CWG Hockey: England women outclass Canada

NEW DELHI - Down by a goal in the fourth minute, England showcased their collective character to beat Canada 4-1 and notch up their second win in the women’s hockey competition of the Commonwealth Games here Wednesday.

The hot and oppressive weather conditions are obviously impacting the quality of performance and it was no different with England, who huffed and puffed before sending Canada hurtling to their second defeat.

The Canadians, who had lost 2-3 to Malaysia in their previous game, converted a fourth minute penalty stroke through Diana Roemer, but could not capitalise on the lead.

England, 4-1 winners against Wales in their first game, came back strongly on goals by Chloe Rogers (19th), Alex Danson (39th), Charlotte Craddock (48th) and Crista Cullen (68) to wrap up the match.

“It is not easy to play in such conditions where the temperature and humidity is very high humidity, but I am happy with my girls for the way in which they played,” said England head coach Danny Kerry.

“Yes, we had a good start, but our defence was not structured well today and we kept making mistakes and were punished. England were No.3 in the World Cup last month and played like one,” said Canada head coach Louis Mendonca.

The Canadians were done in by the pace that England set and committed mistakes under pressure to drop off the frame.

“Ours is a young team and they are not used to the ball speed and the swiftness of the attacks that England made, but we are learning all the time,” said Mendonca.