It was the "boilover" of the World Cup tournament to date, with the Brits soundly defeating New Zealand by six goals securing their place in tomorrow's final, where they will meet the winner of the second semi-final between South Africa and host nation Australia.

English captain Jason Burbidge played all four chukkas at Number 1, saving his best till last, when he out-scored New Zealand's Dean Gower 5-2 in chukka 8 of the semi-final.At that stage he was also carrying a nasty gash above his left eyebrow. The UK ladies also played above themselves, with Debbie Harris at Number 3 rock solid in defence all game, only allowing seven opposition goals over four chukkas.

The Kiwis started the game in fine style, winning the first chukka four one, but after that their game appeared flat, with the UK leveling the score at 6 all at the end of chukka 3;  from there the Brits were never headed. Dean Gower was good for NZ, throwing five goals in chukka 4  but that was the best NZ could offer. The game was played in damp and cool conditions in front of an enthusiastic crowd, with the UK and Kiwi supporters highly vocal throughout the match.

Jason Burbidge said, “we're obviously thrilled, I'm in a really good place right now! Credit must go to our coach, he had us so focused on doing the right things. We knew if we didn't have any errors, we were in there with a chance. We've taken every game one at a time and only concentrated on the next chukka, if you do this the goals will look after themselves. A huge tribute to the girls, they go on first and the guys are on the field when the final whistle blows and the supporters flock on. The consistency and determination of the girls was huge. Our coach Greg Sergeant got it right with the horses today. We have been monitoring them carefully and today's combination was just right.

Tony Schrafft New Zealand Captain said, “we're obviously very disappointed. We came here to win. But just couldn't get the bounce of the ball. We thought we were still in with a chance until the last men's chukka. It certainly wasn't a horse power issue, the nature of the tournament is you work with what you have. We wouldn't use the horses as an excuse, just the run of the ball. The UK were quick onto the ball and I thought Guy Robertson for the Englishmen, played extremely well."

Australia played South Africa and what another exciting game. Australia got off to a flying start after chukka 3, the Aussie's lead 10-4. Then the come back by South Africa began to make it 17-16 in chukka number 7. It was goal for goal. It wasn't until the very last chukka with the change around in the men's section that Australia was able to run away with the game 24-19. The game had all the highlights with the spectators certainly on their toes. Suzette Lister stood out for Australia and Kylie Dowling had a good game as number 1. Troy Henry who was in the no 1 position in the last chukka and had plenty of pressure on him and was well backed up by Aaron Clarke and Hayden Turnbull. Charl du Plessis almost worked himself to a standstill, but Aus was too strong in the last chukka.

Suzette Lister Australian team member said, “this is surreal, now we're in the finals! The South African ladies were amazing, they never gave up once. It was a little to close for comfort. I'm totally lost for words, their women are very very strong. They will be the ones to watch in 2011. I'm sure Aaron Clarke would concede that Charl du Plessis's reflexes were amazing. However Aaron saved the day, he got four snatches in the line-out and from that Troy Henry threw five goals. The wet weather put another variable into the game, but both teams adapted well considering the conditions.”

Bruce Maclarty South African Assistant coach said, “so close, but it goes like that. As we expected it was down to the wire. Australian women have not been put under pressure in the two world cups because they are so damn good. We knew if we could apply pressure we would see a different side of them. We knew how Australia would play and that we had to slow them down. We were very positive, our first aim was to get to the semi final our second aim was obliviously to beat Australia, as they flogged us in the last world cup. Both teams adapted well to the conditions. In the last chukka Aaron Clarke got 4 snatches in the line-out. They knew that had to achieve that as anything on the ground was South Africa's ball. Obliviously we're disappointed, one we should have, (that's the Kiwis) and one we could have, (that's Australia). Commenting on the young age of his women players he said, “if you're good enough, you're old enough.”

On a cool autumn night the north American were neck and neck for five chukkas. The USA players were leading 8 points to 7 at the end of the fourth chukka and a good fightback by the Canadian women saw Canada take the lead 10:9 at the end of the fifth chukka. America's Rob Shuttles in the sixth chukka where he scored five goals to canada's one secured the position for the bearers of the stars and stripes.

Susan Johnson USA traveling reserve said, “it was defiantly a nail-biter. The improvement of the Canadians is true testament of the great coaching of Charlie Grills and the spirit of the team. Our USA team looks forward to competing with them in North America in time to come. Our horses have been fabulous, we would like to fit three of them in particular into suitcases to take home, they are outstanding athletes. We have all had great fun.

Canadian ladies said, “it was the most exhilarating game of our life. We finished on a high note and are so happy with our improvement. We felt very competitive in this game. Maybe the 8 chukkas could have made as difference as we had a lot of horse left and were playing a competitive game. The horses were absolutely brilliant! We're going to bring it on in 2011! See you next time!