Australia 3
Ashleigh Nelson FG 7m, Jade Close FG 8m, Georgia Nanscawen FG 15m
New Zealand 1
Katie Glynn PC 49m
Australia hit back against New Zealand downing the Black Sticks 3-1 in the final of a second women’s Four Nations Test Series in Auckland on Sunday.
The Australians were determined to avenge the first series finals loss to the home side last Monday, where they went down 2-3 . The Hockeyroos got off to a flying start when Ashleigh Nelson and Jade Close scored a minute apart early in the first and when Georgia Nanscawen sent home a deflection at the 15 minute mark, they went to the break 3-0 up.
Hockeyroos coach Adam Commens said The Hockeyroos press troubled the Black Sticks in the first half. “We were able to create enough pressure so our opposition turned the ball over and we were able to capitalise on those opportunities on the counter attack,” he said.
“We’ve learnt a lot this series and it was never about the results, although it’s nice to win, it’s about working on improving so we are at our best at the Olympics.”
Once again senior players Madonna Blyth, Kobie McGurk and Teneal Attard were outstanding and held solid against a fast and skilful New Zealand attack.
The Black sticks sent home a drag flick from Katie Glynn at the 49 minute mark and the home side pressed hard in the last 15 but were unable to shake a determined Hockeyroos outfit.
The Hockeyroos will now have a four day break before they start an intensive training program in preparation for the London Cup in June.
