Roos whip Japan to seal top 4 ranking

AUSTRALIA’S revitalised Hockeyroos squad crowned its return to the top four of world rankings last night with a commanding 5-1 win against Japan in Adelaide.

The win — in the first of three Tests at The Pines venue in Gepps Cross — also marked payback for the 2-3 loss to Japan in Melbourne last week that denied the Hockeyroos a place in the International Festival of Hockey final against world No.1 the Netherlands.

Australia had the tone of the game on its terms early after establishing a 3-0 lead in 17 minutes. Savannah Fitzpatrick opened the scoring with a field goal in the sixth minute. Grace Stewart followed up in the 14th.

The Hockeyroos’ first penalty corner was converted by Maddy Fitzpatrick in the 17th — and she did the same with the ninth in the 52nd minute.

Emily Hurtz’s sharp deflection on the right post in the 43rd minute gave the Hockeyroos their fourth goal after they failed to convert any of four penalty corners in the third term.

The 12th-ranked Japan did not force Hockeyroos goalkeeper Aleisha Power into a save from field play until four minutes into the third term when Hazuki Nagai made a bold and sharp strike.

SA’s most experienced member of the squad in Adelaide, midfielder Jane Claxton, made her first national appearance on her home pitch as captain.

The Hockeyroos last played in Adelaide in 2007 — during a six-Test series against Japan.

The second Test is at The Pines at 7pm tonight and third at 2pm on Saturday. Details: Australia 5 (S. Fitzpatrick 6 mins, Stewart 14, Hurtz 43, M. Fitzpatrick 17 pc and 52 pc) d Japan 1 (Shimizu 56).