#Glasgow2014 Hockeyroos into Gold Medal Match

The Hockeyroos have advanced to the gold medal match of the 2014 Commonwealth Games after dismantling South Africa 7-1 in their semi final today at the Glasgow International Hockey Centre.

A tense opening 15 minutes was punctured by two goals to the Australians before half-time, before an eight minute spell early in the second half saw the Hockeyroos score three consecutive goals to stretch their advantage to five and end the match as a contest.

South Africa did manage a consolation goal but the Australians quickly answered with two more of their own to round out a 7-1 win and reinforce their status as gold medal favourites.

The Hockeyroos had made fast starts and goals from penalty corners fashionable in Glasgow, but against South Africa they registered neither. South Africa’s defence held firm early, and they managed to keep Australia scoreless from their three penalty corner attempts.

What they couldn’t counter however, was Australia’s attacking diversity and speed in transition, with the Hockeyroos sharing the scoring duties, with doubles to Georgie Parker and Kelly White, with singles to Georgia Nanscawen, Emily Smith and Jane Claxton.

Western Australian athletes Jayde Taylor and Ashleigh Nelson also played in the match for the Hockeyroos, who will now play the winners of the other semi final; England v New Zealand in Saturday’s gold medal match at 3.15am (Aug 3) Perth time.