The Jillaroos finish second at the Under 21 Tri Series in Canberra

Australia’s Under 21 Women’s Hockey Team, The Jillaroos including WA’s Sara Foster and Pippa Morgan finished second at the Under 21 Tri Series in Canberra.

In the opening game against New Zealand, The Jillaroos appeared to dominate with multiple shots on goal early, though it was the Kiwis who scored first taking a 1-0 lead to half time. The clinical playing by New Zealand saw the score rise to 2-0 early in the second half before Australia was able to get on the board. A late fight back by Australia proved short lived with new Zealand taking the game 3-1.

Facing India in game two the hosts were on the board in the 25th minute putting the pressure on. A tough offense from the Indian team kept the pressure on and earned them a penalty stroke in the second half to see the game a draw at one a piece.

Out to avenge their opening loss to New Zealand, The Jillaroos took the game on early scoring in the opening 20 minutes. Early in the second a second goal put Australia 2-0 up, before New Zealand pegged their deficit back to one. In the closing five minutes of the game WA’s Pippa Morgan put the result beyond doubt with her first goal of the Tournament to deliver Australia a 3-1 win.

An early goal in the final game against India put Australia in a strong position before India leveled things with just seven minutes remaining to tie things up. With the clock counting down another goal by Australia gave them a 2-1 win to finish the series.

With three wins from four games Australia finished with seven points, tied with India on points. A bigger goal difference saw Indian crowned the Tri Series Championships with Australia in second.