Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin Report Birmingham (UK):-Australia beat India 7-0 in the final to lift the gold medal in the Commonwealth Games 2022 while England out-scoring South Africa 6-3 in a bronze medal contest. England 6 South Africa 3 (Bronze medal match men) England, buoyed by a loud home crowd, beat South Africa in a high-scoring affair to earn the bronze medal. The first quarter was tense, as both sides looked to work each other out. South Africa had the opening couple of chances, Keenan Horne and Daniel Bell seeing efforts blocked and saved by a firm English defence. As England pushed-back Commonwealth Games top-scorer Nicholas Bandurak had a goal disallowed after just over 10 minutes. A tight opening quarter eventually ended goalless. The second period of this game turned out to be a contender for the most entertaining of the whole tournament. The carnage began when after 18 minutes Matthew Guise-Brown scored from a penalty corner. England responded straight away, with a first ever international goal from Rhys Smith. South Africa were ahead again in the blink of an eye, as Mustapha Cassiem slotted past England keeper Oliver Payne. Once again it was a rapid response from England, who equalised for the second time in the quarter via cracking strike from Liam Ansell. A great referral from England skipper Zachary Wallace won his side a penalty corner with 5 minutes left of the period, and Samuel Ward cashed in, putting the hosts 3-2 ahead. The game’s sixth goal came on the stroke of half-time, as Nqobile Ntuli restored parity between the sides. A remarkable quarter ended with the scores tied at 3-3. The players emerged from a well-earned half-time break and a far quieter period ensued. England were temporarily down to 10 after a green card but South Africa could not capitalise. Instead, England took the lead once again, a powerful strike from Phillip Roper 5 minutes from the final break. Despite some late pressure from the hosts the players took their final break with the score 4-3, and the destination of the bronze medal far from decided. In the last 15 of hockey for both sides in this year’s games it was England that drew first blood, Roper getting the final touch following a Sam Ward shot. With 5 minutes to go, trailing by 2 goals, South Africa committed to 11 outfield players as they looked to claw themselves back into medal contention. However, with 90 seconds left on the clock England’s Wallace tucked home a penalty stroke to wrap up a 6-3 win, and the bronze medal, for the hosts. Australia 7 India 0 (Gold medal match men) A rampant Australia brushed aside India to keep up their 100% Commonwealth Games gold medal streak. Australia began the first quarter with a spell of early pressure as they looked to win an astonishing 7th gold medal in a row. After 9 minutes it was the ever-dangerous Blake Govers that opened the scoring in the final, firing home from a penalty corner. With just a minute left in the opening 15 Nathan Ephraums doubled the Kookaburras lead, rounding out a dominant first period for Australia. The Aussies continued their relentless pressure into the second quarter, looking to dominate their Asian opponents. After 22 minutes the lead was suddenly 3-0 when Jacob Anderson scored from a penalty corner. Just 5 minutes later Australia found their 4th without reply as Tom Wickham fired in. Anderson’s second of the period increased the lead to 5-0 by half-time. A devastating first 30 saw Australia have one hand on the trophy, while India had a mountain to climb to get back into the tie. As was the theme of the match the third quarter was again one-sided, as the Kookaburras saw attack as the best form of defence, creating multiple opportunities. Only 1 further goal was added, thanks to Ephraums 3 minutes before the final break. Australia were 7-up inside a minute of the final quarter, Flynn Ogilvie with the strike. The Kookaburras did continue to create more opportunities to extend a big lead even further, but the busy PR Sreejesh in the Indian goal managed to make the saves required to avoid further damage. As the hooter brought the curtain down on the hockey at the 2022 Commonwealth Games it was seven-heaven for the Kookaburras, 7 final goals securing a 7th consecutive gold medal as their utter dominance of the tournament and final was written into the history books. Results (Men’s Competition): England 6 South Africa 3 (Bronze medal match men) Umpires: Tyler Klenk (CAN) Stephen Rogers (AUS) Tim Bond (NZL-video) Australia 7 India 0 (Gold medal match men) Umpires: Daniel Barstow (ENG) David Tomlinson (NZL) Sean Rapaport (RSA-video)

