WALES’ women’s hockey group at the Commonwealth Games has been thrown wide open after India came from behind to beat England.

The Welsh women can equal England and India’s points total if they can beat South Africa in their clash which takes place early on Monday morning UK time.

Wales pulled off a shock to defeat India, 3-2, in their opening game but then lost their second match to England, with the 5-1 score line not reflecting how close the encounter between the two neighbours was at times.

England failed to put clear water between them and the other teams in the group when they surrendered a one goal lead to lose 2-1 to India in their fixture on Sunday.

Wales will be looking to be the third team in the group to record two wins when they take on South Africa in the 5.30am (BST) match at the Gold Coast Hockey Centre.

Forward Phoebe Richards, from Knighton, has been one of the stars of the Welsh team with her impressive work rate and lively performances spearheading the Welsh attack.

The 25-year-old won her first of 87 caps in 2012 having previously also played football having grown up with two older brothers but played and won a Welsh school’s hockey tournament which brought her to the attention of the Welsh under 18’s side and was vindicated in her decision to concentrate on hockey after being awarded a scholarship at Loughborough University.

Pundits have been impressed by the team spirit shown by the Welsh women and football fan Richards, who now plays for Buckingham Hockey Club, will know her teammates can take inspiration from the Welsh football heroes of the Euro 2016 tournament.

Gareth Bale and co, who were also praised for how close they were as a team, refused to let a second-round defeat to England derail their dreams and went on to win their group on the way to a European Championship semi-final.

The Welsh women only need to secure a second place finish to reach the semi-finals on Thursday and can keep the group a three team race if they defeat South Africa.

The South African’s are ranked 14th in the world, 12 places above 26th ranked Wales, but as yet have failed to spark at the Commonwealths.

They lost their opening match 2-0 against England and could only draw 1-1 with 22nd ranked Malaysia.

Defender Delyth Thomas, of Llanfihangel Nant Bran, near Brecon, is also in the Welsh team. She started on the bench against India, before being used as a substitute, and was in the starting 11 for her full Commonwealth Games debut against England.

Following the game against South Africa Wales complete their pool fixtures in the in the early hours of Wednesday, April 11 when they face Malaysia.

Live coverage is available via the BBC.