Hockeyroos undone by solitary goal against Great Britain
Published Sat 22 Apr 2023
A 13th minute drag flick from Great Britain’s Giselle Ansley was enough to see the Hockeyroos go down 0-1 in their FIH Pro League series opener in Christchurch.
In a game that saw goalmouth action at both ends and the respective goalkeepers forced to produce a string of fine saves, it was Ansley’s first quarter goal from a penalty corner that ultimately separated the teams.
After falling behind, Greta Hayes almost drew the Hockeyroos level with under 60 seconds to go in the first quarter, her well directed shot kept out by Great Britain goalkeeper Sabbie Heesh.
Consecutive penalty corners saw Renee Taylor and then Penny Squibb denied by Heesh as the Hockeyroos enjoyed a dominant period of play early in the second quarter.
As both sides tried to find cracks in the opposing defences, there was no addition to the score as the urgency lifted heading into the last 15 minutes.
Isabelle Petter stung the pads of Jocelyn Bartram to start the last quarter as the Hockeyroos goalkeeper ensured the deficit stayed at one.
The Hockeyroos’ resolve was tested as they endured a few minutes with nine field players after Claire Colwill and Amy Lawton, in her 50th game, received green cards.
Bartram produced another fine reflex save with 90 seconds remaining to give the Hockeyroos a chance at mounting one final attack but Great Britain held firm to full time.
“We created some good opportunities…it was just our skills on the back of that to finish and put the ball into the back of the net that was missing,” said Grace Stewart.
“We will have a focus on improving our finishing and then come out ready to go against New Zealand on Anzac Day.”
The Hockeyroos will feature in an Australia v New Zealand double header on Tuesday.
The Kookaburras’ first match of the series is against Great Britain at 12.10pm AEST tomorrow.
The FIH Pro League series in Christchurch is broadcast on FOX Sports and Kayo.
Match Details
Hockeyroos 0
Great Britain 1 (Ansley 13’)
@ Nga Puna Wai Hockey Stadium, Christchurch
Hockeyroos: 1.Claire Colwill, 2.Rosie Malone, 4.Amy Lawton, 5.Grace Young, 6.Penny Squibb, 7.Aleisha Power (gk), 12.Greta Hayes, 13.Hattie Shand, 18.Jane Claxton, 19.Jocelyn Bartram (gk), 21.Renee Taylor, 22.Tatum Stewart, 28.Hannah Cullum-Sanders, 29.Rebecca Greiner, 30.Grace Stewart (c), 35.Maddison Brooks, 42.Maddison Smith, 44.Abby Wilson
FIH Pro League 2022-23 Season Christchurch - Hockeyroos & Kookaburras Match Schedule
Saturday 22 April - Hockeyroos v Great Britain (Women) 12:10pm AEST (FOX Sport 505)
Sunday 23 April - Kookaburras v Great Britain (Men) 12:10pm AEST (FOX Sport 505)
Tuesday 25 April - New Zealand v Hockeyroos (Women) 12:10pm AEST (FOX Sport 506)
Tuesday 25 April - New Zealand v Kookaburras (Men) 2:40pm AEST (FOX Sport 506)
Friday 28 April - Great Britain v Hockeyroos (Women) 3:10pm AEST (FOX Sport 505)
Saturday 29 April - Great Britain v Kookaburras (Men) 2:40pm AEST (FOX Sport 505)
Sunday 30 April - New Zealand v Kookaburras (Men) 12:10pm AEST (FOX Sport 503)
Sunday 30 April - New Zealand v Hockeyroos (Women) 2:40pm AEST (FOX Sport 507)
