Australia A gallant in narrow defeat to India
Published Sat 27 May 2023
The two matches between an Australia A team and India have ended in a win a piece after the world number eight ranked Indians recorded a 2-1 win tonight at Adelaide’s MATE Stadium.
After winning the opening match 3-2, Australia A could not repeat the dose as Grace Ekka’s 26th minute strike proved the winner.
Stunned by the level Australia A started with in Match 1 on Thursday, India dominated proceedings early.
They had five penalty corners in the first quarter and it was from the fourth one that they took the lead courtesy of Nanvneet Kaur.
Abby Wilson and two goal hero from game one, Ruby Harris linked up well a couple of times in attack but could not convert.
Australia A’s first and only penalty corner of the night came in the 22nd minute and it triggered the equaliser as Wilson fired drag flick low into the corner to make it 1-1.
However, four minutes later India restored their advantage when Ekka slapped a low hard shot under the attempted save from Australia A goalkeeper Rene Hunter.
With 30 minutes to impress and put their name in the Hockeyroos mix, the Australia A players gave as good as they got in the second half but could not erase the deficit.
India had their share of chances to extend the margin but it remained 2-1 at full time in a valuable experience for a talented group of Australian women’s hockey players in contention for Hockeyroos selection.
Australia A captain Greta Hayes was proud of how the team performed after India upped the pressure in the second match.
“They dominated the first half and much of it was played in our defensive 50, but we spoke about it at half time, put in a plan and I think our second half was much better,” said Hayes.
“We have learnt a lot from these matches against India. We have been able to develop our way of play, bring some new players into the national program, so being able to build the depth has been really important.”
“To be able to have India come to Adelaide for these matches and for us to play them has been really beneficial for us.”
Match Details
Australia A 1 (Wilson 22’)
India 2 (Kaur 10’, Ekka 26’)
@ MATE Stadium, Adelaide
Australia A Team
Alice Arnott (NSW), Casey Dolkens (QLD), Olivia Downes (VIC), Rachel Frusher (WA), Morgan Gallagher (QLD), Ruby Harris (QLD), Greta Hayes (NSW), Rene Hunter (NSW), Carly James (VIC), Alana Kavanagh (NSW), Josie Lawton (VIC), Line Malan (WA), Pippa Morgan (WA), Zoe Newman (NSW), Jade Smith (QLD), Maddison Smith (NSW), Aisling Utri (VIC), Abby Wilson (NSW)
