LIONESSES ROAR INTO LAST FOUR
GOLF: THE SOLHEIM CUP
ENGLAND head coach Simon Middleton praised an “absolutely outstanding” first-half performance after his players booked a place in the Women’s World Cup semi-finals.
The reigning world champions saw off the United States in Dublin, claiming a third successive Pool B bonus-point victory.
Marlie Packer led the charge with two tries, while Emily Scarratt, Katy McLean, Amy Wilson-Hardy and Amy Cockayne also claimed scores, with a penalty try rounding off another comfortable win – even though England stepped off the gas after leading by 26 points at the interval.
It means they progress to the last four in Belfast next Tuesday, and Middleton said: “We are really pleased that we are now in a semi-final.
“We would have preferred to finish the game better than we did, but we were absolutely outstanding in the first half. We were clear in thought, and our execution was fantastic.”
The USA scrambled a try bonus point in defeat and they could yet progress as best runner-up.
Middleton’s side now join New Zealand in reaching the semi-finals. IAN POULTER has backed “fiery” Charley Hull to “get under the skin of the Americans” at the Solheim Cup again this weekend.
The Ketttering star and Suzann Pettersen were at the centre of the “Gimmegate” row two years ago when the European pair riled the Americans by insisting they had not conceded a short putt.
Norwegian Pettersen, who later apologised, has pulled out of this week’s event with a back injury, leaving Hull (above) as a potential Public Enemy No.1.
Captains Juli Inkster and Annika Sorenstam called for calm in Iowa before the event tees off today.
But Poulter, who mentored Hull at Woburn Golf Club, said: “She’s a fiery character. So I can’t really see anyone getting under her skin – but I can see her getting under a few of the Americans’ skins.”
And world No.25 Hull said: “If people shout things out, I’ll use it to my advantage.”