Rampaging Aussies blaze a trail of glory

Australia were led by their forward Michael Brennan who scored twice. A goal each by Stephen Davies and Adam Commens sealed the fate of the Malaysians who rejoiced yesterday after a surprise win over India.

The team from Down Under led 3-0 at half-time and scored again when Brennan netted his second with a reverse flick.

India’s men, who lost to Malaysia yesterday despite dominating, experienced the same mortification today. Raidafter raid came to nought because of poor finishing.

India, for a change, took an early lead. Baljit Singh Dhillon placed to the right of the goal after accepting a pass from Mohammed Riaz at the top of the circle.

India captain Dhanraj Pillay and Mukesh Kumar unleashed terror in the England defence but another goal remained elusive.

In the 20th minute Dhillon made a splendid run down the left and centred but Pillay failed to put away an easy chance.

Two minutes after, English ‘keeper David Luckes denied Mukesh Kumar who pieced together a move with Pillay.

England who enjoyed rare opportunities equalised in the 54th minute through Guy Fordham who pushed past Subbaiah.

Misfortune plagued India into the shootout. After Jon Wyatt found the roof with his attempt, Dhillon pushed weakly into the ‘keeper with India’s first attempt.

Russel Garcia made it 2-0 in the tie-breaker while Daljit Singh converted to reduce the margin. Duncan Woods made it 3-1 for England with Ramandeep Singh cutting it to 2-3.After Brett Garrard converted, Mohammed Riaz’s poor attempt was easily saved by the English goalkeeper.

Aussie women run riot

Attacking relentlessly, New Zealand subdued India 3-0 to claim the bronze while the unsurpassable Australians walloped England 8-1 to clinch the gold medal at the women’s championship today.

The Indian women were never in the game at all, as evident from the fact they could not force a single penalty corner in the whole match while the Kiwis had 12 to their credit.

In the seventh minute, the Kiwis earned a penalty corner and Lawrence scored after Trolove’s shot rebounded off the goalkeeper Chanu.

Four minutes later, Bell-Kake took a clean shot from the top off the circle and New Zealand were 2-0 up. In the 15th minute, Lisa Walton made it 3-0, capitalising on another poor clearance by the Indian defence after Bell-Kake’s push rebounded off the goalkeeper.