Sports Bulletin Report Birmingham (UK):-The day began with India’s women securing bronze medal via a dramatic shoot-out, while Canada earnt 5th spot. In the afternoon the women’s gold medal match saw England win their first ever Commonwealth Games gold medal in front of a delirious home crowd. The day ended with New Zealand’s men securing 5th place, a game that saw Wales confirm their highest ever games finish. England 2 Australia 1 (Gold medal women) England struck gold against Australia, winning their first Commonwealth Games gold medal. The first quarter had all the hall-marks of a game of this magnitude as the sides looked to work each other out and get the upper hand. The last few minutes of the opening 15 featured a string of penalty corners for England, with Grace Balsdon seeing her first few efforts on goal dealt with by a firm Hockeyroos defence and keeper Aleisha Power. It was to be England who would break the deadlock, as a fine touch and finish was executed to full effect by Holly Hunt on the 22nd minute. A good quarter became even better for the hosts - who were backed by a raucous crowd at the University of Birmingham – when 4 minutes later Tess Howard doubled the lead with a great touch into the Hockeyroos goal. A pair of great efforts had English fans dreaming as the players headed off for half-time. The third period was a bit more cagey, as Australia looked to make inroads into the English lead. English keeper Madeleine Hinch was called into action, denying Stephanie Kershaw. After absorbing the Aussie pressure England looked to get back to their work, and with 5 minutes left of the period the lead was almost 3 when Anna Toman saw her penalty corner effort come back off the post. Another 15 were banked as the score remained 2-0 heading into the final period. As Australia pushed on in search of a breakthrough it was a case of holding their nerve for England, they knew the Hockeyroos would put it all on the line in search of a comeback. Australia forced a number of penalty corners but keeper Hinch and her defence dealt with everything that was thrown their way. With 20 seconds to goal hearts would have been in England mouths when Ambrosia Malone finally got the Aussie goal from a penalty corner after some relentless attacking. However, it would prove to be too little too late as England held on for the 2-1 win. For the hosts it was the stuff of dreams, a first Commonwealth Games gold medal on home soil, while Australia picked up their second consecutive silver medal. Results (Women's Competition): New Zealand 1 (1) India 1 (2) (Bronze medal match women) Umpires: Rachel Williams (ENG) Aleisha Neumann (AUS) Cathy Wright (WAL-video) Canada 3 Scotland 1 (Classification 5-6 women) Umpires: Katrina Turner (NZL) Hannah Harrison (ENG) Rhiannon Murrie (AUS-video) England 2 Australia 1 (Gold medal women) Umpires: Amber Church (NZL) Wanri Venter (RSA) Cathy Wright (WAL-video) Results Men’s Competition New Zealand 2 Wales 1 (Classification 5-6 men)            Umpires: Bruce Bale (ENG) Nick Bennett (ENG) Sean Rapaport (RSA-video)

Sports Bulletin Report Birmingham (UK):-The morning session saw a couple of the men’s placings sorted. The day began with Scotland securing 9th place with a big win over Ghana, this was followed by Pakistan edging a high-scoring match against Canada to confirm 7th. The evening session saw the men’s semi-finals contested, starting with India earning a place in the final with a hard-fought win over South Africa. Over in the other semi-final Australia came back from 2-0 down to beat England. Pakistan 4 Canada 3 (Classification 7-8 men) Pakistan edged an entertaining match to secure 7th place in the Commonwealth Games. A tight first 15 between two competitive sides yielded little in the way of clear-cut opportunities. Canada will probably feel as though they had the better of it, forcing a few