Australian Women’s Hockey Team clinches first nine-a-side Lanco International Super Series Title
The Australian Women’s hockey team capped off a fantastic end to the innovative nine-a-side Lanco International Super Series, rallying past India by 4-1 in the title-claiming match, played on October 23, at the Perth Hockey Stadium, in Australia.
India, Malaysia and Australia played three days consecutively, to decide the fate of the first ever title-winner of the nine-a-side hockey event.
Australian Women’s hockey coach, Adam Commens, termed the innovative event a success. In his view, the Hockeyroos adjusted themselves to the changes and the new rules as the event proceeded.
He underscored, “They were learning how to play this form of the game and certainly our last performance was our best one which is what we like to see, the progression through the tournament and I’m really happy to get a result in the grand final and at
4-1 it was a good performance”.
He believed that it was an exciting event and they required a victory in the tournament in any case.
The future of the newly created game is looking very promising and that is what they need to promote the fast-paced tournament, Commens added.
On the other hand, Indian Women’s coach, CR Kumar, was not at all disappointed, terming the outcome as a right step in the way towards the Olympics’ qualifying stage.
In his view, the fast-paced hockey version will help them to further hone their scoring powers and sharpen their reflexes ahead of the mega event.
He underlined, “However, our main focus is not this three-nation tournament, but playing against Australia. They are a top team, ranked many steps above us and playing them will help us”.
Commenting on the upcoming fixtures, the coach informed that they will go to Argentina to contest a four-nation event. He opined that these competitions will assist them in their preparations for the Olympic Games.
The Hockeyroos adjusted themselves well to the newly created format, having only nine players on each side, wider goals and more flexible rules on foot and stick fouls.
The home side displayed an extremely strong performance, dominating the opponents with its fast and furious style of play.
Both the teams unfolded the game at a frantic pace, accomplishing back to back attacks against each other.
The Indian team had its way initially, marking the first goal of the game in the 9th minute. Soundarya Yendala notched the goal to put India ahead of Australia at 1-0.
However, the entire action remaining belonged to Australia. Hope Munro converted a short corner in the 10th minute while her teammate, Kellie White, established their first lead in the 14th minute of play.
Marnie Hudson and Ashleigh Nelson nailed in one goal apiece in the 20th and 21st minutes, respectively, sealing the victory for Hockeyroos at 4-1.
The Australian women, with impressive results, clinched the first gold medal of the nine-a-side Lanco International Super Series.
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