The Australian A women’s side has put the initial performance against France behind them to record a convincing 3-0 victory in the second match of their four test series in Perth on Tuesday.
After defeating France 1-0 in the first match of the series in a somewhat underwhelming performance, Australia was much more aggressive and focused in its second match.
They made the perfect start when veteran Renee Trost opened the scoring at the six minute mark, however were unable to convert their good play into scoreboard pressure which saw them take a one goal lead into half time.
Australia were rewarded for their dominance with two late goals to seal the 3-0 victory, only conceding four circle penetrations and one shot on goal for the entire game.
WAIS women’s program coach Neil Hawgood is coaching the Australian A group and he was happy that the squad had improved on its earlier showing.
“We were able to maintain pressure on the opposition for long periods of the game which resulted in more controlled time spent in the oppositions half,” said coach Neil Hawgood.
Hollie Webster, Stacia Joseph, Georgie Parker and Holly Evans were amongst Australia’s best players.
Earlier –
Australia A failed to produce their best efforts in the first test of four match series with France, but still managed to come away with a 1-0 win at the Perth Hockey Stadium.
After losing three matches to the Australian junior side last week, France were always expected to come out strong against the Australia A side who were made up of the likes of Kate Hollywood, Bianca Greenshields, Stacia Joseph and Alison Bruce.
However it was Australia who struck early, with Sally O’Toole converting a penalty corner goal at the 8 minute mark in what was the only goal of the match.
While the Australian defence performed well throughout the remainder of the game, not conceding a penalty corner attempt or a genuine shot on goal, coach Neil Hawgood said the team needs to show more urgency and care of the ball in general play.
“Defensively we were good but we lost control of the ball due to a lack of caring and also poor decision making. We need to show more urgency and decisiveness on our press and when we have the ball,” said Hawgood.
Australia’s best players included Jackie McCrane, Bianca Greenshields, Sally O’Toole and Kate Hollywood.
