Spoils shared between Hockeyroos and China in Bunbury
Published Thu 23 Mar 2023
The Hockeyroos have opened their 3-match series against China with a hard fought nil-all draw in front of a bumper crowd at the Bunbury Hockey Stadium.
As Tatum Stewart and Morgan Gallagher became the latest Hockeyroos debutantes and with goalkeeper Zoe Newman making just her second international appearance, both defences proved impenetrable.
Penny Squibb almost won it for the Hockeyroos at the death but her drag flick hammered into the post as both teams head into Saturday’s second match in Perth with plenty to work on but also plenty to be encouraged by.
After both FIH Pro League matches between the teams in Sydney last month ended in draws, and with former Hockeyroos teammates Katrina Powell and Alyson Annan again trying to outwit each other as opposing coaches, it was always going to be another tight tussle.
China put the Hockeyroos under some early pressure, a last ditch Renee Taylor block preventing a threatening goal scoring opportunity in the second quarter.
Rebecca Greiner went close to breaking the deadlock midway through the third quarter, before China again created some nervy moments for the Hockeyroos defensive unit.
With 10 minutes remaining Greta Hayes almost pounced from close range in a goalmouth scramble but the breakthrough continued to elude the Hockeyroos.
Rosie Malone and Jane Claxton combined to create another opening but again China scrambled well in defence.
The Hockeyroos won their first penalty corner of the match with 12 seconds to go and Squibb went inches away from winning it as her drag flick hit the post.
Despite the frustration of not finding a winner, it was another valuable hit for a Hockeyroos group that continues to get high quality match time.
“I don’t think you can really anticipate what it’s going to be like but I just really enjoyed myself out there tonight…I was having so much fun, so it means a lot to play my first game,” said Stewart after her first match in a Hockeyroos shirt.
“It was a very physical and fast game and I can’t wait to get out there again on Saturday.”
The series now moves to the Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University for Match 2 on Saturday at 4pm local time.
The 3-match series, presented by JDH, is broadcast LIVE on beIN Sports (via Foxtel, KAYO, Fetch and beIN SPORTS CONNECT) and LIVEHockey.
Match Details
Hockeyroos 0
China 0
@ Bunbury Hockey Stadium
Hockeyroos: 1.Claire Colwill, 2.Rosie Malone, 4.Amy Lawton, 6.Penny Squibb, 12.Greta Hayes, 13.Hattie Shand, 16.Courtney Schonell, 18.Jane Claxton (c), 19.Jocelyn Bartram (gk), 21.Renee Taylor, 22.Tatum Stewart, 28.Hannah Cullum-Sanders, 29.Rebecca Greiner, 35.Maddison Brooks, 37.Morgan Gallagher, 41.Zoe Newman (gk), 42.Maddison Smith, 44.Abby Wilson
