Women’s Hockey team fares well against top-ranked England
October 6, 2010
By: Yan Huckendubler
The Canadian women’s field hockey team produced a strong effort against the top-ranked English team, scoring the first goal to finally lose 1-4. England finished on the podium of the World Cup, played mid-September in Argentina, and is widely favourite to win the gold here in Delhi.
England started at full speed and Canadian goal-keeper Azelia LIU was called into action twice in the first minute of play, but it is Canada who drew first blood, forcing a penalty-stroke in the 4th minute on a decisive effort by Kate GILLIS. Diana ROEMER did not miss the opportunity to open the scoring, with her second penalty-stroke of the competition. England immediately launched a full scale siege of the Canadian camp but Canada, although reduced to ten players after a weird yellow card to Katie BAKER, did wonders to protect their goal, saving four penalty-corners in a row (one with the help of the crossbar).
Canada could not get out of their defensive zone and England finally levelled the score in the 19th minute on yet another penalty-corner, deflected high in net just in front of the goal-keeper. England was controlling the flow of play with their crisp wide passes, making the Canadian players run a lot in the scorching Delhi heat. Nevertheless, the Canadian women ended the period with a strong spell, even forcing a penalty-corner of their own, but to no avail.
England started the second period with a spectacular goal scored with a reverse-shot in a narrow angle and widened the gap in the 48th minute on another field goal, leaving the Canadian women with a steep hill to climb to come back in the game. The last fifteen minutes of the match were fairly equally matched, with some chance at both ends and England only managing their fourth goal in the last minute of play.
“We played a more structured game today and were better at keeping possession,” said coach Louis Mendonca, “We are still lacking experience to recognize quickly enough when the opponent switches tactics, and react accordingly.”
This game was special for young Canadian player Abigail RAYE: born in England, she started playing hockey over there, in the same club as Kate Walsh, current Captain of the English team. She even received a club award as “Most Improved Junior Player” from her. At the end of today’s game, Abigail was ecstatic to be able to chat for a while with her former club mate, who was surprised to see her again and commented positively on Canada’s performance of the day.
The Canadian women’s team plays their next game on Friday against Wales.
For more information on the Canadian field hockey teams at the 2010 Commonwealth in Delhi, please contact Yan Huckendubler, Press Attaché, at +91 78-3850-3722.
Canada vs. England: 1-4 (1-1)
CAN 4mn Diana ROEMER (PS) 1:0
ENG 19mn (PC) 1:1
ENG 39mn (FG) 1:2
ENG 48mn (FG) 1:3
ENG 68mn (PC) 1:4
Canada: Kate GILLIS, Katie COLLISON, Ali LEE, Stephanie JAMESON, Thea CULLEY, Stephanie NESBITT, Katie BAKER, Abigail RAYE, Diana ROEMER, Robyn PENDLETON, Tyla FLEXMAN, Samantha SMITH, Kristine WISHART, Anna KOZNIUK, Azelia LIU (GK)
DNP: Amanda STONE (GK)
Link to the FHC Commonwealth Games Page
