2nd game v Russia

Holiday Cup

After starting brilliantly for a 2-0 lead the players completely forgot everything we were supposed to do and more. The Russians applied the pressure and went to the 1st quarter 4-3 ahead.

In the 2nd quarter we fought back to 6-6 and the remainder of the game we were continually chasing either being behind by a goal or even.

We did hit the lead with 4.21 to go in the 4th but 3 unanswered goals saw the Russians deservedly win 15-13.

Australia was best served by Bronwen Knox & Gemma Beadsworth who both defended well and also scored 4 goals each.

Greg McFadden said “This was close to the worst game we have played since my reign as coach. Russia was under strength and we continually made poor decisions in both attack and defence, while also showing very little pride. Without Bronwen & Gemma Beadsworth the score would have been much more disappointing”

“We need to regroup and show some courage as we play Canada this afternoon in what is expected to be a physical encounter”

Russia 15 – Pantyulina 5, Soboleva 4, Smurova 3, Zubkova 2

Aust 13 – Beadsworth 4, B Knox 4, Hadley, Fraser, Gynther, J Santoromito

X-man Aust 2 from 10 & 1 penalty

Russia 4 from 6 & 2 penalties

Brown 9 saves

Knox 1 save