Hockeyroos Warm up for World League with Win Over Las Leonas

The Hockeyroos recorded a 2-1 win over Argentina in a practice match in Tucum√°n on Monday morning as they finalise preparations for the World League Finals.

First half strikes from Emily Smith (Crookwell, NSW) and Georgie Parker (Adelaide, SA) put the Australian women two goals ahead at half time before the experienced Carla Rebecchi pulled one back for Las Leonas in the second half.

Speaking after the game, Hockeyroos head coach Adam Commens was pleased with the way his side played and said he expects further improvement as the week goes on.

“It was a good effort by our players,” said the Olympic bronze medallist. “It was a good win after a long flight and some hard training session sessions, particularly given that we lost Casey Eastham in the first half and played without Teneal Attard.

“It was a typical practice match and I would expect that we’ll be better by the time tournament comes around and we’re over our jetlag. But, I would also expect Argentina to play better in the real thing.”

Eastham sat out the second half after being struck on the foot at a penalty corner in the first period but is expected to recover. Teneal Attard missed the match as she continues her recovery from a hamstring injury in time for the start of the tournament.

AIS-WAIS athlete Ashleigh Nelson played in the match for the Hockeyroos.

The Hockeyroos take on England in their second warm-up match at 6:00am AEDT / 3:00am AWST on Wednesday (4:00pm local time on Tuesday).

The Hockeyroos get their World League Finals campaign underway in a rematch against Argentina on Sunday morning (11:00am AEDT / 8:00am AWST). That match will be shown live on the International Hockey Federation’s YouTube channel and on delay on ABC 1 in Australia.

-HockeyAustralia