Black Sticks Women lift Oceania Cup after 25 years: 4-2
Contrary to expectations, the Black Sticks Women delivered an impressive performance and took Hockeyroos down by 4-2 to lift the third consecutive title in the Oceania Cup. The remarkable match between the two neighbouring countries was held at the Tasmania
Hockey Centre in Hobart, Australia on October 09, 2011.
This was the first time the Black Sticks Women won the three-match event over Hockeyroos, after their last victory back in 1978.
Australian Women’s Hockey coach, Adam Commens, was of the view that it was the lack of experience of the youngsters that led to the rather disappointing turn of events. He stated, “It is an immature team and we saw the more seasoned New Zealand team show
their experience and their bigger named players were able to step up and that was the difference.”
Mark Hager – the Black Sticks Women coach was delighted at the fantastic close of the year. He claimed, “I was thrilled with the players' commitment throughout. I felt they stuck to the game plan even when under intense pressure. It is a great way to finish
the year and consolidate our world ranking.”
The Hockeyroos only required a draw to lift the series but they failed to do so. The fixture began with both teams frantically struggling to stamp their dominance over their opponents.
The Black Sticks drew the first blood in the 7th minute with Charlotte Harrison scoring a short corner and putting her side ahead of the contenders.
In counter-offence, Jodie Schultz knocked an equalizer through a penalty conversion in the 14th minute of the mark. Kayla Sharland slammed a powerful shot into the goal in the 20th minute to restore the lead at 2-1.
Claire Messent of the Hockeyroos, in the waning seconds of the first round, successfully scored a field goal and tied the knots at two-all.
After an intense tussle in the second half, Clarissa Eshuis of the Black Sticks Women scored another short corner in the 58th minute. Her teammate, Katie Glynn, added a field goal in the 65th minute to seal the victory at 4-2.
Black Stick’s Kayla Sharland was declared the player of the match.
Tags: