Hockeyroos prevail over Blacksticks in series decider

The Hockeyroos have produced their best performance of the Trans-Tasman series, winning the deciding fourth match 3-1 against New Zealand.

Led by captain of the night Steph Kershaw, who scored the game’s opening goal, the Hockeyroos will head home high on confidence.

With the three previous matches all ending in draws, tonight’s game was billed as a mini final.

The Hockeyroos survived consecutive Blacksticks penalty corners early on, goalkeeper Aleisha Power making her first appearance of the series.

New Zealand lost experienced defender Kayla Whitelock with a knee injury midway through the quarter and shortly after the Hockeyroos pounced to break the deadlock when Kershaw tumbled the ball over the line in a crowd of sticks.

Karri Somerville made a crucial clearance on the last line of defence, both teams finding it difficult to find effective entries into their respective attacking circles.

A Penny Squibb drag flick forced a save high up from Blacksticks goalkeeper Georgia Barnett, the game being played at a frenetic pace.

Then three minutes before half time, Kershaw did superbly on the baseline to send a ball across goal and Kalindi Commerford managed to get the final touch to knock it over the line to make it 2-1.

The hosts started the third quarter strongly and in the 39th minute they were back within one. Rose Keddell smashed the ball into the circle and Olivia Merry’s striker instinct took over, the Blacksticks’ all time leading scorer beating substitute Hockeyroos goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram from close range.

But any possible Hockeyroos nerves were quickly quashed when Renee Taylor beat two defenders to get the ball to Savannah Fitzpatrick in the circle and the striker hammered a cracking first time strike on the angle past Barnett.

Chasing the game, the Blacksticks took off their goalkeeper with six minutes to go and with the Hockeyroos down a player with Kershaw on a 2 minute expulsion.

However, the Hockeyroos maintained their composure, not giving the Blacksticks a look in as they wrapped up the series to the delight of Head Coach Katrina Powell.

“It has been a while since we have done that well against New Zealand, so it was pleasing to get the result in the end,” said Powell.

“All of the games in the series were really tight so the fact that tonight was a must win in a finals type situation, it was really pleasing to see the character, determination and work ethic of the players to get the job done.”

“This series win is a full squad win. Every player played their part. I’m really proud of the way the players came in and out.

“We have been using the term that players were ‘picking up the baton’ from the ones that have passed it on from the game before, so the progress that has been made has shown that they are all on board with the way we want to play.”

Match Details
Hockeyroos 3 (Kershaw 8’, Commerford 27’, S.Fitzpatrick 43’)
New Zealand 1 (Merry 39’)
@ Massey University Turf

Hockeyroos: 1.Sophie Taylor, 4.Amy Lawton, 6.Penny Squibb, 7.Aleisha Power (gk), 8.Georgia Wilson, 10.Maddy Fitzpatrick, 12.Greta Hayes, 13.Edwina Bone, 14.Steph Kershaw (c), 16.Courtney Schonell, 18.Jane Claxton, 19.Jocelyn Bartram (gk), 20.Karri Somerville, 21.Renee Taylor, 23.Kalindi Commerford, 24.Mariah Williams, 26.Emily Chalker, 32.Savannah Fitzpatrick

New Zealand: 1.Tarryn Davey, 2.Olivia Shannon, 4.Olivia Merry, 5.Frances Davies, 7.Kayla Whitelock, 12.Ella Gunson, 13.Samantha Charlton, 16.Liz Thompson, 20.Megan Hull, 22.Katie Doar, 24.Rose Keddell, 25.Kelsey Smith, 27.Holly Pearson, 31.Stacey Michelsen (c), 33.Julia King, 34.Hope Ralph, 42.Georgia Barnett (gk)
Unused Substitutes: 15.Grace O’Hanlon (gk)