penalty corners and seeing Brendan Guraliuk denied by Pakistan keeper Akmal Hussain. The second quarter burst into life when Abdul Rana and Ghazanfar Ali scored in quick succession as Pakistan raced to a 2-0 lead. After being rocked by the manic few minutes that had just gone by Canada began to counter-punch, winning a series of penalty corners. The pressure eventually told as Matthew Sarmento halved the deficit in the 26th minute, and 4 minutes later Keegan Pereira restored parity on the stroke of half-time. After a breathless second quarter the teams appeared to take stock in the third quarter, and a cagey period ensued. Green cards were shown to both sides during the 15 but neither team could capitalise on the extra man and the score remained 2-2. As the game entered its final quarter both sides were keen to stamp their authority. Pakistan edged ahead in the 52nd minute, Umar Bhutta with the strike. Following a series of chances and penalty corners a frantic final 2 minutes was set up when Sarmento grabbed his second of the game to make it 3-3. Abdul Shahid would prove to be the hero for Pakistan, scoring in the final minute to secure 7th place.   India 3 South Africa 2 (Semi-final men) India secured their place in the gold medal match after a hard-fought battle with South Africa. The first semi-final began with a topsy-turvy period as both sides came out raring to book a place in the gold medal match. There was a plethora of chances for both sides from a series of penalty corners, and during open play. As would soon become a theme of the match Gowan Jones in the South African net produced a catalogue of saves. India’s defensive unit stood firm as well and an entertaining first 15 somehow ended goalless. South Africa started the second quarter well, crafting a series of chances from penalty corners, with Matthew Guise-Brown denied on multiple occasions. Unnerved by the one-way traffic India took went up the other end and broke the deadlock, Abhisheck with the strike in the 20th minute. A period of Indian pressure followed, and Jones was again called into action, producing more saves to add to his tally for the day. 2 minutes from the end of the period Jones was finally beaten again as Mandeep Singh doubled the Indian lead. This left South Africa with plenty to muse over at the half-time interval. Knowing they needed to find an extra gear in the third quarter South Africa put their foot on the gas, producing a wave of attacks. A series of penalty corners was eventually capitalised upon for the Africans when Ryan Julius struck in the 33rd minute. An encouraging quarter for South Africa continued as they continued to pepper the Indian goal. However, they were met by a dogged defensive and an impressive Krishan Bahadur Pathak in the Asian’s goal. The game entered its final chapter with the final place anything but secure. Both sides looked to get themselves on the front foot but it was India that found the first telling touch of the 15. After South Africa removed their keeper Jugraj Singh extended the Indian lead to 3-1 with just 2 minutes left on the clock from a penalty corner. South Africa did not give up and were rewarded for their perseverance via a Mustapha Cassiem goal just a minute later. However, they could not find what would have been an extremely late leveller and it would be India who progressed to Monday’s final. South Africa will be in the bronze medal match on the same day. Results (Men's Competition): Scotland 7 Ghana 2 (Classification 9-10 men) Umpires: Peter Obalo Kabaso (KEN) Ilanggo Kanabathu (MAS) David Tomlinson (NZL-video) Pakistan 4 Canada 3 (Classification 7-8 men) Umpires: Fraser Bell (SCO) Tim Bond (NZL) Stephen Rogers (AUS-video) India 3 South Africa 2 (Semi-final men) Umpires: Daniel Barstow (ENG) Stephen Rogers (AUS) Bruce Bale (ENG-video) Australia 3 England 2 (Semi-final men) Umpires: Sean Rapaport (RSA) David Tomlinson (NZL) Tyler Klenk (CAN-video)

