The Australian women's under-21 hockey team are bound for the junior World Cup after a comprehensive 4-1 win over the New Zealand in Wellington today in the final match of the Oceania qualifying series.
The Australians took out the three-match series 2-1.
New Zealand were outclassed in the second half after going into the break with a 1-0 lead thanks to a superb reverse stick shot into the back of the net by Stacey Carr in the 15th minute.
Australia forced eight penalty corners in the first half but were unable to convert any of them.
They persisted with a direct strike by Emma Meyer and when the few variations were attempted, they were poorly executed.
Australia came alive in the second half, however.
Seven minutes into the half Lisa Pamenter deflected home from a free hit outside the circle before Emma Meyer converted her team's first corner in the 61st minute and with a direct strike.
Meyer repeated the feat three minutes later for a 3-1 scoreline.
Shannon Bain scored from the field five minutes from fulltime to seal the game.
The standout for New Zealand was Emily Naylor, whose tackling in defence and clearances thwarted numerous Australian attacks.
She was well supported by Bridget Kight while up front Northland striker Jane Clarke worked tirelessly and made some good breaks.
- NZPA
Hockey: Australia junior women book World Cup tickets
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
