Field Hockey Canada logo

Game 5: Tuesday, March 22 Canada 3 vs Barbados 1

(half-time: Canada 0 - Barbados 0)

44' 1-0 CAN, Thea Culley, fg
48' 1-1 Bar, Joanna Davis, fg
59' 2-1 CAN Tyla Flexman, fg
69' 3-1 CAN, Megan Anderson, pc

Penalty Corners: Canada 6, Barbados 3

Canada faced a motivated and spirited Barbados side and had difficulty settling into the game plan. The quality of umpiring also contributed to Canada's uneasy and unsettled play throughout the first half. Canada earned one penalty corner in the first half but failed to convert on the drag flick. More trouble for Canada when Jess Denys uncharacteristically missed on a penalty stroke opportunity. Canada and Barbados continued to run hard at each other pressing and double teaming the ball carrier through the midfield. A 0-0 score was on the books at half-time.


Canada came out hard in the second half, more determined, focused and committed to executing quicker free hits and more interchange through the forward and mid lines. Thea Culley put Canada on the score board in the 44th minute converting a circle pass from Katie Rushton that hit off the inside post. Barbados answered quickly, capitalizing on a turnover in the midfield allowing Joanna Davis a hard baseline run and slipping the ball in on a weird angle past goalie Amamda Stone. Canada roared back with strong 2 v 1 build through the midfield mixed with long and short leads to the forwards.
Tenacious circle play earned Canada scoring and penalty corner opportunities. In the 59th minute a strong step up tackle by Robyn Evans followed by a great run to the baseline supported by Cailie O'Hara with great give and go passing and a well executed centering pass was finished by Tyla Flexman putting Canada up 2-1. Canada continued to press and play solid team hockey and in the 69th minute on a Megan Anderson hit off the penalty corner secured a 3-1 victory. With the game on the line and strong performances from Ali Lee, Megan Anderson, Robyn Evans, Hilary Linton, Katie Baker and Thea Culley, Canada learned how to win in challenging circumstances revealing strength in team character. Canada finsihes in the top 4 earning a much desired birth in to the World Cup. Canada's quest continues in the semi-final match against Argentina on Thursday, March 24.

Go Canada Go!!!

Green Cards: Katie Rushton ,Canada, Cher King, Barbados

Starting for Canada: Amanda Stone (gk), Jessica Denys, Emma Carbery, Megan Anderson, Hilary Linton, Katie Rushton, Thea Culley, Tiffany Michaluk, Ali Lee, Robyn Evans, Katie Baker.

Substitutions: Cailie O'Hara, Jaime Bawden, Tyla Flexman, Robyn Pendleton, Mary Glen.

Rate This Article

Select Here  5 Stars  (Best Rating)   4 Stars   3 Stars   2 Stars   1 Star  (Worst Rating)

Your opinion counts.
Rate this article or enter your comments below.