Dutch Class Prevails as Hockeyroos End Tour with Defeat
The Hockeyroos suffered a second defeat to the Netherlands in their final match of the TPG International Tri-Series in Singapore, losing 4-1 last weekend.
Following a previous 2-0 defeat to the Netherlands earlier in the week, the Hockeyroos’ defence managed to hold out their world class opponents during the first 15 minutes of play.
This rear-guard defence latest 21 minutes before Dutch captain Maartje Paumen successfully converted a penalty corner.
Australia sparked hopes of a revival on 47 minutes when Emily Smith pounced on an opportunity for the Hockeyroos, but the reprieve was short-lived, with the Dutch hitting-back through Naomi Van As just one minute later.
The Netherlands extended their lead through Kelly Jonker and Naomi Van As, to round out a 4-1 victory.
Hockeyroos Head Coach Adam Commens was pleased with the improvement his side showed over the four match series.
“I’m pleased with our progress as a group throughout the tournament. We have been able to use our whole squad over the past four matches, learning more about our players which ultimately allows us to take a step forward towards Rio. You win a gold medal by improving your team bit-by-bit over the next eight months, and then by producing the best team at the right moment, this is what we’re trying to achieve.”
This series was the Hockeyroos’ first competitive meeting for 2016, which presented a valuable opportunity to trial a combination of experience and youth in the squad ahead of a busy 2016 international campaign.
Commens added, “These matches play a crucial role in our preparation to Rio. We have a number of upcoming series and tournaments which help us make improvements on our weaker areas as well as learn more about our opposition. These types of games are integral to the improvement of our group over the course of 2016.”
The Hockeyroos will now look towards a series with Great Britain in Bunbury and Perth next month, across six competitive matches.
The Hockeyroos squad contained WAIS scholarship athletes Ashleigh Nelson and Kathryn Slattery.
-with HockeyAus