Hockeyroos Face Deep Dig Without Wells

The Sunday Age

Sunday August 17, 2008

Peter Hanlon

HAVING the world champions and then China at their home Olympics blocking your semi-finals path was always going to be daunting, but the challenge increased yesterday when the Hockeyroos lost to the Netherlands and possibly lost captain Melanie Wells for tomorrow's showdown with the hosts.

Wells left the field late in a match the Dutch dominated before Australia missed chances that could have snatched a draw in a frantic second half. Now, with everything on the line, coach Frank Murray won't be afraid to gamble.

"We have our fingers crossed for her [Wells] and we will work on it overnight and take a risk if we have to," Murray said.

"If she was to tear it totally and be out for six months, she's not to be too concerned about that."

The Hockeyroos' recovery from a sapping contest, on what goal-scorer Sarah Young said was clearly the hottest day of the Beijing campaign, was to include a nervous viewing of last night's China versus Korea clash. A home victory would leave all to play for tomorrow, with Australia and China each on three wins. Yet among a complex list of scenarios was the possibility the Hockeyroos could still progress on goal difference with a draw.

One thing was certain, if China won last night and again tomorrow, the Olympics would be over for Australia's women.

"It's a setback, but we'll go away and learn from it; definitely our heads aren't down," Young said.

Meanwhile, knowledge gained by several Australians playing in the professional Dutch league could give the Kookaburras a significant edge entering their crucial group match against the Netherlands today.

The decision by some of the Australian players, including star playmaker Jamie Dwyer, who is married to a Dutchwoman, to accept contracts to play in the Netherlands caused controversy at home, with coaching staff concerned overseas club commitments were compromising their preparation with the national squad.

However, after the Kookaburras kept their unbeaten record alive with a strong 3-1 victory over Pakistan, coach Barry Dancer acknowledged the information gained through that experience could prove invaluable in what will be their toughest test so far.

"There is no doubt about that, their experience of playing Dutch hockey is valuable," Dancer said.

© 2008 The Sunday Age

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