May 19, 2012

Hockeyroos win Super 9 title

Hope Munro

Australia has claimed gold in the Super Series nine-a-side international hockey tournament in Perth tonight. 

The Hockeyroos recovered from a goal down to convincingly defeated India 4-1 in the final of the inaugural event to take out the crown.

The Hockeyroos dominated early, but it was India that opened the scoring against the trend of play through Soundarya Yendala in the ninth minute.

However, Australia struck back through Hope Munro and Kellie White in quick succession and led 2-1 at the break.

The home side broke the game open early in the second half with goals to Marnie Hudson and Ashleigh Nelson within 60 seconds.

Hockeyroos coach Adam Commens said he believed the new tournament was a success, with the new rules creating more exciting play.

“They were learning how to play this form of the game and certainly our last performance was our best which is what we like to see, the progression through the tournament and I’m really happy to get a result in the grand final and at 4-1 it was a good performance,” he said.

“I think its an exciting form of the game and we need to embrace it. I think that in the future we will see it become very popular with the crowds and that’s what we need to promote our sport,” said Commens.

Via Ninemsn.

Hockeyroos advance to Lanco International Super Series final

Kellie White

The Hockeyroos will face India in the final of the Lanco International Super Series after defeating Malaysia and drawing with India during their double header tonight at day 2 of the newly created tournament.

With all new rules created to make the game faster and more exciting, the Hockeyroos were the more attacking side in both games, but faced two opponents who’s strategy was to sit back and look for counter attacks.

In the first game Malaysia controlled the play early in the match. Although the Hockeyroos struggled in some areas of their game the continued to attack, but unfortunately many of their shots on goal were off target, handing valuable possession to their opponent in the shortened version of the game.

With the threat of a scoreless first half looming, Fiona Boyce was awarded a Penalty Shootout with 10 seconds on the clock, with captain Madonna Blyth successfully navigating past Malaysian keeper and giving the Hockeyroos the lead before the break.

They continued to attack in the second half but could only manage one more goal which went to exciting teenager Kellie White, claiming a great goal off a reverse stick shot in the 25th minute. As the clock wound down, neither team gave an inch, nor did they trouble the scorers again.

Read more at Hockey Australia.