Hockeyroos Await Argentina Showdown
The Hockeyroos will have an opportunity to continue their fierce rivalry against Argentina when they face the world number 2 team in a 4 test series on home soil.
The series will be played in Townsville, Queensland from March 24 – 28. This opportunity to bring high quality hockey to regional Queensland has been brought about by the enthusiasm of the region to promote the sport in the area. Hockey Australia is working with Townsville to ensure this series attracts spectators from the whole of the North Queensland region.
With a number of current Hockeyroos and Kookaburra players such as Teneal Attard, Hope Munro, Kiel Brown, Jamie Dwyer and Mark Knowles originating from regional Queensland, Hockey Australia CEO Mark Anderson said the importance of promoting the game of hockey in regional areas was obvious.
“The large number of players we currently have in our two national teams from regional Queensland displays the importance of this region to the success of our sport at the elite level. Whilst providing an ideal talent pool, the growth of local hockey competitions in regional Queensland is also very important for the continuing success of our sport” said Anderson. “We know that hosting this series in Townsville will assist our local associations and clubs to promote the sport of hockey in their communities.”
The Hockeyroos played an epic final against Argentina at the 2009 Champions Trophy final, going down in heart breaking fashion during penalty strokes.
Regardless of this result the Hockeyroos have been in good form against Argentina of late, recently defeating them in front of their home crowd in a best of five series in late 2009.
This series will allow coach Frank Murray to make some final adjustments to his squad ahead of the BDO World Cup Qualifier event which will be held in Santiago, Chile from April 24 – May 2.
After suffering a surprise loss in the final of the Oceania Cup to New Zealand in August last year, the Hockeyroos were denied direct access to the 2010 Women’s World Cup which will be played in Rosario, Argentina from August 29.
They will need to win the BDO World Cup Qualifier to claim a spot at the World Cup.
Their opposition will include Chile (ranked 16th), Ireland (ranked 15th), Malaysia (ranked 22nd), Scotland (ranked 23rd) and Trinidad & Tobago.
-Hockey Australia
