WOMEN
Canada started their “Road to London” campaign against Italy, in the imposing Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi. Before the match, Krissy WISHART was honored for her 50th International Cap.
Italy started at full speed and forced a penalty-corner within 4 minutes of play. Agata WYBIERALSKA’s shot was nearly stopped by a Canadian on the post but trickled over the line to give an early lead, and the momentum, to the Italians.
The Canadians were shaken by this start but regained their composure after a few minutes and started to besiege the Italian circle. They were however nervous and scrambled a few chances, including a penalty-corner.
Both teams displayed a lot of activity in the remainder of the period but lacked rigour when entering the 25m to be really dangerous. Brienne STAIRS forced a penalty-corner for Canada in the final minute of the period but it fizzled out and Italy maintained their one-goal lead going into the break.
The Canadians combined well at the beginning of second period. Thea CULLEY received the ball in the circle at the end of a long sequence of passes, her first shot was stopped but she picked up the rebound and slotted a smashing reverse shot high in the net to tie the scoring.
Canada finally took the lead in the 61st minute by Brienne STAIRS, deflecting the ball in goal from close range after excellent work by Hannah HAUGHN to bring the ball in the circle.
Unfortunately, Italy came back immediately by Alessia Doriana PADALINO on a penalty-corner and the match ended on a tied score (2-2).
In this game, Stephanie JAMESON equaled the Canadian record of Caps (163), equaling Laurelee Kopeck’s tally established back in 2001.
MEN
Temperature had risen to mid-twenties for the first men’s game of the Hero FIH Road to London competition. Before the match, Scott TUPPER (Canada) was honored for his 150th International Cap, and Iain SMYTHE and Hudson STEWART for their 50th Cap.
Canada took control of the game early and were dangerous in the circle by Philip WRIGHT and Matthew GUEST. The Italians were pushed back on their heels and had to concede a penalty-corner on a good combination on the right involving Scott SANDISON, Mark PEARSON and Matthew GUEST. The initial shot was saved, but David JAMESON was on hand to pick up the rebound and opened the scoring for Canada.
The Canadians kept pushing and solidified their lead a few minutes later by Matthew GUEST, cleverly lobbing the Italian goalkeeper from a difficult angle. They increased the gap just before half-time by Rob SHORT, well position in the circle to pick up a ball on the run and slot it past Fabrizio FEDERIC in the Italian goal.
Canada kept working hard in second half despite their clear lead and added a goal early by Hudson STEWART. Italy reacted well for a moment, forcing a penalty-corner saved on the line by Rob SHORT, but they could not hold back the relentless attacks by the Canadians, who added 5 goals by Iain SMYTHE, Matthew GUEST, Rob SHORT (certainly in fine form in this match!), Phil WRIGHT and Scott TUPPER, for a comfortable victory (9-0).
Player of the Match was, not surprisingly, Rob SHORT of Canada.