Sports Bulletin Report Birmingham (UK):-The morning session began with a little bit of history as Kenya’s women secured their first ever Commonwealth games victory. This was followed by South Africa pipping Wales to 7th place in a tight encounter. The evening session started with England booking their spot in Sunday’s gold medal match with a shoot-out win over New Zealand. The second semi-final also went all the way, as Australia came out on top. England 0 (2) New Zealand 0 (0) (Semi-final women): England booked their place in the final after a dramatic shoot-out victory. Both sides looked up for a game that would guarantee the victors a medal. This was typified by 5 penalty corners - 2 for England and 3 for New Zealand – inside the first 5 minutes of the opening quarter. Chances kept on coming but it was New Zealand who looked the more likely, although they were kept out by a steely England defence and an inspired Madeleine Hinch. It would prove to be a much tighter second quarter, with no clear cut chances or attempts on goal in the 15. England were briefly down to 10 when Giselle Ansley was shown a green card but the Black Sticks could not capitalise. The third period opened up the game once more as both sides looked to assert dominance in the tie. New Zealand had the better of the chances in the initial stages of the period, before England began to counter-punch, creating openings for themselves through Ansley and Peel. The Black Sticks stood strong and Megan Hull had a go at breaking the deadlock in the 42nd minute from a penalty corner. She was denied by the outstanding Hinch once more. While both sides would have been forgiven for becoming conservative in the final quarter, it was quite the opposite as both sides tried to kill the game off before a shoot-out would be required. Both sides had multiple penalty corners and openings however both defences and keepers Hinch and Grace O’Hanlon proved to be too tough to beat. The semi-final would be decided by a shoot-out. Ralph (NZL) missed the opening shot, but so did Howard (ENG). Hinch saved Tynan’s (NZL) effort, before O’Hanlon returned the favour to deny Owsley (ENG). Doar (NZL) was denied by a fantastic Hinch save, which was followed up by Petter (ENG) tucking away her shot. Hinch made another spectacular save to crucially deny Shannon (NZL) and Martin (ENG) became the England hero as she slotted home to send her side to Sunday’s final. Australia 1 (3) India 1 (0) (Semi-final women): Australia will be guaranteed a medal after they edged past India via a shoot-out to set up a final against England. Whilst it was India who managed to get the first penalty corner of the game it was the Hockeyroos who got the scoring started, as Rebecca Greiner deflected the ball home via a Mariah Williams cross. Chances for both sides followed but the score line stayed at 1-0 after an open first 15. As India looked to get back into the tie Aleisha Power in the Hockeyroos net was called into action twice in quick succession. Further chances fell the way of the Asian side but Australia managed to get to half-time unscathed. A re-energised Australia came back out after the break looking to put their foot on the gas. The Hockeyroos carved out multiple opportunities, forcing penalty corner after penalty corner, Maddy Fitzpatrick was single-handedly denied on multiple occasions. Despite the Aussie barrage India did manage to restore parity between the sides in the 49th minute as Vandana Katariya deflected the ball home. Being pegged back did not seem to deter the Kookaburras as they went back to their work, peppering the Indian goal. It was by no means completely one-way traffic however as Power in the Aussie net was again called into action, producing a big save to deny a Kaur Gurjit drag flick. A video referral decision in the last minute would have had Indian hearts in mouths but deciding whether to award between a penalty corner and stroke after the ball hit a defender’s body a corner was given and India cleared their lines. Jocelyn Bartram was introduced in the place of the impressive Power prior to the shoot-out. Malone’s (AUS) initial shot was saved, however in a dramatic turn of events the clock hadn’t started and she was allowed a re-take, making no mistake this time around. Lalremsiami (IND) put her shot wide, while Nobbs (AUS) calmy finished past Savita in the Indian goal. Bartram stepped up to make a huge save to deny Neha (IND), and this was backed up by Lawton (AUS) putting the Hockeyroos 3-0 up. Navneet (IND) had to score but couldn’t, firing wide as Australia booked their spot in Sunday’s final.  Results (Women's Competition): Ghana 2 (2) Kenya 2 (3) (Classification 9-10 women) Umpires: Rhiannon Murrie (AUS) Rebecca Woodcock (ENG) Rachel Williams (ENG-video) Wales 0 South Africa 1 (Classification 7-8 women) Umpires: Lelia Sacre (CAN) Cookie Tan (SGP) Hannah Harrison (ENG-video) England 0 (2) New Zealand 0 (0) (Semi-final women) Umpires: Aleisha Neumann (AUS) Wanri Venter (RSA) Rhiannon Murrie (AUS-video) Australia 1 (3) India 1 (0) (Semi-final women) Umpires: Amber Church (NZL) Hannah Harrison (ENG) Cathy Wright (WAL-video)

