Delhi2010 – Hockeyroos Qualify for Gold Medal Match
A 38th minute strike from Hockeyroos captain Madonna Blyth was all that separated Australia and England in today’s semi final in New Delhi.
With a slender 1-0 advantage, Australia produced a back to the wall defensive effort at the death as England pushed forward at will in the search for an equalizer that would have brought extra time.
The first half was a tense affair, with both sides evidently pensive, not wanting to risk too much nor make a crucial mistake with the match a knockout affair with the winner taking all, with the prize a position in the gold medal match.
With chances at a premium Australia received a penalty corner in the 38th minute, and Blyth sent the ball past English keeper Beth Storry to give the Hockeyroos the all important lead.
With the Commonwealth Games the last tournament for Australian coach Frank Murray – after he announced his resignation – the team pulled together and ensured his tenure will bow out with the very least a silver medal, with the Hockeyroos now scheduled to face the winner of the other semi final between New Zealand and South Africa.
Four AIS-WAIS scholarship holders were in action for Australia against England, with Shelly Liddelow, Fiona Boyce, Ashleigh Nelson and Jayde Taylor all helping the Hockeyroos through to Wednesday’s gold medal play-off.