Goalkeeper Rachael Lynch key to Hockeyroos success at Gold Coast
AUSTRALIA’S medal rivals in women’s hockey will have to crack the defensive wall that goalkeeper Rachael Lynch has erected this tournament.
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.
Australia’s Hockeyroos play India in the 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.
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Just as Australia have gone to school on India, the Indians must try and find a crack of the defensive wall that Lynch has erected 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 wins to clinch the series.
India are ranked 10th in the world but strode confidently through their pool with three wins and one loss, to Wales 3-2 in the opening game.
“They’ve changed a bit as have we,” Bone said.
“We’ve got a bit of homework to do on them so we’re clear on what our goals will be against them, how to score, how they’ll look to score.
“I’m confident if we do everything we have for our previous matches we’ll be able to get everything done.”
Originally published as Goalkeeper Rachael Lynch key to Hockeyroos success at Gold Coast
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