Sports Bulletin Report Birmingham (UK):-The final day of Pool action got underway with New Zealand’s women cruising to victory over South Africa, before England went 4 wins from 4 for the first time in the Commonwealth Games with a comfortable win over Wales. The afternoon began with India’s men securing top spot in Pool B, with the second game of the session seeing England put up double figures against Canada. South Africa’s men pulled off a crucial win over New Zealand in the opening game of the evening, ending the Black Sticks chance of a medal. The final Pool match of the games saw Australia maintain their 100% record, setting up a semi-final Australia 7 Pakistan 0 (Pool A men): Australia maintained their 100% record in the final Pool match of the games, registering a comfortable win over Pakistan. In order to ruin the South African party Pakistan needed to win this game by 2 goals or more, and to their credit they started on the front foot, taking the fight to the 6 time champions. They couldn’t find a way through however, and Blake Govers hammered home just how tough this would be for Pakistan by opening the scoring in the 12th minute. The second quarter only served to make the already extremely tough Pakistan challenge almost impossible when Jeremy Hayward doubled the Kookaburra’s lead. A strong period for the Aussies only yielded the one goal but put them firmly in the driving seat. Any lingering hopes of a Pakistan comeback were firmly crushed in the third quarter, as goals from Hayward and Tom Wickham just 2 minutes apart extended the lead to 4-0. The result of the game means Pakistan will take on Canada in the 7th/8th classification match, while Australia will play hosts England in the semi-final on Saturday. Results (Women's Competition): South Africa 1 New Zealand 4 (Pool B women) Umpires: Rebecca Woodcock (ENG) Lelia Sacre (CAN) Cookie Tan (SGP-video) England 5 Wales 0 (Pool A women) Umpires: Wanri Venter (RSA) Binish Hayat (PAK) Rhiannon Murrie (AUS-video) Results (Men’s Competition): India 4 Wales 1 (Pool B men) Umpires: Nick Bennett (ENG) Tyler Klenk (CAN) Fraser Bell (SCO-video) Canada 2 England 11 (Pool B men) Umpires: Deepak Chandra Joshi (IND) Stephen Rogers (AUS) Sean Rapaport (RSA-video) South Africa 4 New Zealand 3 (Pool A men) Umpires: Daniel Barstow (ENG) Bruce Bale (ENG) Nick Bennett (ENG-video) Australia 7 Pakistan 0 (Pool A men) Umpires: Peter Obalo Kabaso (KEN) David Tomlinson (NZL) Tim Bond (NZL-video)

Sports Bulletin Report Birmingham (UK):-The Hockeyroos got day 5 of the games underway, edging out New Zealand in a crunch Pool B tie. This was followed by a convincing Canadian victory over a spirited Ghana. England’s women got the afternoon session underway with an important win over India, while South Africa had 3 separate hat-trick scorers in a substantial win over Kenya. South Africa beat Kenya 15-0 (Pool B women) South Africa picked up their first win in style as they put 15 past Kenya. Jean-Leigh Du Toit got the procession of goals underway, opening the scoring from a penalty corner. A series of chances followed before Tarryn Lombard doubled the lead from another penalty corner. With 4 minutes left of the opening quarter Lilian Du Plessis and Erin Christie both struck, putting South Africa up 4-0 after a clinical first period. Kenya did put up a decent defence in the second quarter, thwarting a series of chances from a goal-hungry South African side. Not to be denied, Du Toit found her second of the game with 4 minutes left of the quarter from a penalty corner. Lombard got back in on the action a minute later, extending the South African lead to 6-0 at half-time. The scoreboard soon ticked over to 7 for South Africa, as 4 minutes into the third quarter Kristen Paton found the back of the goal. Du Plessis added an 8th and it soon became 9 as Du Toit completed her hat-trick. Not satisfied with just 3 goals Du Toit was at it again, grabbing her 4th, and South Africa’s 10th of the match inside a minute of the final period. Du Plessis completed her hat-trick with 9 minutes left on the clock, scoring her 4th a few minutes later. With 3 minutes left in the game Lombard became the 3rd South African to complete a hat-trick, while Du Toit and Bernadette Coston scored the last 2 goals of the afternoon to complete a huge 15-0 win.     