Hockeyroos top Pool B with victory over Scotland
Published Wed 03 Aug 2022
The Hockeyroos have ended the pool stage and celebrated Madison Fitzpatrick’s 100th game with a 2-0 win over Scotland, their fourth straight triumph of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Goals from Grace Stewart and Shanea Tonkin and another clean sheet sees the Hockeyroos enter the semi finals as the top ranked team in Pool B and high on confidence and belief. Katrina Powell’s team have yet to concede a goal at the tournament.
As top of Pool B, the Hockeyroos will meet the second placed team from Pool A in the semi finals – either India or Canada on Friday.
Heading into the match knowing a draw or a win would guarantee top of the pool, the Hockeyroos started brightly, Mariah Williams in the action early as she had two shots saved by Scotland goalkeeper Nicola Cochrane and another that sailed wide.
Scotland’s chances were few and far between but they did force a stunning reflex save out of Jocelyn Bartram as the Hockeyroos remained on high alert.
The Hockeyroos were dominating territory and possession but struggling to find a successful formula and connection at the attacking end of the pitch.
The Scottish dam wall finally broke in the 28th minute when Stewart produced some trademark skill and composure in the attacking circle, shooting on the turn and beating the goalkeeper.
Rebecca Greiner found herself alone at the back post but she could not capitalise early in the second half as the Hockeyroos looked to extend the margin.
Steph Kershaw then had her stinging shot saved by the legs of Amy Gibson, the Hockeyroos going for the jugular.
A second goal eventually came in the 47th minute when Greta Hayes did well to dummy around a defender before feeding the ball to an unmarked Tonkin in the circle and the striker hit it first time past Gibson.
The Hockeyroos continued to pepper away but there were no more goals forthcoming as they look ahead to a do-or-die semi final encounter.
Competing in her first Commonwealth Games, defender Karri Somerville said the Hockeyroos’ impeccable record through the pool stage came down to a collective understanding, togetherness, and unified approach.
“We work as a unit, we have each other’s backs and we know if we make mistakes it’s ok, so we all go out on the offensive, try to get on the front foot and see what we can do,” said Somerville.
“Everyone's really supportive and we're all out there celebrating each other's successes. It's all about giving it a go and seeing what we can do as a team and as a unit.”
“The support from everyone around makes it really easy. You feel like you're really supported…try and not overthink it, just play each game as it comes.”
Catch all the hockey from the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games on Seven and 7plus.
Commonwealth Games Australia website
Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games website
Match Details
Hockeyroos 2 (Stewart 28’, Tonkin 47’)
Scotland 0
@ University of Birmingham Hockey and Squash Centre
Hockeyroos: 1.Claire Colwill, 2.Rosie Malone, 4.Amy Lawton, 7.Aleisha Power (gk), 8.Georgia Wilson, 9.Shanea Tonkin, 10.Maddy Fitzpatrick, 12.Greta Hayes, 14.Steph Kershaw, 15.Kaitlin Nobbs (c), 18.Jane Claxton, 19.Jocelyn Bartram (gk), 20.Karri Somerville, 21.Renee Taylor, 24.Mariah Williams, 29.Rebecca Greiner, 30.Grace Stewart
Unused substitute: 6.Penny Squibb
