CWG 2010 Hockey:Aussies beat New Zealand in tie-breaker for gold

Australia survived a strong challenge from New Zealand to win the women's hockey gold medal with an aggregate 6-4 victory via tie-breaker at the Common wealth Games on Wednesday.Earlier, England overcame South Africa 2-1 in the playoff for the bronze which they won the second time in four attempts. They were silver medalists in 1998 and 2002 and took the bronze in 2006.

The teams were tied 2-2 at the end of regulation period followed by 15 minutes of extra-time. In the tie-breaker, the Aussies converted four of their five attempts while the Kiwis were successful with only two.It turned out to be a battle of goalkeepers as Rachael Lynch (Australia) and Beth Jurgeleit (New Zealand) were kept busy through the 70 minutes. Lynch came out on top when she blocked an attempt in the tie-breaker and that save proved critical.

Ashleigh Nelson, Megan Rivers, Casey Eastham and Jessica Arrold transformed for Australia while the Kiwis fared badly as Katie Glynn's weak attempt was easily blocked by Lynch and Krystal Forgesson pushed wide. During the regulation period, the Kiwis did well to bounce back after twice being in arrears in a game among two well-matched teams. All the goals came from penalty corners.Jessica Arrold (9th) and Ashleigh Nelson (59th) found the board from rebounds as did Samantha Harrison (48th) and Clarissa Eshuis (70th).