Hockeyroos produce stirring comeback over Black Sticks
Published Tue 25 Apr 2023
Maiden international goals from Maddison Brooks and Abby Wilson have given the Hockeyroos a memorable 2-1 victory over New Zealand in their FIH Pro League match in Christchurch.
With the honour of playing against their Trans-Tasman rivals on Anzac Day, the Hockeyroos found themselves trailing after just six minutes when Black Sticks captain Olivia Shannon deflected the ball in from a well rehearsed penalty corner variation.
However, the Australians’ persistence and constant pressure proved telling as Brooks scored a stunning tomahawk to equalise in the 49th minute, before Wilson pounced with two minutes remaining to win it. The match was the duo’s 9th international appearance.
In front of a sell-out crowd, the Black Sticks nearly pounced on a defensive error in the first minute but an alert Jocelyn Bartram prevented the Hockeyroos from facing an early deficit.
After Shannon’s opener for the hosts, Courtney Schonell was denied by an excellent save from Black Sticks goalkeeper Grace O’Hanlon.
Rebecca Greiner and Wilson were proving constant threats down the left as the Hockeyroos had ten circle penetrations to three in the first half but they could not make their ascendency count on the scoreboard.
The majority of the third quarter saw the Hockeyroos spend extended periods in the Black Sticks’ half of the pitch. Despite the Hockeyroos’ intent, New Zealand’s defence was proving difficult to break down.
Jane Claxton and Schonell again tested O’Hanlon before Player of the Match Hannah Cullum-Sanders flashed a tomahawk just wide.
It was going to need something special for the Hockeyroos to capitalise and Brooks provided it when the Tasmanian unleashed a tomahawk from inches inside the D that rocketed into the top corner.
With their tails up, the Hockeyroos continued with their relentless pressure and in the 58th minute they were in front when Schonell’s initial shot was saved and Wilson was first to react to hammer home the rebound.
“It felt surreal…it was such a good team effort and us sticking to the team process is what got us over the line,” said Wilson.
“I was just lucky to get on the end of it.”
“One of our key focuses today was to have grit and the ability for us to come back really showed those qualities.”
“It was the biggest crowd I have played in front of. It’s a special day for Australia and New Zealand on a grand scale, so to play on Anzac Day and come away with a result like that was great.”
The Hockeyroos’ next match is against Great Britain at 3.10pm AEST on Friday.
The FIH Pro League series in Christchurch is broadcast on FOX Sports and Kayo.
Match Details
New Zealand 1 (Shannon 6’)
Hockeyroos 2 (Brooks 49’, Wilson 58’)
@ Nga Puna Wai Hockey Stadium, Christchurch
Hockeyroos: 1.Claire Colwill, 2.Rosie Malone, 4.Amy Lawton, 5.Grace Young, 6.Penny Squibb (c), 7.Aleisha Power (gk), 10.Maddy Fitzpatrick, 12.Greta Hayes, 13.Hattie Shand, 16.Courtney Schonell, 18.Jane Claxton, 19.Jocelyn Bartram (gk), 21.Renee Taylor, 22.Tatum Stewart, 28.Hannah Cullum-Sanders, 29.Rebecca Greiner, 35.Maddison Brooks, 44.Abby Wilson
