Defending champions Great Britain clawed debutants South Africa 4-1 in a show off superiority in their drive towards winning the Sultan of Johor Cup.

The Britons, who won the title in 2015, 2018 and 2019, were clinical in their approach for goals early in the proceedings and took a 4-1 lead by the end of the second quarter.  

Alex Pendle fired Great Britain ahead in the 12th minute from a field goal, but the South Africans came marching back three minutes later through a Niel Raath goal in similar to level score at 1-1.

Goals by Fraser Heigh in the 19th minute, and a brace from Rory Penrose penalty corner strikes in the 20th and 29th minutes lsnuffed out the South African challenge as Great Britain sealed a 4-1 lead going into the third quarter.

Making their debut in this 10th edition of the SOJC, the South Africans got off on an aggressive motion and showed the fans they have what it takes to give the big guns a run for their money.

As the minutes ticked away and the South African desperation grew, Great Britain continued to dominate the third and fourth quarters although South Africa had three muffed penalty corners.