HOCKEYROOS
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4 (3)
Emily Smith 3 (FG)
Jane Claxton 4 (FG)
Mariah Williams 15 (FG)
Georgia Nanscawen 45 (FG)
NEW ZEALAND
2 (0)
Stacey Michelsen 34 (FG)
Anita Punt 48 (PC)
Crookwell’s Emily Smith’s 50th international goal and a devastating opening quarter set the Hockeyroos on course to a 4-2 victory over New Zealand to win the bronze medal at the Hockey World League in Antwerp.
The result also officially confirmed the Australian women’s qualification for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Smith’s goal in the third minute and Jane Claxton’s volley just 60 seconds later set the tone for the victory, with Mariah Williams’ goal at the end of the first quarter earning the Hockeyroos a three goal lead at the first break.
New Zealander Stacey Michelsen pulled one back shortly after halftime as the Black Sticks fought for a foothold in the contest but when Georgia Nanscawen made it 4-1 in the dying seconds of the third period it seemed the eventual outcome was assured.
Coach Adam Commens got the response he wanted following Thursday night’s defeat to the Netherlands but cautioned that the result doesn’t eradicate the memories of their two defeats at the tournament.
He said, “We’ve been threatening to do that for a while against the New Zealand team. They’re a really high class side and I thought today we executed our game plan well and were able to finish in the attacking circle. It’s probably the first time we’ve done it in this tournament so really pleasing.
“We can’t forget what happened in the semi-final and indeed the round game against New Zealand. We need to be better than we’ve been at this tournament. We’ll be really fired up and working hard over the next 12 months to ensure that we are.
Of his side’s lightning quick start, Commens said, “That set the platform and then New Zealand are chasing.
With Olympic qualification assured more than a year out from the Games, Commen’s believes the next 12 months will determine who stands on top of the medal podium in Brazil.