After a chaotic but successful two weeks in Birmingham, the Commonwealth Games have now drawn to a close. With former Telford and Wrekin Hockey Club players David Goodfield and Callum Mackenzie representing England and Scotland respectively, let’s have a look at how they both got on.

England and Scotland opened their games on a Friday night in front of a packed out stand at the University of Birmingham. England completed a rather routine victory against Ghana in which they ran out 6-0 winners. Scotland however had a much tougher test in their opening match against Gold Coast silver medallists New Zealand. Scotland were rampant in the first half chalking up a 5-1 lead with Callum Mackenzie scoring his first international goal with a superb diving finish to round off a stunning counterattack.

Saturday’s session was one to forget for the Scots, not only was it raining, but they were on the receiving end of a mauling by eventual gold medallists Australia. England continued their positive start to the games, beating a strong Welsh side 4-2. Wales frustrated the host nation until the 4th quarter where England took control and eventually ran out winners.

Come Monday afternoon the rain had passed, and the sun was shining. Telford and Wrekin’s finest supporters headed to Birmingham by the dozen to show their support for the Shropshire lads. First up was Scotland Vs South Africa to be followed by the mouth-watering contest of England Vs India.

Scotland and South Africa battled in the Brummie heat with both sides scoring some scintillating goals. South Africa edged out 5-4 winners finding a winner in the last 30 seconds of the match. The drama was not over by any means. England and India put on a show for a rowdy and animated crowd who were sweltering in the sun. India seemed to be in control of the game racking up a 3-1 lead at half time. India added a 4th in the 3rd quarter to put themselves in complete control of the match. Heading in into the final quarter England dug deep, and with India going down to 10 the crowd came alive and pushed England on. A chaotic 8 minutes ensued with England pushing for a way back into the game. England got 1, and then 2 back to make it 4-3 with 10 to play. The game became frantic, but England kept their cool in the blistering heat as India went down to 9 men. England’s equaliser come from Goodfield starting a counterattack in his own half which opened up the pitch. Like a hot knife through butter England passed their pay through India’s defence and found the goal to which the crowd erupted. It was honours even at the full time whistle it what was arguably one of best games of the games.

Following Monday’s excitement England put on a ruthless display against Canada, chasing a 14-goal victory in order to top the group, England won 11-2 in what was one of their more comfortable victories. Scotland had it all to play for in their 4th and final game against Pakistan, where if results went their way, they could have ended up in the semi-finals. Scotland took the lead, but Pakistan kept themselves in the game by restricting Scotland’s chances. Despite being on the front foot early on Scotland fell just short and lost 3-2 where they were at the hands of another late winner from their opponents.

Moving into the classification and semi-final stage of the games Scotland faced Ghana in the 9th and 10th play off where they won 7-2. Despite only finishing 9th Scotland put in some excellent performances, and with a little bit more luck could have finished much higher. Callum did himself proud and played really well in what was his first Commonwealth Games.

England faced what seemed to be a mammoth task against the rampant Australia in their semi-final, however England showed their worth. England were exceptional at breaking up the Aussie attacks and midfield with Goodfield instrumental in this role. England took a 2-0 lead, but Australia levelled the game in the 3rd quarter. A tense 4th quarter beckoned with England on the front foot and winning countless penalty corners, it was the Australians who were ruthless, catching England off guard at the top of their own ‘D’ in what was deemed a rather controversial goal. Despite a video referral the goal was given, and England were left to play in the bronze medal game against South Africa.

South Africa posed a significant threat and took an early lead, but England fought back well and took control of the game. England took the lead and never looked back and extended that lead in the 4th quarter to win the game 6-3 and take home a well-deserved bronze medal.

The whole of Telford and Wrekin Hockey Club are immensely proud of Callum and David who have represented the club brilliantly and have been excellent role models for all the juniors in the club. It was amazing to be able to go and see them both play in what could be a once in a lifetime opportunity.