2014 07 23 Glasgow Commonwealth Games: Mackay's View WALES

2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games Views and Analysis

By Kirsty Mackay of East Grinstead Hockey Club

Kirsty Mackay has made 32 appearances for England and Great Britain Indoors and Outdoors and represented England recently at the Rabobank World Cup and the Investec London Cup.  Kirsty has competed also at EuroHockey Nations Championships, World League and EuroHockey Nations Indoors.

How do you think England will fare this tournament ?

I think we will come in to the CWG's more confident after much better performances at the Investec London Cup, on the back of what was a very poor World Cup performance.  On our return from the WC, we just came back and got stuck right in looking forwards to the forthcoming tournaments. We trained with real focus and intensity, which was a key area we were lacking prior to the WC. Obviously, we had distractions upon our return with Jason sadly stepping down as head coach, but with such a short turn around until the CWG I think it was a positive thing that Danny stepped in as he still knew most of the squad and what tactics we had been applying under Jason. 

We do have a number of players that have yet to play in a multi-sport event in this squad, with the omission of more experienced players such as Sally Walton, Hannah McLeod, Helen Richardson and Ashleigh Ball all having been to previous CWG's. So, it will be a great opportunity for those players to step up and perform. I know that going in to this tournament, we will be looking to medal despite the disappointment of the WC. I think the squad has moved onwards and upwards since then and as long as we concentrate on each game in hand, and play with confidence, I know we will have a great chance of returning with some silverware. 

Who will be the main contenders ?

I think the game vs the Aussies on the 28 July will be the toughest match on paper for obvious reasons, and think that the winner of that will go on to the final. However, an England/Scotland encounter is always very much a battle and with the Scots' home advantage this is definitely going to be a tough encounter for sure !  Australia are currently ranked second in the world and recently winning silver at the Hockey World Cup, they are going to be a force to be reckoned with. Our track record against them hasn't been great over the past 18 months, with two wins out of six in the past 18 months. They have had a great attacking penalty corner conversion rate recently through Anna Flanagan and Jodie Kenny and so we will need to defend those threats well.

England, New Zealand, Australia are the teams who I expect will make up semi final places, with the fourth spot up for grabs between Scotland,  and South AFrica. But I will be hoping for an England v Australia final!

What about England's first match against Wales ?

Having played three friendly games against them last month as an England Development Squad and beating them significantly in all three. I feel confident that this will be a straight forward first match for England. However, playing in a tournament is a different ball game and we should still treat that game with respect. Then at the Investec London Cup at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre two weeks ago, we scored eight goals with no reply from Wales. While we will be looking for a repeat performance, Wales will be fighting hard for pride, trying to ensure that this does not happen again. 

Kirsty can be seen in action during the coming season playing for East Grinstead Hockey Club.