HOW do you calm your nerves when your daughter is halfway around the world, locked in a shootout to win a Commonwealth Games gold medal?
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In Gary Bone’s case, you go for a walk.
With daughter Edwina and her Hockeyroos forced to fight it out in a one-on-one shootout with England in an epic, rain-soaked gold medal match in Glasgow, Gary’s nerves got the better of him.
“I just couldn’t watch it,” he laughed.
“I had to get up and open up some blinds and go for a walk, it was so nerve-wracking. They got there though, it’s all very exciting”
Trailing England 1-nil with just 18 seconds remaining, Hockeyroos defender Jodie Kenny latched on to a rebound from a penalty corner to equalise and send the game to a shootout.
From there goalkeeper Rachel Lynch’s Midas touch got the Hockeyroos home, saving three of four England penalties. Casey Eastham, Georgie Parker and finally skipper Madonna Blyth all nailed their one-one-ones, securing Australia gold.
Edwina shone in Australia’s defensive line throughout the tournament, and made no effort to hide her excitement on social media.
“I never want to go to sleep, this feeling is amazing,” she tweeted.
Similarly, her father and twin sister Meredith couldn’t hide their excitement.
“We’re very, very proud of Eddie,” Gary said.
“I haven’t spoken to her yet, but I really can’t wait to get her on the phone.
“I thought it was all over at 1-nil with nothing left on the clock, to see them win was a relief more than anything. They really deserved it, and they were very confident of getting there.
“It’s incredible for them, and I’m sure they’ll celebrate for the next couple of days.”
“It’s just huge, there was plenty of nerves during the shootout,” Meredith said.
“When she was in Canberra I saw all the work she was putting into hockey, the dedication, it’s a great reward for all that.
“It’s just very exciting. We’re all so proud.”
Pete Shea, who coached the former Kinross Wolaroi school student and Kinross-CYMS star, echoed the Bones’ sentiments.
“It’s very pleasing, it’s always great to see ex-Orange players do well at any level,” Shea said.
“A gold medal really is great reward for Eddie’s dedication. It takes a lot of commitment and sacrifice to make it at that level, and she’s clearly given a lot to the cause.
“My wife Beth, who probably coached her more than I did, are very proud of her, and very happy for her.”