Lithgow’s Lachi Sharp has made his Commonwealth Games debut for Australia against Canada on Tuesday, getting plenty of minutes on the field as his team booked a place in the semi-finals.
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Sharp missed the opening two games, wins against South Africa and Scotland, because of illness but played almost half the match as Australia won 4-0.
The victory ensured Australia would make the semi-final and set up a clash with New Zealand on Wednesday afternoon to determine who finishes in top spot.
The two sides are currently level on nine points each, but the Black Sticks are ahead on goal difference.
Sharp came into the field in the fifth minute of the match against Canada and helped Australia assert early dominance before being subbed in the 11th minute.
He missed the frantic final minutes of the quarter where the Kookaburras scored three goals to establish a comfortable lead.
Sharp returned again for stints in the second and third quarters as Canada lifted their efforts. In the final stanza, he was heavily involved as Trent Mitton scored the final goal of the game.
The match against New Zealand gets underway at 4.30pm on Wednesday at the gold Coast Hockey Centre.