Hockeyroos Defeated in Four Nations Final

The Hockeyroos went down fighting to a determined home side in the final of a Four Nations series in New Zealand this week.

The Australians had a chance to equalise in the dying minutes but the Black Sticks held on to secure a 3-2 win in front of a vocal home crowd.

New Zealand opened the scoring at the 10 minute mark off a controversial penalty corner through Captain Kayla Sharland and went to the break 1-0 up before converting again early in the second.

Hockeyroos coach Adam Commens said the Black Sticks dictated play in the first before momentum changed after half time.

“We really stepped it up in the second, they had limited chances and we were able to score twice off penalty corners,” he said.

“Our younger players stepped it up and performed well but we still have a lot to work on.”

Anna Flanagan and Jodie Schulz both scored off well executed drag flicks.

Jade Warrender, Georgia Nanscawen, Emily Smith and Flanagan were the Hockeyroos best in a hard fought contest.

“Whilst we won the first three matches heading into this final, we need more consistency, we can’t afford lapses in the way we play,” Commens said.

-Hockey Australia