Erin Christie (RSA): "We had a goal today. We've been disappointed with our performances in the last four games, so we wanted to come out here and make a stance and show that we're good enough to be here. “Part of that was doing what other teams in the pool have done - and that's scoring a lot of goals." Results (Women's Competition): New Zealand 0 Australia 1 (Pool B women) Umpires: Rachel Williams (ENG) Lelia Sacre (CAN) Cathy Wright (WAL-video) Ghana 1 Canada 8 (Pool A women) Umpires: Aleisha Neumann (AUS) Rhiannon Murrie (AUS) Hannah Harrison (ENG-video) India 1 England 3 (Pool A women) Umpires: Wanri Venter (RSA) Cookie Tan (SGP) Cathy Wright (WAL-video) Kenya 0 South Africa 15 (Pool B women) Umpires: Rebecca Woodcock (ENG) Binish Hayat (PAK) Amber Church (NZL)

Sports Bulletin Report Birmingham (UK):-The morning session began with Wales’s women wrapping up their first points of the games, followed by Scotland’s women putting 11 past Kenya. The afternoon got off to a thrilling start as South Africa’s men edged an incredible game with Scotland, while England’s men pulled off a remarkable comeback against India. In the evening session Canada’s men rescued a point against Ghana and Australia made a real statement of intent by crushing New Zealand.   New Zealand 2 Australia 7 (Pool A men) Australia made a huge statement, crushing New Zealand to send themselves to the top of Pool A. The Kookaburras made a fast start to their second match of the tournament, with the game just 8 minutes old when a Jacob Anderson pass took a couple of deflections before making its way in. A couple more chances fell the way of the Aussies but George Enersen in the New Zealand goal stood firm. The Black Sticks men hit back just 2 minutes into the second period, Hugo Inglis with the strike to level the tie. Not to be deterred, 5 minutes later Australia were back in front via Blake Govers firing a drag flick in following a penalty corner. Just a couple of minutes later Govers was at it again, extending the Kookaburras’ lead to 3-1. There was still time for Australia to add another, Jake Whetton slamming in. As the second half got underway it was time for Nathan Ephraums to get in on the action, scoring high into the net. To their credit New Zealand continued to search for a way back into the game and got their reward when Jake Smith pulled one back for the Black Sticks. However, any thoughts of a fairy-tale comeback were dealt a cruel blow when Aran Zalewski scooped in to leave the score reading 6-2 as the teams took their final break. Zalewski picked up where he left of in the third quarter, turning the ball into the goal after a powerful Whetton effort. That was to prove to be the end of the scoring in the game as Australia sent out a warning message to any medal hopefuls.     Results (Women's Competition): Wales 4 Ghana 0 (Pool A women) Umpires: Binish Hayat (PAK) Rebecca Woodcock (ENG) Lelia Sacre (CAN-video) Scotland 11 Kenya 0 (Pool B women) Umpires: Hannah Harrison (ENG) Rhiannon Murrie (AUS) Cathy Wright (WAL-video) Results (Men’s Competition): Scotland 4 South Africa 5 (Pool A men) Umpires: Nick Bennett (ENG) Stephen Rogers (AUS) Daniel Barstow (ENG-video) England 4 India 4 (Pool B men) Umpires: David Tomlinson (NZL) Sean Rapaport (RSA) Tyler Klenk (CAN) Ghana 1 Canada 1 (Pool B men) Umpires: Deepak Chandra Joshi (IND) Peter Obalo Kabaso (KEN) Fraser Bell (SCO-video) New Zealand 2 Australia 7 (Pool A men) Umpires: Daniel Barstow (ENG) Ilanggo Kanabathu (MAS) Bruce Bale (ENG-video) 

