International Hockey

Hockeyroos coach Adam Commens and his Dutch counterpart Max Caldas, who has coached in WA and played National League for New South Wales, have both named Great Britain as favourites for Olympic gold

Despite their disappointing performance in the Investec London Cup, where they finished only fifth, Commens said GB were the form team of 2012. The Brits have been hampered by injury to four key players, who sat out the cup this week.

Champions: Netherlands win the Investec London Cup 2012 with a 4-1 victory over Australia - Ady Kerry

NETHERLANDS 4 (1)
Carlien Dirkse van de Heuvel 28 (F) 
Maartje Paumen 44,56 (PC,PC)    
Kelly Jonker 46 (F)  
AUSTRALIA 1 (0)
Georgia Nanscawen 47 (F)    

The Netherlands have won the Investec London Cup hockey with a 4-1 victory over Australia. Germany took the bronze medal defeating South Africa 6-2.

For more pictures see the gallery.

Australia and the Netherlands produced a robust final with no quarter asked or given. In the end it was lethal Dutch corners and more clinical finishing that decided the game.

In the first half Hope Munro smashed one into the bar and Anna Flanagan put a corner over for the Hockeyroos, but it was the world's number one side who took a lead into the break through Carlien Dirkse van de Heuvel, set up by Caia van Maasakker in front of goal 

Great Britain defeated Ireland 3-0 to take fifth place in the Investec London Cup hockey. The game didn't reach the heights of Saturday's semi-finals but good moments included Emily Maguire's first international goal – from a straight hit corner – and a first half brace in close from Hannah Macleod.

Close fight: Holland's Claire Verhage (right) challenges South Africa captain Marsha Marescia, semi-final Investec London Cup - Ady KerryTournament favourites the number-one-ranked Netherlands were taken to a shootout by South Africa while Australia sealed a final place after the clock had run out on at the Investec London Cup.

The Netherlands took an early two-goal lead in Saturday's first semi-final against South Africa. But they were then guilty of setting the cruise control and needed a flawless shootout performace to save face against the side 11 places below them in the world rankings.

Impressive: South Africa captain Marsha Marescia has made her mark on the London Cup with speed and skill - Pic Donald MacleodCaptain Marsha Marescia’s world number 12 South Africa women’s hockey team are anticipating Saturday afternoon’s Investec London Cup semi-final against reigning Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and European champions Holland with relish.

The semi-final is live on SuperSport 4 in South Africa from 3.30 pm. “The knowledge that thousands of South Africans will be supporting us at home gives the team a massive boost,” said SA assistant coach Fabian Gregory after Friday’s practice.

In control: Germany's Nina Hasselmann is challenged by Great Britain's Anne Panter - Ady KerryGreat Britain's lack of firepower upfront cost them a place in the semi finals of the Investec London Cup despite an otherwise impressive performance against Germany on Thursday night.

A string of first-half penalty corner and open-play chances for the home side delivered nothing, Then the German's stunned a decent crowd at Chiswick with two goals in two minutes to all but end GB's semi-final hopes.

With GB needing a two goal win to progress, the strikes from Janine Beermann and Hannah Kruger in the 28th and 29th minutes could have taken the air out of the tyres. But, if anything GB played even better in the second half. 

Chloe Rogers had one of the best games we've seen her play for GB or England and Helen Richardson put in her usual massive shift. Laura Unsworth continued her growth as 'mini-Kate' at the heart of defence in the absence of injured skipper Kate Walsh. It was impressive all round the field apart from in front of goal.

Germany 1 South Africa 0: Germany goalscorer Eileen Hoffman (left) battles with Lenise Marais during their pool game in the Investec London Cup - Ady KerryGreat Britain's hockey women must defeat Germany by two clear goals today in the Investec London Cup to avoid the ignominy of playing for the wooden spoon in their own tournament.

A comprehensive win will be a tough ask, with Germany showing some good quality passing moves and well orgainsed defence in Wednesday's 1-0 win over South Africa.

Great Britain will, however, have noted a couple of late defensive lapses by the Germans – to be rescued by the superb Krisina Reynolds between the sticks – as a sign that Germany are coming into this week in Chiswick slightly under-prepared. Eileen Hoffman scored Germany's goal in the 30th minute with a deflection on a shot from open play.