed a second opportunity when they couldnt convert a short corner and Namibia made them pay just before halftime when Danja Meyer stabbed home a Tara Myburch cross. 

Myburgh had a great chance to increase the lead early in the third quarter when she only had the goalie to beat but Stepic brought off a reflex save.

That was not too costly though as Namibia won a short corner soon after and Marika Neethling scored to put them 2-0 ahead.

Cormack had a shot saved while at the other end Jaime Henckert brought off a fine save to deny Viktoria Somin.

Croatia increased their attacks in a frantic fourth quarter but Henckert once again saved well to deny Katharina Wenserski early in the fourth quarter.

Croatia won a second penalty after a Cepo attack but they were once again wasteful as Petra Hrupec’s shot went over the crossbar.

Cormack also missed a short corner shortly after, when her shot was deflected away, but Meyer put Namibia 3-0 ahead with a great flick from the edge of the box. 

Croatia opened their account with a fine solo goal by Wenserski, but Namibia had the final say when they exploited a Croatian quandary. They had already taken their goalie off for an extra outfield player, but then had a player sent off for an infringement and with their goal wide open, Cormack quickly passed to Philander who put the ball into an empty net. 

It sealed a dominant performance which will boost Namibia’s confidence going into the World Cup. 

They leave for Porec on Thursday and play one more warm-up game against the United States on Friday, before the Indoor Hockey World Cup starts on Monday, 3 February. 

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