Trans Tasman rivalry continued on Tuesday night at the Gallagher Hockey Centre, when the Australian and New Zealand Under 18 Girls’ teams met in the first of four internationals for the Rose Quaid Trophy. Australia showed superior passing skills, and their speed to the ball saw them win 3,2 after leading 2,1 at half time.
The scoring opened when classy winger Amy Korner set off on a skilful run to the circle to force a penalty corner from where Teneal Attard scored from a straight hit. However, New Zealand were able to come back when the hard working Canterbury player, Stacey Carr broke through, and a sound pass found Jane Clarke, who slammed home the equaliser. However, this was the last time New Zealand were on equal terms, as Emma Nightingale scored after a weak clearance found her stick. Australia continued to look dangerous with Michaela Mihailou leading many attacks until half time.
Australia U18 Women v New Zealand U18 Women Hockey Test – Gallagher Hockey Centre, Innes Common, Hamilton, 29th July 2003
New Zealand attacked briefly at the start of the second spell, but Australia’s Jayde Taylor was the rock on which many New Zealand attacks foundered. Australia came back onto attack when Mihailou carved her way through, but the New Zealand defence held. After New Zealand had been unsuccessful at a penalty corner, Australia counter attacked, and from an ensuing penalty corner, Attard scored her second. New Zealand however, had the last say when Carr was rewarded with a goal from a penalty corner on the stroke of full time.