Hockeyroos Split Opening Games

The Hockeyroos, including WAIS athletes Hope Munro, Ashleigh Nelson and Fiona Boyce, have commenced their campaign at the 2009 Samsung Champions Trophy in Sydney with a win and a loss in their opening two matches.

Opening the tournament on Saturday with a match against world number three Germany, Australia recorded an impressive 2-0 victory at the Sydney Olympic Park Hockey Centre. Sunday’s match against Olympic bronze medallists Argentina saw the home team’s record drop to 1-1 following a 1-0 loss.

Boyce, who only made her senior debut last week in the warm up Test series against the Germans in Perth, made an impact early in Saturday’s match whilst her WAIS teammate Hope Munro proved dynamic in attack.

Despite Munro’s constant attacking runs the Australian side couldn’t break the scoring deadlock in the opening half, with the score nil-all at half time.

The deadlock was broken early in the second half though, with a goal in the 36th minute taking the Hockeyroos to a 1-0 lead before the scoreline was doubled in the 43rd minute. By the end of the match it remained at 2-0 and Frank Murray’s side was top of the ladder after day one of the tournament.

Sunday’s match saw Australia come up against a highly fancied Argentina team and was of significance for the Hockeyroos as they donned all pink bodysuits to mark a charity partnership with the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

The Argentine defence was strong in the first half and the home side struggled to create any meaningful chances. It took until the final minute of the half for the goal drought to be broken, with Argentina opening the scoring via a field goal.

Australia’s best chance came part way through the second half when WAIS athlete Nelson latched on to a good cross from Kate Hollywood. Nelson created a chance but couldn’t get past the Argentine goalkeeper and the score remained 1-0.

Chances came again for both sides but neither could convert, with Argentina claiming a tight 1-0 win.

The Hockeyroos next match at the tournament is against Bejing silver medallists China on Tuesday night.