Australian Women ride into nine-a-side Lanco International Super Series Finals
The Australian women’s hockey team secured a spot in the finals of the inaugural nine-a-side Lanco International Super Series, earning a victory over Malaysia while drawing a game against India. Both the games were played at the Perth Hockey Stadium in Australia,
on October 21.
The Hockeyroos scored two goals against Malaysia while holding them goalless throughout the match. Meanwhile, they managed a draw against India at 1-1.
Hockeyroos’ coach, Adam Commens, was not satisfied with the performance of the players and the way they accomplished attacks in the two games. In his view, they should have won the match against India.
He underlined, “I have no doubt we are a higher quality side than India, we beat them 6-0 recently so it’s disappointing you don’t win but it was our second game of the day, the girls played at a high energy, we tried to make the play where as the other
teams sat back and defended”.
The host team took full advantage of the newly created rules, playing fast-paced games in the two matches. However, the two teams, India and Malaysia, faced by the Aussies were not at all aggressive, playing completely defensive games.
In the first fixture of the day, Malaysia controlled most of the first half. Many attacks from the Australian side foiled or went wide in the beginning minutes.
The Australian women broke the deadlock before going into the second half of the match. In the waning moments, Fiona Boyce earned a penalty shootout, giving Madonna Blyth a chance to score the first goal.
The skipper did not miss the opportunity and put the Australians ahead of Malaysia by 1-0, at halftime.
The home side continued the action in the second set of the play. Kellie White, in the 25th minute of the mark, scored a goal through a reverse shot, sealing the victory for Australia at 2-0.
Later on, India and Australia battled out a thrilling draw in a crucial match of the tournament.
With 10 minutes into the match, Ashleigh Nelson converted a short corner to put Australia ahead by 1-0.
From the other side, Soundarya Yendala whacked a penalty corner, sending the ball to the roof of the net and managed to draw the match at 1-1.
Having one-victory and a draw in hand, the Australian women will play in the final against India at the same venue on October 23.
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