World number eight Australia recovered from a 3-all draw with Namibia (world number 14) to claim a vital 2-1 win over Russia (world number 17) thanks to two goals from captain Shelley Watson.

“For us it was a step up from this morning, and that was something that we definitely needed to work on”, Australia’s Emma McLeish said.

“To come away with that win is absolutely incredible. It keeps our competition alive.”

The Australians have claimed seven points from their four matches, and sit one point above both third-placed Czech Republic and fourth-placed Ukraine – who are separated by goal-difference. 

Nowra’s Alex Mackay and his Australian men’s side first defeated Trinidad and Tobago 7-6, before drawing, in an entertaining encounter with the Czech Republic two-all – notable for its clash in playing styles.

The Australians hustled their way up the pitch to take the lead twice, while the Czech Republic's reaction was to play the ball patiently around until a scoring opportunity presented itself.

Australia led the first half until the 20th minute, when Jakub Kyndl equalised with a thumping penalty corner.

The same happened in the second half, with Australia taking the lead through Adam Seccull before Tomas Prochazka rattled home a penalty corner in the 40th minute. 

Gray’s women will next play Germany while Mackay’s men next face Kazakhstan.