#Glasgow2014: Hockeyroos Qualify for Semi Finals

The Hockeyroos have asserted their position as gold medal favourites at the 2014 Commonwealth Games after securing a tough 3-0 win over rivals England at the Glasgow International Hockey Centre to earn top rank from their pool heading into semi-finals.

Australia made what has become a customary fast start, to race to a 2-0 lead within 15 minutes, courtesy of goals to Jodie Kenny via a penalty corner, and Emily Smith who capitalised on a defensive mistake from England almost immediately afterwards.

Australia continued to dominate the first half but was unable to find a way past English goalkeeper Maddie Hinch.

England for their part came out with a renewed focus in the second half and forced Australia onto the back foot, with the Hockeyroos having to work hard to maintain their unblemished goal.

The closest they came was through a penalty corner and a couple of dangerous balls fired across the Australian goaline, but with the Australians surviving, they captured their opportunity for a third goal midway through the half, with the in-form Kenney converting another penalty corner goal, her ninth for the tournament.

Hockeyroos coach Adam Commens had set his team the goal of going through the tournament without conceding, a plan that has now seen the team go four matches without a goal. In attack the team has been strong, with the side having shared in 25 goals to this stage of the tournament, ensuring that they hold firm favouritism for Saturday’s gold medal match.

WAIS athletes Ashleigh Nelson and Jayde Taylor both played in the Hockeyroos’ success, with the side’s next match coming in Friday’s semi finals.