A wise man once told me “the best way to learn international hockey is to play it.” Having watched Danny Kerry’s new-look team take on Argentina and the Netherlands this past weekend, those words came back into my mind for the first time in years. Continue reading
I’m sure some of you have been wondering why the blog has been so quiet since the end of the Commonwealth Games. Usually, as we count down to the start of the domestic season I’d be doing interviews, features and previews ahead of the curtain-raiser on 13 September. Continue reading
England held their nerve to pick up the bronze medal with a dramatic shootout win over New Zealand. The sides had played out an entertaining 3-3 draw over 70 minutes but with Blair Hilton and Simon Child unable to convert their efforts in the shootout it was left to England’s Ashley Jackson to net the winner and give Bobby Crutchley’s side the win. Continue reading
Australia held their nerve to win the Commonwealth Games title with a dramatic shootout victory over England in Glasgow. Lily Owsley’s 48th minute strike had looked like it would be enough to give Danny Kerry’s team the win but Jodie Kenny’s leveller with seconds left on the clock took the game to a shootout which the Hockeyroos won 3-1. Continue reading
England rounded off their Commonwealth Games pool matches with a comfortable 3-1 win over Canada in Glasgow. A brace from Ashley Jackson and a strike by Captain Barry Middleton were enough to give Bobby Crutchley’s team the win despite Scott Tupper’s second half strike for the Canadians. Continue reading
Goals from Alex Danson and Susannah Townsend sent England through to the Commonwealth Games semi-finals but they were made to sweat on the win by a determined and spirited performance from Scotland. Roared on by the home crowd, the side ranked 16th in the world gave their illustrious old enemy a torrid time with an excellent second half but a combination of Maddie Hinch in the England goal and the home side’s failure to make their chances count meant they came up short, losing 2-1.
Simon Child’s splendid strike two minutes from time condemned England to a 2-1 defeat in a close fought game against New Zealand in Glasgow. With both sides unbeaten and favourites to progress to the semi-finals the match was all about securing the all-important top spot in the pool and avoiding a clash with world champions Australia. Continue reading
Australia maintained their 100% record in the Commonwealth Games with an impressive display to see off England with a 3-0 win. A brace from the in-form Jodie Kenny and an open play goal from Emily Smith did the damage as Adam Commens’ side made it four wins from four and no goals conceded so far in the competition. Continue reading
A stunning second half display from Bobby Crutchley’s England gave them their second win from two matches in the Commonwealth Games. The sides were level at one goal apiece at the break but a second half blitz saw off the challenge of Malaysia. Continue reading
England made it two wins from two with a comfortable 5-0 victory over a plucky, if uninspiring Malaysia side in Glasgow today. Goals from Ellie Watton, Giselle Ansley, Sophie Bray, Alex Danson and Hollie Webb were enough to get England the three points in a game which they dominated from start to finish. Continue reading
