The Gold Coast Bulletin

SOS needed to get past Aussie team

- ROBERT CRADDOCK HOCKEY

AUSTRALIA’S medal rivals in women’s hockey may be forced to call for the doctor to find a way to get past the nurse.

The Hockeyroos will play India in a Commonweal­th Games semi-final today with the comforting thought that one of the game’s finest custodians has their back.

Goalkeeper Rachael Lynch, a qualified nurse and one of the team’s most experience­d players, is yet to concede a goal for the tournament in four games, including three wins and a 0-0 draw against New Zealand.

There’s been some tense moments but Lynch’s poise and anticipati­on under pressure have been exceptiona­l.

India must find a crack in the defensive wall that Lynch has built this tournament.

“We have not had a goal scored against us so that is definitely a bonus,’’ defender Edwina Bone said.

“She has done a really good job. She is very experience­d and I am very happy to have her in the net behind us.”

Australia’s last meeting with the Indians was at the Internatio­nal Festival of Hockey in Melbourne in November 2016 when Australia won the first match 1-0, before the Hockeyroos won 4-1 and 3-1 to clinch the series.

India are ranked 10th in the world but strode confidentl­y through their pool.

 ?? Picture: AAP IMAGE ?? The Hockeyroos have been strong on the Coast.
Picture: AAP IMAGE The Hockeyroos have been strong on the Coast.
 ??  ?? Australia’s Mariafe Artacho del Solar dives for a shot during the semi-final win over Vanuatu. Pictures: GETTY IMAGES
Australia’s Mariafe Artacho del Solar dives for a shot during the semi-final win over Vanuatu. Pictures: GETTY IMAGES
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