Karri Somerville stars as Hockeyroos mark Greta Hayes' 50 with fierce win

The Hockeyroos have answered back in Antwerp, holding off world number two Argentina to claim a 1-0 win and their first win of the Belgium stage in Season 5 of the FIH Pro League.

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It was a much-improved performance across the field as both Australia and Argentina battled to break the deadlock right up until the fourth quarter. 

Nil-all at half-time Argentina came out in the third hunting a repeat of their clinical performance two days earlier and despite earning multiple penalty corners, they couldn't get it past the 'great wall of Aussie defence', goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram. 

And as eventual player-of-the-match Karri Somerville starred on defence, frustrating the Argentinians, patience was soon rewarded for the Hockeyroos.

Earning a penalty corner a couple of minutes after the third break, the Hockeyroos lined up WA's Penny Squibb and finally, they made it count. 

With a powerful strike, the ball sailed down the left-hand side of the Argentinian keeper, hitting the back of the net and the Roos flew their hands up in a cheer.

As Penny's hometown Tambellup erupted back in Australia, the pressure was on the Hockeyroos to maintain their lead. 

With seven minutes remaining on the clock, Argentina earned another penalty corner and looked prime to strike but the Hockeyroos defence, including Jocelyn and Karri, held strong and Australia celebrated a confidence-boosting victory. 

"We are so happy with that," midfielder Greta Hayes said with a smile post-match.

"We knew we had a big job at hand today, coming out after the last game against Argentina and we're absolutely stoked... We ran a lot harder this game, we played as a team and it really paid off."

It was a fitting way to mark 50 international caps for the Sydney midfielder whose career has included the Tokyo Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games and Champions Trophy silver, after making her debut seven years ago against Argentina.

"Seven years to rack up 50 caps is quite a long time. There's been lots of ups and downs, but I'm very happy with 50."

The Hockeyroos will be looking to carry their momentum into tomorrow afternoon's re-match against Belgium, just a few days after they lost in a penalty shootout.

Match Details
Hockeyroos v Argentina
Hockeyroos: 1 (Penny Squibb 47" (PC))
Argentina: 0 
In Antwerp, Belgium

Hockeyroos: 3. Brooke Peris (c), 5. Grace Young, 6. Penny Squibb, 7. Aleisha Power (gk), 8. Maddi Brooks, 11. Alice Arnott, 13. Hattie Shand, 14. Stephanie Kershaw, 15. Kaitlin Nobbs, 20. Karri Somerville, 24. Mariah Williams, 2. Rosie Malone, 12. Greta Hayes, 17. Lucy Sharman, 18. Jane Claxton, 19. Jocelyn Bartram (gk), 21. Renee Taylor, 29. Rebecca Greiner