Sports Bulletin Report Birmingham (UK):-New Zealand’s men got the day’s play underway with a comfortable showing against Pakistan, while Australia got their games title defence started with a massive victory over Scotland. The afternoon session started with a cracker between England and Wales men in which the hosts claimed a valuable three points, while India put 11 past Ghana. The evening began with a narrow England women’s win over Canada, with the day ended by a dominant Australia showing against South Africa.       New Zealand 4 Pakistan 1 (Pool A men) New Zealand’s men opened the day’s play with a consummate performance against Pakistan, claiming their first 3 points after a remarkable opening day draw with Scotland. The first quarter saw a barrage of Black Sticks pressure, with misses from Sam Lane and Brad Read alongside a Nic Woods blocked effort and a Hugo Inglis shot saved by Pakistan keeper Akmal Hussain. Despite the one-way traffic Pakistan stood firm and the first quarter ended goalless. However, the pressure on the Pakistan goal did eventually reap reward for New Zealand, as dangerous midfielder Inglis fired home just a minute into the second period. Inglis doubled his tally -  and his sides lead - just a minute later as New Zealand looked to turn the screw. However, the quick-fire double appeared to wake up Pakistan, who dragged themselves back into the tie following a Ghazanfar Ali strike in the 26th minute. Both sides had chances to score again in the quarter, but the game remained at 2-1 heading into half-time. Gold Coast silver medallists New Zealand came back out after the break looking to put the game to bed as they searched for maximum points. However, chances from the likes of Inglis, Jake Smith and Kane Russell came and went to no avail. Pakistan began to create chances for themselves through Ahmad Nadeem, Rizwan Ali and Afraz as the game became more open, with both sides feeling like they could take something from the clash. Then came a turning point, as New Zealand forward Dylan Thomas extended his sides lead to 3-1 just 2 minutes from the whistle. Pakistan weren't helped by an early Rizwan Ali green card in the final period, as New Zealand looked to improve their goal difference. Inglis, Sean Findlay and Thomas all had early opportunities but the Pakistan defence held up. A quieter final period ensued, however there was time for Sam Lane to add a 4th New Zealand goal in the final minute and wrap up a 4-1 victory. Blair Tarrant (NZL)said: “It was a bit wet this morning but we're used to these conditions back home. I think we put in a really good effort defensively and then avoided the constant pressure, but they snuck a few under." Results (Men's Competition): New Zealand 4 Pakistan 1 (Pool A men) Umpires: Daniel Barstow (GBR) Tyler Klenk (CAN) Sean Rapaport (RSA-video) Australia 12 vs Scotland 0 (Pool A men) Umpires: Deepak Chandra Joshi (IND) Bruce Bale (ENG) Nick Bennett (ENG-video) England 4 Wales 2 (Pool B men) Umpires: Stephen Rogers (AUS) Sean Rapaport (RSA) David Tomlinson (NZL-video) India 11 Ghana 0 (Pool B men) Umpires: Fraser Bell (SCO) Tim Bond (NZL) Peter Obalo Kabaso (KEN-video) Results (Women’s Competition): Canada 0 England 1 (Pool A women) Umpires: Cookie Tan (SGP) Aleisha Neumann (AUS) Wanri Venter (RSA-video) South Africa 0 Australia 5 (Pool B women) Umpires: Rachel Williams (ENG) Amber Church (NZL) Hannah Harrison (ENG)

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-Upcoming hockey player, Adeel Ahmed Awan achieved honour for his hometown Wah Cantt after representing Pakistan in the International Hockey Boards competition that were held in three different cities of Malaysia. Adeel Ahmed Awan started to play hockey at school level and captained the school team for 5 years. He also led the college team in different hockey events. He continued to play as captain, participated in many national level championships and won various titles and medals. After showing notable performance at school and college level, he was selected in the international hockey team that visited Malaysia. Adeel Ahmed Awan said: “Behind my success are the prayers of my parents, my teachers and trainers. I am grateful to my teachers, my parents and all my friends who encouraged me at every opportunity and some have helped me to this point. I will always play for my country with hard work”.

