Hockeyroos Fall to Dutch Defeat in Singapore

The Hockeyroos went down 2-0 to the Olympic and World champion Dutch outfit in their second match of the TPG International Tri-Series in Singapore on Wednesday evening.

A goal in each of the first two quarters from Maria Verschoor and Roos Drost was enough to help the Netherlands to victory, their first of the tournament following a 0-0 draw with Germany on Tuesday. The result leaves the Hockeyroos with a draw and a defeat from their opening two matches of the tour, which marks the start of their 2016 Olympic preparations.

With his entire 26 athlete squad in Singapore, coach Adam Commens made seven changes from the team that drew 1-1 with Germany on Monday. But the reshuffled side failed to make an impact on the Netherlands, who enjoyed the best of the chances throughout.

Having seen his side narrowly defeated in an even contest when the two sides last met five weeks ago in the World League, Commens was disappointed that his team had not continued their progress in matching the Dutch.

“Tonight, we didn’t take the steps forward that we wanted to. I was disappointed with how we handled the ball and we didn’t put the Dutch under pressure. Many parts of our game were off,” he admitted.

“At the World League we saw an even match where both teams created chances but tonight we made limited opportunities.

“I thought Ash Wells did well in goal to keep it to 2-0 and although in the second half we had more endeavor our basic skills let us down. If we want to be successful this year we need to improve in that area.”

With just under 200 days to go until the Olympic Games, Commens is using the tournament as a testing ground for his young side, with performances rather than outright results the focus.

“This tournament is about learning and exposing new players to this top level of international hockey. We can learn a lot about individuals, can they handle the pressure when the team is struggling. Tonight there weren’t many that put their hand up when we were struggling and we’re disappointed with that.”

The Hockeyroos’ third match is against Germany at 10pm AEDT on Thursday.

WAIS scholarship athletes Ashleigh Nelson and Kathryn Slattery are members of the Hockeyroos tour squad.

-HockeyAus