Hockeyroos On Edge
The Sunday Age
Sunday August 17, 2008
HAVING the world champions and then China blocking your semi-finals path was always going to be daunting, but the challenge increased yesterday when the Hockeyroos lost to the Dutch and possibly lost captain Melanie Wells for tomorrow's clash with the hosts.
Wells left the field late in a match the Netherlands dominated before Australia missed chances that could have snatched a draw in a frantic second half. Now, with everything on the line, coach Frank Murray hinted Wells might play regardless."We have our fingers crossed for her [Wells] and we will work on it overnight," Murray said. "If she was to tear [her hamstring] totally and be out for six months, she's not to be too concerned about that."The Hockeyroos' recovery from a sapping contest was to include a nervous viewing of last night's China versus Korea match. Meanwhile, Kookaburras coach Barry Dancer acknowledges that information gained about the Dutch system and players by Australians playing in the professional Netherlands league could prove significant in today's crucial group men's match."There is no doubt about that - their experience of playing Dutch hockey is valuable," Dancer said."I would like to think they have benefited generally from that."
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