England humbled by Aussies
England suffered their second defeat in as many matches
here at the World Championship as they let slip a 3-2 lead
in a 15-4 defeat to Australia.
Lois Richardson's team started in spirited fashion with Aisla
Stott (2) and veteran campaigner Sarah Butt both on the scoresheet
for the 2001 bronze medal winners.
But Australia replied with ten goals without reply at the
Glenn Warner Soccer Stadium and England were never going to
reverse such a great deficit.
Emily Garvey did grab a consolation for England mid-way through
the second-half, her first of the tournament, but by then
the damage had been done.
Australia saw eleven different scorers on the scorers, Sarah
Forbes the last on the scoresheet with her first goal of the
World Championship, while Kate McHarg (3), Casey Magor (2),
Jennifer Adams (2), Meredith Carre, Michelle Lincoln, Sonia
Judd, Tess McLeod, Sascha Newmarch, Sarah Forbes and Sarah
Falcione.
"We started brilliantly and then we did everything wrong,"
admitted Richardson.
"Our playmakers were marked out of the game and were
forced to defend too much. We needed them at the other end
of the field in attack."
Indeed, England struggled to dominate in midfield and Australia
were first to the majority of ground balls and draws from
the middle.
With more posession the Australians were able to work open
England's defense, but to the national side's credit they
dug deep and battled for everything.
"Our defence did well in the first ten minutes like we'd
planned and I thought Alex Harle was outstanding," added
Richardson.
"Unfortunately a bit of inexperience hasn't helped us,
and when you are playing against a team that has experienced
players it's always going to be tough."
England now meet Wales, tomorrow (Sunday, 11am) in their third
match of the group stages, looking for a much-anticipated
win.
"The girls are down after this defeat, but we'll be up
for the Wales match," said Richardson. "We're expected
to win but they will be gunning to beat us."
England have a few bumps and bruises, but have no serious
injury-worries ahead of the match.
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