By Emily Goddard

Australia crowned champions of World League Semi-FinalJune 30 - Australia's women have secured the Investec Hockey World League Semi-Final title with a 3-0 win over hosts England in Chiswick today.

Both teams, who met earlier in the week and drew 1-1, were already qualified for the 2014 Hockey World Cup and Round Four of the Hockey World League but goals from Ashleigh Nelson, Kellie White and Emily Smith secured the win for the Hockeyroos in London.

"It was really good to win," Australia's head coach Adam Commens said.

"This really gives us a lot of belief that we belong in the top echelons of world hockey.

"We played fantastically well, we moved the ball well, and we countered well.

"We were consistent throughout and they [England] only had one shot at goal and no penalty corners.

"It's really satisfying to win the tournament, although to win World League round four [in Argentina in November], we'll need to be better than over here because there are other top sides around the world.

"We've improved a lot over the last couple of years and I was particularly impressed with the younger players we brought here to London.

"And, we've got some very good players back at home, too.

"Anna Flanagan, Georgia Nanscawen, Emily Smith, Karri McMahon, Jane Claxton, Jordyn Holzberger and Jade Warrender are all Junior World Cup players, although Jade Warrender had to withdraw from this squad with her injury, so I think it augurs well for our junior team that we've got good players coming through."

Englands Kate Walsh and her squad settled for the silver medalEngland's Kate Walsh and her squad settled for the silver medal

Despite settling for the silver, England's head coach Jason Lee remained philosophical and was boosted by the team's World Cup qualification.

"We are disappointed with the loss today, but overall I think we can be really pleased with how the tournament and the week has gone," he explained.

"Three months ago we were slightly worried about World Cup qualification but I like the fact that we have smashed that.

"I think the team has grown through the tournament, we just didn't have enough fitness to get us through today, but that will come in time.

"I'm very pleased with how they did; I thought their commitment was brilliant and their skill level was great."

Argentina took home the Investec World League Semi-Final bronze medalArgentina took home the Investec World League Semi-Final bronze medal

In the bronze medal match, London 2012 Olympic silver medallists Argentina, who have already qualified for the World Cup, secured a 3-2 over China.

Thanks to goals from Las Leonas' Carla Rebecchi and Luciana Aymar, China must now rely on the Continental Championship in Asia to earn its spot in The Hague.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
June 2013: Blue Ds from Olympics installed on Investec Hockey World League pitch in London
April 2013: Olympic medallists return to new 29-strong Britain and England women's hockey squad
April 2013: FIH confirms women's hockey World League semi-final schedules