Hockeyroos Win Champions Challenge in Ireland
The Hockeyroos have secured an automatic qualification for the 2014 Champions Trophy after recording a comprehensive 6-1 win over the USA in the Champions Challenge Final in Ireland.
Entering the tournament as favourites being the highest ranked team, the Hockeyroos finished undefeated scoring 26 goals for the tournament and conceding only four in six matches.
Hockeyroos coach Adam Commens said he believed the result proved to the group that they had made significant improvement in the past year and a half.
“We are very pleased with the win today and our dominant performance proves we truly belong in the Champions Trophy. To win today against such a quality opponent demonstrates the progress we have made in the past 18 months!” he said.
In their first major event post the London Olympics, the Hockeyroos were shocked in just the fourth minute of the match when the USA flicked home a penalty corner.
However, once Jade Close equalised in the 17 minute, the favourites didn’t look back, scoring two more goals before the half time break to wrestle the ascendency at 3-1.
The Hockeyroos finished with a flourish, scoring three second half goals, with Jodie Schulz scoring the last two goals from penalty corners.
Hockeyroo Emily Hurtz was awarded the top-scorer prize for the tournament, finishing with five goals. This included a hat-trick in the Hockeyroos’ strong 4-0 win over Wales in the group stage.
The Champions Challenge tournament provided excellent major event experience to the young Hockeyroos team, especially 2012 debutants Karri McMahon and Jordyn Holzberger.
The group also combined AIS-WAIS athletes and 2012 Olympians Kobie McGurk and Fiona Boyce.
The Hockeyroos will be returning to Perth on Tuesday 9 October in preparation for the Australian Hockey League starting on 16-27 October at the Perth Hockey Stadium.
Head Coach Adam Commens will use the Australian Hockey League as a selection vehicle for the next major international event, the International Super Series hockey 9’s, occurring in Perth from 22-25 November 2012.
– Hockey Australia
