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Temperature had risen to mid-twenties for the first men’s game of the Hero FIH Road to London competition. Before the match, Scott TUPPER (Canada) was honored for his 150th International Cap, and Iain SMYTHE and Hudson STEWART for their 50th Cap.

Canada took control of the game early and were dangerous in the circle by Philip WRIGHT and Matthew GUEST. The Italians were pushed back on their heels and had to concede a penalty-corner on a good combination on the right involving Scott SANDISON, Mark PEARSON and Matthew GUEST. The initial shot was saved, but David JAMESON was on hand to pick up the rebound and opened the scoring for Canada.

The Canadians kept pushing and solidified their lead a few minutes later by Matthew GUEST, cleverly lobbing the Italian goalkeeper from a difficult angle. They increased the gap just before half-time by Rob SHORT, well position in the circle to pick up a ball on the run and slot it past Fabrizio FEDERIC in the Italian goal.

Canada kept working hard in second half despite their clear lead and added a goal early by Hudson STEWART. Italy reacted well for a moment, forcing a penalty-corner saved on the line by Rob SHORT, but they could not hold back the relentless attacks by the Canadians, who added 5 goals by Iain SMYTHE, Matthew GUEST, Rob SHORT (certainly in fine form in this match!), Phil WRIGHT and Scott TUPPER, for a comfortable victory (9-0).

Player of the Match was, not surprisingly, Rob SHORT of Canada.