The Australian women's team also won the second test match against Ireland. The Hockeyroos defeated the host 6-0. Like in the first test match, Irish coach Muller selected a young and inexperienced team to line up against the mighty Australians.
Ireland were under pressure from the Australian push back and Keeper Healy was called upon numerous times in the opening ten to keep a clean Irish sheet, which she did with great agility and confidence.
The constant pressure finally paid off for the Australians when sixty time capped Kate Hollywood netted her first goal deflecting a free in passed the Irish keeper. Despite the pressure Ireland was under, they managed to penetrate the Australian circle a few times and earned themselves a penalty corner, Symmons' drag flick was denied by a confident Australian keeper.
The visitors managed to double their lead with only two minutes left on the clock when Kate Hollywood got on the end of another free in to score both her and Australia's second goal.
The Australian's displayed no signs of easing off and in the fortieth minute eighteen year old Casey Eastham converted for the visitors' third. Ireland was not without their chances and they won three short corners in two minutes but they could not find a way passed Carla Hunter in goals.
It wasn't long before Ireland were under pressure once again and were punished for leaving open players in the circle; they conceded their fourth goal, another open play deflection, this time it was twenty six year old Hope Munroe for Australia.
Their fifth goal came through a direct shot penalty corner with Shelly Liddlelow getting her name on the score sheet.
With only minutes left on the clock a goal that can only be described as class sealed the deal for Australia when Kate Hollywood roofed the ball into the Irish net with an excellent deflection, for her country's sixth goal and her hat trick.
Commenting after the match was Coach Gene Muller ÔÇ£Some players exceeded my expectations, the two seventeen year olds, Stephaine Quinn and Lizzie Colvin did well. We made the mistakes of a young team.ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£I am not surprised by the outcome but I didn't want to loose the opportunity to play young players against the Australians.ÔÇØ continued Muller.
Ireland will take on Australia again this Saturday and Sunday both at 15:00 in UCD, Belfield.
Source: Irish Hockey Association
