The Australian U21 men's and women's teams have finished a successful campaign against New Zealand at the Junior World Cup Qualifier event today in Brisbane.
The women's team started the day with a deserved two goal win, while the men's team delivered an impressive second half to secure their victory at the event.
The women's team claimed the series 2-1, while the men recorded two victories and a draw in the best of three series.
Both the men's and women's teams will now receive higher ranking positions when the 2009 Junior World Cup pool positions are allocated.
Although New Zealand were the first to score in the women's match, converting a field goal at the five minute mark, Australia never lost focus, equaling the game only three minutes later with a field goal of their own.
The game remained even throughout the first half, with neither team able to add to the score line leading into the half time break.
Jemma Buckley continued to be a focal point for Australia in front of goal, and provided Australia with the lead at the 51 minute mark.
New Zealand remained a threat, however Chantelle Ciallella put the result beyond doubt in the last minute of the match, scoring a field goal in the 70th minute.
The men's match was equally exciting, with Australia performing extremely well in the second half to secure the victory and the series.
The match played out as a game of two halves, with New Zealand playing aggressively to take it up to Australia in the first half.
Australia scored first only minutes into the match thanks to Michael Bates, however when New Zealand scored with only minutes remaining until half time it appeared as though the match would remain close until the final siren.
However Australia lifted their game after half time, dominating the second half and scoring three unanswered goals.
Australian coach Jason Duff said he was extremely happy with the result, particularly with the second half.
'It was really a match of two halves, as New Zealand played quite well in the first half. I was extremely happy with the way we responded after half time, particularly with our forwards including Michael Bates who scored three goals.' said Duff.
Results Sunday 14 December 2008
Australian U21 Women 3 New Zealand 1 (1-1 half time)
Goals - NZ Glynn 5m FG, AUS Ciallella 8m FG/ 70m FG, Aus Buckley 51m FG
Australia U21 Men 4 New Zealand U21 2 (1-1 half time)
Goals - Aus M. Bates 2m FG/ 40m PC/ 69m FG, NZ Hilton 32m FG, NZ Child 43m FG
Results Saturday 13 December 2008
Australia U21 Men 4 New Zealand U21 Men 4 (2-1 half time)
Goals - NZ Jenness 2m FG/ 43m FG, AUS T. Bates 23m PC/ 40m FG, AUS Klienschmidt 25m FG, Aus Pollard 46m PC, NZ Hilton 55m FG, NZ Child 68m FG
New Zealand U21 Women 3 Australia U21 Women 2 (2-1 half time)
Goals - Aus Buckley 7m FG, NZ Finlayson 16m FG/ 52m FG, NZ Harrison 31m FG, AUS Flanagan 52m FG
Source: Hockey Australia
