Hockeyroos Close Out Series Win
The Hockeyroos finished their four Match Series against Korea in style with a 3-1 victory at Perth Hockey Stadium on the weekend.
Goals to Casey Eastham, Emily Smith and Jodie Schulz were enough for the Hockeyroos to record a hard fought 3-1 win over a Korean team desperate to fightback after consecutive 5-0 drubbings in Perth’s extreme heat.
Hockeyroos Head Coach Adam Commens said “It was a very scrappy performance tonight, but it was good to get a win.”
Both sides produced an exciting, physical brand of hockey in the first half with the Hockeyroos converting their best chance late through a brilliant field goal by Casey Eastham in the 33rd minute.
It was a welcome return for Casey Eastham who was unavailable to play in the third test with a minor injury.
Young gun Emily Smith brought excitement to the game after half time with an early field goal in the 42nd minute before the Koreans hit back in style with an amazing goal to 2011 FIH All-Star player Kim Da Rae in the 54th minute.
The Hockeyroos responded immediately with a fierce drag flick by penalty corner specialist Jodie Schulz in the 56th minute for a 3-1 lead they would maintain to the final siren.
Commens said, “Tonight we didn’t play our best hockey for the series but it was still good to be able to beat a quality opponent in Korea.”
Earlier:
The Hockeyroos continued their excellent 2012 form tonight with another 5-0 victory over World Number eight, Korea at Perth Hockey Stadium.
The inclusion of Hockeyroos debutant Jordyn Holzberger brought great excitement to the group. Head Coach Adam Commens said pre-game that “Jordyn has been training very well since the beginning of the year and through excellent performances in intra-club matches, we feel that she deserves an opportunity. She is a promising player for the Hockeyroos.”
Holzberger’s selection came at the cost, with Casey Eastham suffering a minor injury. Commens said Casey is suffering from a “slight injury which opens up the door for Jordyn”.
The Hockeyroos dominated possession early, forcing eight penalty Corners in the first half. First half Penalty Corner goals to Madonna Blyth and Jodie Schulz set the tone for the match. The Hockeyroos’ speed and agility caused real problems for the Koreans who struggled to keep with the pace of the game.
The game opened up in the second half with both teams allowing early shots on goal. It was the Hockeyroos who capatislied on their chances and scored three goals in the space of 12 minutes. Debutant Holzberger set up Jade Close for her first goal of the Series and then only minutes later secured a double with a great field goal. Jodie Schulz also managed to secure her double on the night finishing with a penalty corner shot to the top right hand corner of the net.
Commens was satisfied with the final result and encouraged by the team’s progress since losing game one of the series. – “Korea is a quality side and recently beat (world No.2 ) Argentina, (No.4) Britain and (No.6) New Zealand before coming to Australia.”
– Hockey Australia
