Hockeyroos crush Kiwis
THE Hockeyroos have firmed up their grip on a top four spot in the FIH Pro League with an impressive 5-1 win over New Zealand in Auckland.
Grace Stewart scored a brace after goals from Kaitlin Nobbs, Emily Chalker and Tweed Coast’s Savannah Fitzpatrick set up the win in the Hockeyroos’ first away fixture of their campaign.
New Zealand dominated the key statistics but Australia were clinical in front of goal, converting all five of their shots into goals.
Nobbs and Chalker netted first-half goals but the Black Sticks threatened a secondhalf fightback when Deanna Ritchie pulled a controversial goal back on the stroke of halftime.
Like in the first-half, Australia started the second 30 in style, with Fitzpatrick firing under New Zealand keeper Grace O’Hanlon and the visitors never looked back.
The win in the first Anzac Day match between the nations means Australia moves to 17 points ahead of the match away to Argentina on Sunday.