Clinical Netherlands hand South Africa hockey lesson

South Africa were outclassed in their FIH Hockey Pro League clash against the Netherlands at  NWU Hockey Astro in Potchefstroom as the visitors were far too strong on the night. 

They ran out 11-1 winners after leading 4-1 at half-time.

The Netherlands dominated from the outset and opened the scoring in the 7th minute thanks to a penalty stroke from Tim Swaen. 

To their credit, South Africa fought back and were rewarded with an excellent goal from Nqobile Ntuli in the 20th minute as he guided a cross from the left-hand side past the Dutch keeper.

That's the closest South Africa got to the visitors as their more experienced counterparts started to take control.

By half-time they had added three more goals to their tally thanks to Thierry Brinkman, Derck de Vilder and Thijs van Dam.

In the third and fourth quarters, the flood gates opened and the Netherlands added seven more goals thanks to Jorrit Croon, Jip Janssen (2), Swaen, Koen Bijen, Brinkman and Tijmen Reyenga. 

On Wednesday, South Africa face India who beat France 5-1 in the early match. 

Congratulations to @oranjehockey who gave us a hot welcome to the FIH Pro League. We are grateful for the opportunity to be in the tournament and look forward to testing ourselves further as we progress! Photo - @FIH_Hockey @MarcelSigg #FIHProLeague #HockeyInvites pic.twitter.com/i2IzXGmYjC