by Our Sports Desk

England failed to make it a shoot-out double as Australia claimed Commonwealth Games hockey gold after a dramatic women’s final at Glasgow Green on Saturday.

Lily Owsley had put England ahead midway through the second half but Jodie Kenny levelled the game at 1-1 with just 17 seconds remaining.

The English, who beat New Zealand in a shoot-out in the semi-finals, could not repeat their heroics though as Alex Danson, Susie Gilbert and Nicola White all failed to beat Aussie keeper Madonna Blyth as they lost 3-1.

England captain Kate Richardson-Walsh said: “I’m devastated. Taking it that close and losing is heartbreaking. I’ve played enough games to know about bloody last-minute equalisers.”

She is considering retirement and added: “I have to go and take some time to consider what’s best for me and the team.”

Richardson-Walsh could still find positives to take away from Glasgow, saying: “It has honestly been amazing. The fans have been great. It’s one of the best pitches I’ve ever played on. 

“Without a doubt before coming to the Games I knew Glasgow was going to be amazing.”

Defeat was another disappointment for a side who could only finish 11th at this summer’s World Cup.

White added: “We felt confident going into the game after beating New Zealand. 

“We had also played really well against Australia in the group stage, even though we lost 3-0.

“And we were feeling great after taking the lead. I wouldn’t say we were lacking confidence before the shoot-out, we just came up against a really good keeper.

“A few of the girls were upset afterwards but they will be ok in time. It’s just a bit raw right now. It’s a horrible way to lose a match.”

Australia forward Georgina Parker said: “We had all the shots and possession. They only had one from one so once we scored we knew we’d win.”