Hudson steers Hockeyroos to gold

Australian co-captain Nikki Hudson has majestically guided the Hockeyroos to Commonwealth Games gold against India in today's Women's Hockey final in Melbourne.

The veteran 29-year-old scored the match-winner in the 63rd-minute, producing a fierce deflection into the goal as the hosts secured a memorable 1-nil victory.

The result will be uplifting for the Australians, who had to settle for bronze in Manchester 2002, and were agonisingly knocked off gold in December's Champions Trophy by The Netherlands.

The Hockeyroos dominated from the onset, controlling the midfield, helping produce several scoring opportunities.

However, the hosts failed to put away any of their chances in the first half, while the Indian defence had done well to keep Australia scoreless.

Scoring chances became non-existent for India in the second half, choosing to over-commit their numbers in defence, not allowing enough support on the counter.

Emily Halliday and Angie Skirving worried the Indians with their variations from penalty corner shots, but neither were able to convert from their seven shots combined.

The Hockeyroos held more possession in a tough second half, but were unable to penetrate and negate the belligerent Indian defence.

Though, the deadlock was broken inside the final seven minutes when Hudson pushed forward on the counter, and fed by a fierce inside pass by Sarah Taylor, the co-captain was able to deflect the ball into the top right of the goal before goalkeeper Helen Innocent had a chance to move.

Hudson was elated post-match, after Australia secured their first gold medal in any major tournament since the Champions Trophy in 2003.

"I'm so proud of the girls - we're really in disbelief at the moment," Hudson said.

"It's been a long time since we've got a gold medal. We're tired but ecstatic."

"India is a top team, but we just played better on the day."

National coach Frank Murray alluded to the fact his team made the most of the limited chances both teams had.

"Today was a matter of taking opportunities when they came," he said.

"Both teams had opportunities, but we came out on top."

Earlier in the day, England secured the bronze medal after overcoming New Zealand on penalty strokes.

After the match was level at 0-0 after full time and extra time, the English emerged triumphant 3-1 after the strokes.

Goalkeeper Carolyn Reid was the hero, saving three successive shots to earn her team a much-deserved bronze.

Australia 1 (Nikki Hudson FG 63m)
India 0
Women's Gold Medal Match. 25/03/2006. State Netball and Hockey Centre.

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