Australia fights back to draw against NZ
A STRONG final quarter by Australia enabled it to overturn a twogoal deficit and claim a draw against the Black Sticks women in their international in Auckland last night.
The final result was a fair reflection of the battle between the two teams which were both playing their first matches since the Tokyo Olympics nine months ago.
Australia had some good chances in the first quarter but some excellent keeping by Black Sticks goalkeeper Grace O’Hanlon kept the Hockeyroos at bay.
The Kiwis responded positively with a strong midfield display putting pressure on the Australian defence.
New cap Rose Tynan opened her account early in the second quarter with a tapin off a penalty corner to put the Black Sticks up 10 leading into halftime.
The second half started with the momentum favouring the home side.
A stunning longdistance pass, rarely seen at international level, by Steph Dickins gave Olivia Shannon an opportunity to score.
Shannon went oneonone with the keeper and smashed home a powerful shot to put New Zealand up 20.
The Australians turned it around in the fourth quarter, earning a succession of penalty corners.
This pressure resulted in goals to Maddy Fitzpatrick and Mariah Williams which put the Black Sticks on the back foot.
However, neither team was able to find a winner and both were both able to retain composure in the final minutes.
The sides play again in Auckland tomorrow.