Hockeyroos settle for silver at Birmingham Commonwealth Games

After looking dominant throughout the tournament, the Hockeyroos including WAIS graduates Aleisha Power, Karri Somerville, Penny Squibb, Shanea Tonkin and Georgia Wilson, have had to settle for silver after being unable to overcome hosts England in the gold medal match.

A scoreless opening quarter looked to indicate a close contest between the number three and four ranked teams in the world.

Scores were tied at the first break, before the hosts scored twice within three minutes in the second quarter. Leaving the Hockeyroos who had only conceded one goal in the tournament stunned.

The score remained 2-0 to England at the start of the final quarter with captain Jane Claxton nearly giving the Hockeyroos one goal back. The Hockeyroos continued to apply the pressure and Rosie Malone scored a late conciliation goal with 20 seconds to go in the game.

“The game didn’t go the way we wanted but the campaign and all that we have been through in this last seven and a half weeks on the road has been phenomenal,” said Hockeyroos Head Coach Katrina Powell.

“I am so proud of the players and how far we have progressed while we have been away.

“It’s important to also acknowledge that you win a silver medal. Competitions are really interesting in that you lose gold.

“We just won a bronze at the World Cup so we saw how much happier we were than the silver medallists… and I think you miss out on that fun, excitement, experience if you are not happy with winning silver.

“We have a really good base to go on from. I can see where we need to make improvements. We have learnt and progressed and one of the things we have learnt is that we are not quite there yet. That’s a powerful thing to know, that you are ok with where you are at but certainly not satisfied.”