Simpson rocks Russia

HAD Scotland’s hockey team even drawn with the Ukraine in their first game, they would be celebrating an easy passage into the 9th-12th place classification group of the women’s World Cup in Perth, Australia.

As it is, yesterday’s splendid 3-1 victory over Russia in their penultimate game in Pool A leaves the Scots vulnerable if Ukraine, who lost 3-0 to New Zealand yesterday and are a point behind Scotland, pull off a positive result against Germany today.

Even a draw will be at Scotland’s expense, as all other separating factors favour Ukraine.

Captain Tracey Robbs’ team do not expect to gain points from today’s final pool match against third-placed Korea. But at least when the Scots take the field, they will know what needs to be done - if anything.

After a scrappy first period against Russia, the Scots came out for the second half attacking from the start. In the 44th minute, an illegal tackle on Rhona Simpson conceded a penalty stroke, which Groves’ supercool 19-year-old Louise Carroll slotted away for her third goal of the tournament.

The Russians levelled within five minutes, but within two minutes, Simpson netted a delightful goal to restore Scotland’s lead, coming into the circle from the right and letting fly a magnificent reverse-stick shot over the goalkeeper.

And, with the Scots by now in complete control, it was Simpson who sealed it with her second, at a penalty corner variation six minutes from time.

Argentina maintained their position at the top of Group A, and their 100 per cent record, with a 2-1 win over South Korea, while China beat Germany 2-1.