Sports Bulletin Report Birmingham (UK):-A thrilling draw between South Africa and Pakistan men’s sides kicked off day 2 of the games, as Wales men put on an impressive display against Canada to round out the morning session. The afternoon session saw Australia and England’s women both register big wins, while the evening session included an Indian women’s win and New Zealand being tested by a dogged Scotland side.    South Africa 2 Pakistan 2 (Pool A men) Pakistan snatched a late equaliser against South Africa in both sides opening tie of the games. The first quarter started with some early South African pressure, Matthew Guise-Brown having a couple of efforts blocked before striking the post in the 12th minute. After Akmal Hussain was shown a yellow card at the latter end of the half the pressure told as South Africa’s Connor Beauchamp fired home his sides opening goal of the tournament from a penalty corner. Just 6 minutes into the second quarter the lively Beauchamp was again causing the Pakistan defence problems, seeing an effort saved by Pakistan’s keeper, Abdullah Ishtiaq. Pakistan stood firm before launching an attack of their own, resulting in Rizwan Ali converting from a penalty corner to level up the tie in the 25th minute. Chances followed for both sides but the score remained level heading into half time. South Africa began the third quarter on the front foot, with Daniel Bell having 2 attempts on goal but to no avail. Pakistan then took the initiative and created their own opportunities, Mubashar Ali and Ajaz Ahmad both having efforts at goal either side of a Nqobile Ntuli green card. A back-and-forth quarter with no goals left the game finely balanced heading into the last period. The final period of the game followed the pattern of the tie as both sides created openings. Abdul Shahid with the first of the quarter in the early stages for Pakistan, followed by a fresh from suspension counter-punch from Ntuli. Neither men were able to convert though and it was Guise-Brown who found the net to put South Africa 2-1 ahead with not long to go. Pakistan hit back with their own chance, Ali looking to add to his goal earlier in the game but seeing his effort saved. Just as it looked as though South Africa had edged out the encounter Pakistan’s Afraz became the hero, equalising following a penalty corner in the final minute to rescue a point for his side. Results (July 30, 2022): South Africa 2 Pakistan 2 (Pool A men) Umpires: Nick Bennett (GBR) Bruce Bale (GBR) Daniel Barstow (GBR-video) Canada 1 Wales 5 (Pool B men) Umpires: David Tomlinson (NZL) Fraser Bell (GBR) Stephen Rogers (AUS-video) Result’s Women’s Competition Australia 8 Kenya 0 (Pool B women) Umpires: Cathy Wright (GBR) Katrina Turner (NZL) Rachel WILLIAMS (GBR-video) England 12 Ghana 0 (Pool A women) Umpires: Wanri Venter (RSA) Rhiannon Murrie (AUS) Amber Church (NZL–video) India 3 Wales 1 (Pool A women) Umpires: Cookie Tan (SGP) Lelia Sacre (CAN) Amber Church (NZL–video) New Zealand 1 Scotland 0 Umpires: Aleisha Neumann (AUS) Rebecca Woodcock (ENG) Hannah Harrison (ENG-video)