Women’s Team Captures First Win Of Commonwealth Games

October 8, 2010

The Canadian women’s field hockey team scored two goals in the last two minutes of play to beat Wales 2-1 in a dramatic finish.

Canada started the game well, pushing Wales on their heels. They maintained the pressure high on the Welsh defense but could not penetrate the circle in good shooting position. The Welsh team was defending patiently, only going forward on occasional counter-attacks.

There were no real chances at either end for the first twenty minutes of play, then Wales started pushing more and Azelia LIU was called into action multiple times. She could not prevent a goal from a Welsh forward arriving alone in front of her in the 30th minute after a long run that split the Canadian defense.

Canada survived a penalty-corner early in second period, then immediately rushed forward to try and level the game, but could not generate any dangerous opportunity. Their best chance was on a penalty-corner and on the following rebound, but to no avail. They kept pushing and pushing, even when playing short because of a yellow card but, despite having 80% of the ball possession, could still not beat the compact Welsh defense.

The minutes were ticking down too fast for comfort and the situation seemed desperate, when Katie BAKER received in the circle a free hit played quickly by Abigail RAYE. She unleashed an instant shot that left no chance to the Welsh goalkeeper to secure the precious equalizer.

The Canadian players did not waste any time celebrating and were back before the Welsh had realized what was happening. Robyn PENDLETON penetrated the circle and beat the stunned Welsh goalkeeper. Soon the crowd was counting down the seconds and the Canadian women started dancing joyfully, to the laud applause of an audience that obviously enjoyed the dramatic finish.

The Canadian women’s team plays their next game on Saturday against New Zealand, unbeaten so far in the competition.

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. Wales: 2-1 (0-1)

WAL  30mn  (FG)  0:1 

CAN   68mn  Katie BAKER (FG)  1:1

CAN   70mn  Robyn PENDLETON (FG)  2:1

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),