NEW DELHI, Oct 13: Australia won their second successive Commonwealth Games women's hockey gold with a nerve-wracking 4-2 win over New Zealand on penalties in the final here on Wednesday.

Jessica Nicole scored the winner while Krystal Forgesson missed her attempt in the penalty shoot-out after the scores were tied 2-2 at the end of the regulation period and extra-time.

“It was a fairly even game,” said Australian forward Megan Rivers. “There were periods when we were on top and periods when they were on top. There is always a lot of rivalry when we play each other.

“It is fantastic to win the gold because there are many girls in the team who are playing their first Games. It is huge for everyone in the team.”

England rode on a match-winning goal by Georgie Twigg in the 13th minute to beat South Africa 1-0 and take home the bronze.

It was the second bronze in a row for England, the world number five, after having finished third in the 2006 Melbourne Games.—AFP