Semi-final berth for hockey girls
THE unlikeliest of goalscorers has put away Australia's first goal of the women's hockey tournament and sent the team through to the semi-finals at the Maccabiah Games.
DANIEL GARB IN RA’NAANA
THE unlikeliest of goalscorers has put away Australia’s first goal of the women’s hockey tournament and sent the team through to the semi-finals at the Maccabiah Games. Burdened with a threadbare squad to get them through the whole tournament, a range of injuries and illnesses has meant Australia had to play reserve goalkeeper Sophie Gathy as an outfield player in almost every game.
With defender Kate Horin ruled out for the crucial July 19 clash with Germany, Gathy was again asked to do the job up front and her presence was invaluable as she tapped in a late goal at the back post to secure a 1-1 draw.
The Germans were always going to be a difficult proposition for Australia and they threatened Mikki Hofbauer’s goal early, but the Aussie skipper was equal to the task, pulling off a fantastic save to keep the scores level.
The remainder of the first half belonged to Australia.Defender Nicky Sonenberg was again resolute in protecting her goal, while Carly Bogatin denied the German strikers, while also setting up numerous attacks from the back.
Her raking pass down the right flank found Penny Stern who crossed for the dangerous Lisa Kaufer who had her shot blocked.
Hannah Court then found space near the German goal and let go with a powerful backstick shot only for it to be saved on the line to deny the Aussies as the half-time whistle blew.
On track for gaining the necessary point, Hofbauer again came through with a big save at the start of the third quarter to frustrate the Germans.
But the pressure was eventually too much and her goal was breached shortly after from a short corner to give Germany a 1-0 lead.
Court looked desperate to ensure Australia’s campaign was not going to end in the pool stages, as she drove her side on in search of an equaliser.
And some more hard running and a hard cross from Bogatin helped create it for Gathy, who stabbed the ball home.
Australia had a late chance to win the clash when Nicky Sevel crossed for Penny Stern, but her shot was blocked at point blank range.
The hockey team will now play either the Netherlands or USA in the semi-final.
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