Scotland Women finish sixth after defeat to Canada

SCOTLAND 1 (Costello) CANADA 3 (Haughn 2, Johansen) 

Scotland’s women lost 3-1 to Canada to finish sixth in the 2022 Commonwealth Games at the University of Birmingham Hockey Centre.  It was another enthralling match as the Scots went down fighting against a team ranked two places ahead of them in the world.

The Scots attacked from the first whistle and Charlotte Watson, Sarah Jamieson and Fiona Robertson made good breaks but couldn’t create any clear chances.

However, the Canadians scored with their first attack of the match in the fourth minute when Hannah Haughn tapped in Brienne Stairs’ shot at the far post.

The game swung from end-to-end, with the experienced Canadians looking very solid at the back until the Scots won a penalty corner in the dying seconds of the first quarter. Heather McEwan’s shot was blocked by a Canada leg, earning another penalty corner. This time Amy Costello stepped up to smash the ball into the bottom corner to make it 1-1.

Amy Costello scores for Scotland v Canada, 7/8/22
Photo: David McCarthy

Within a minute of the restart the Canadians were ahead with a carbon copy of their opener. Stairs made a superb run to beat three defenders before shooting towards the far post for Haughn to score.

The Scots responded well and won a penalty corner when Jamieson was fouled, but it was blocked. And then Jamieson’s shot was deflected just wide by Fiona Burnet. Canada won their first penalty corner in the 21st minute but it was blocked and then Amy Gibson made a point-blank save.

A great run by Jess Ross earned a penalty corner which led to Bronwyn Shields missing the last chance of the first half. It was a great contest, with both sides working really hard to find space against well-organised defences, but it ended 2-1 to Canada at the break.

The second half began with a Canadian penalty corner which was well defended. The two Robertsons were having good games for the Tartan Hearts. Katie’s shot flashed across the goal, and Sarah was causing Canada problems with her strong, skilful running. Eve Pearson and Jen Eadie were continuing to link play well through the midfield.

Both teams were giving 100% effort but it was Canada who found the net on 41 minutes when Karli Johansen slotted home a penalty corner to make it 3-1.

The final quarter began with both teams getting green cards as they began to tire. The Scots were throwing everything at it and Katie Robertson won a penalty corner from which Ellie Wilson’s shot was blocked by a foot. From the retake, Wilson’s next shot was blocked. Canada were hanging on, and the Scots withdrew their goalkeeper.

Another Scots penalty corner was blocked as the game continued to be played entirely in the Canadian half. However, 3 minutes from time Canada broke and won a penalty corner. Heroic defending from the Scots, without a ‘keeper, saved the day.

The Canadian captain, Sara McManus was having a superb game, controlling the defence and snuffing out Scottish attacks. Jess Ross made a great run before Fiona Burnet brought a point-blank save from the ‘keeper. But that was the last chance of the game and it ended 3-1 to Canada.

It was a great effort by the gallant Scots who had the majority of possession and chances against a very good Canadian side. Chris Duncan’s squad have been a joy to watch in this tournament and should be very proud of their sixth-place finish.

Katie Robertson, Scotland v Canada, 7/8/22
Photo: David McCarthy

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