Hockeyroos Draw Series with South Africa in Cape Town

The Hockeyroos have drawn their three Test series with South Africa after recording a 4-1 win in the final match in Cape Town last Sunday.

The Hockeyroos produced their best match of the series to level the series 1-1 following a 3-3 draw and a narrow 1-0 defeat in the first two clashes.

AIS-WAIS athletes Jayde Taylor and Ashleigh Nelson both represented Australia in the series – with the group now preparing for a four match series with the Netherlands in Stellenbosch.

A first international goal from Mariah Williams and strikes by Jodie Schulz, Kellie White and Georgia Nanscawen earned the Hockeyroos a 4-1 win over South Africa in the third and final match of their three Test series in Cape Town.

Newcastle youngster Williams’ first strike for Australia put the Hockeyroos in control as she added to Jodie Schulz’s earlier goal to put the Aussie women 2-0 up shortly before half time.

Kellie White extended the Hockeyroos’ lead less than ten minutes into the second half before South Africa reduced the deficit through Shelley Russell. Goal line defending by the hosts kept the Hockeyroos at bay in the closing period before, with just two minutes remaining, Georgia Nanscawen finished from close range to round off the win. For the Victorian it was a highly welcome reward in her first tour back after a lengthy injury absence.

Head Coach Adam Commens said afterwards, “It was a much improved performance. We were very good in the first half but out second half was a little sloppy as some of our players returning from illness fatigued. Some high quality finishing by our forwards kept us ahead and the scoreline of 4-1 was well deserved.

“Whilst it was a better performance we will need to step up significantly if we are to compete with the Dutch on Tuesday. We now have two days rest to prepare and we look forward to our four matches against The Netherlands.”

-HockeyAustralia