Win one, lose one result for Hockeyroos

The Hockeyroos had a mixed weekend at the Bunbury Hockey Stadium, defeating Great Britain on Friday night before suffering a narrow loss on Sunday.

As part of a six-game series in WA, Bunbury hosted the two international sides for two high quality international matches.

On Friday night it was the Hockeyroos who were victorious, winning 4-3.

Australia opened the scoring in the 10th minute thanks to a fantastic cross by Ashleigh Nelson which found the stick of Kathryn Slattery, who made no mistake from within the goal-circle.

But Great Britain responded quickly, with Hannah MacLeod scoring just seconds later to equalise.

Ellie Watton then found the back of the net nine minutes later thanks to a deflection from a corner to give the visitors the lead and send the 2000-strong crowd into silence.

But just a minute later Slattery scored her second goal to tie the score.

In the 24th minute the lead was re-gained by the Australians thanks to a back stick tomahawk from Mariah Williams.

Nelson then added a goal to go with her assist early in the second half to double Australia’s advantage and set a daunting task for Great Britain.

Desperate to stay in the game, Sophie Bray scored in the 40th minute to return the margin to just one goal.

But the Hockeyroos held on in a goalless last quarter to take the victory and put them one up in the series.

Sunday was a different story though, with Great Britain’s Susie Gilbert scoring in the 18th minute to give the visitors a 1-0 win and tie the series.

Australia arguably played better than they did on Friday night, with their press holding firm on a number of occasions and the attack winning plenty of ball and creating scoring opportunities.

Brooke Peris and Georgie Parker pushed hard for the Hockeyroos, taking a number of fantastic shots, but no-one could find the back of the net. Australian coach Adam Commens praised his side’s efforts on Sunday despite the loss, but Great Britain held on to their slender lead by forcing Australia wide where they failed to convert their chances.