Shootout secures Hockeyroos Pro League bonus point over China
Published Fri 10 Feb 2023
The Hockeyroos have made a successful return to the FIH Pro League scene, earning a bonus point after a hard fought 1-1 draw against China at the Sydney Olympic Park Hockey Centre.
In their first match since last year’s Commonwealth Games, the Hockeyroos prevailed in the shootout 3-1 after neither side could find a winner in regulation time.
Goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram kept out three of China’s shootout attempts and made some important saves throughout the match to ensure the Hockeyroos’ 2023 campaign got off on the right foot.
Rosie Malone’s goal in the shadows of half time cancelled out Xindan Zhang’s 23rd minute opener before the game opened up in the second half with chances coming at both ends.
Defender Maddi Smith and striker Grace Young both made their Hockeyroos debuts in an Australian team that also included Brooke Peris and Courtney Schonell, who both made long awaited returns after missing last year’s World Cup and Commonwealth Games through injury.
With both sides playing their first Pro League match of the 2022-23 Season and former Hockeyroos teammates Katrina Powell and Alyson Annan coming up against each other as opposing coaches for the first time, it was a typically nervy opening.
Four minutes before quarter time Bartram was called into action, saving well from a China penalty corner.
The Hockeyroos started to show glimpses of the attacking hockey Powell is looking to instil, however it was China who struck first when Zhang got the faintest of touches on a well hit ball into the circle to break the deadlock.
Three minutes later Grace Stewart went to pass to an unmarked Amy Lawton but there was a crucial stick intercept from a Chinese defender that spoilt the chance.
Malone was then in the right spot at the right time to equalise for the Hockeyroos.
Early in the second half Malone thought she had a second when she unleashed a low stinging shot on the reverse that cannoned into the backboard, however it was ruled out on video referral for a back stick from Kaitlin Nobbs in the lead up.
Bartram made a fine save before her opposite number Ying Zhou kept out a Jane Claxton effort at the other end.
The Hockeyroos lifted their tempo at the start of the last quarter as they looked to force the issue but China defended stoutly.
A diving Zhang almost pounced again when she just failed to get on the end of a dangerous counter attack.
Urgency from both teams increased as they went in search of a winner. Some skilful stick work from Schonell won the Hockeyroos a penalty corner, Maddy Fitzpatrick’s ensuing drag flick saved by Zhou.
A crucial defensive act from Rebecca Greiner blocked a goal bound China effort with four minutes remaining.
Despite a late flurry in both attacking circles, neither side could manufacture a winner as the match went to a shootout where Claire Colwill, Mariah Williams and Grace Stewart were all successful.
“It has been a long time since we have put on the green and gold,” said defender Penny Squibb, who celebrated her 30th birthday yesterday.
“We had a training camp leading into this which was really informative and we learnt a lot from, so to put that into practise tonight was really good.
“We were trying to implement some of the things we’ve been working on, so to come away with a win in the shootout was nice.”
The Hockeyroos’ next match is against Germany at 4.30pm AEDT on Sunday. China will back up tomorrow as they face Germany at 4.30pm AEDT.
Match Details
Hockeyroos 1 (Malone 29’)
China 1 (Xindan Zhang 23’)
Hockeyroos won shootout 3-1
@ Sydney Olympic Park Hockey Centre
Hockeyroos: 1.Claire Colwill, 2.Rosie Malone, 3.Brooke Peris, 4.Amy Lawton, 5.Grace Young, 6.Penny Squibb, 10.Maddy Fitzpatrick, 13.Hattie Shand, 14.Stephanie Kershaw, 15.Kaitlin Nobbs (c), 16.Courtney Schonell, 18.Jane Claxton, 19.Jocelyn Bartram (gk), 24.Mariah Williams, 29.Rebecca Greiner, 30.Grace Stewart, 42.Maddi Smith
Unused substitute: 41.Zoe Newman (gk)
