The women's team of Australia has made the best possible start towards its month long tour of Europe, defeating Great Britain 4-0 in England.
The tour of Europe, which sees the Hockeyroos play Great Britain, Germany, India and Ireland over the next month, is a vital stepping stone towards their attack on the 2010 World Cup and Commonwealth Games held later in the year.
The result will be particularly pleasing for the Hockeyroos, with Great Britain considered a major threat at the upcoming Commonwealth Games.
Some early defensive efforts by the Hockeyroos set up the victory, with Great Britain controlling their fair share of the play but having very little scoring opportunities due to the Australian defence.
With both teams settled Great Britain enjoyed the bulk of early possession, with the Hockeyroos content to break with pace when the opportunity presented itself.
After failing to convert two penalty corner attempts, the Hockeyroos were rewarded for their hard work towards the end of the first half when striker Ashleigh Nelson scored the teams opening goal at the 31 minute mark.
When Amy Korner scored Australia's second goal only three minutes later the momentum was well in Australia's favour as they entered the half time break well on top.
Things continued to improve for the Hockeyroos after half time when they were awarded a penalty stroke after Crista Cullen deliberately fouled Ashleigh Nelson in the circle, with Nicole Arrold converting the stroke.
Responding to Australia's ten minute purple patch Great Britain, pressed higher up the pitch in an effort to create more opportunities. After some good work down the right midfield channel by Chloe Rogers, Emily Maguire, the Reading and Scotland defender, threaded a pass through the Hockeyroos defence but Nic White narrowly failed to get on the end of it.
With Great Britain pressing hard in order to find their opening goal this left an opportunity for the Hockeyroos to counter attack, with Fiona Boyce scoring Australia's fourth goal at the 64 minute mark to seal the victory.
Great Britain-Australia 0-4 (0-2)
Goals Australia: Ashleigh Nelson 31m FG, Amy Korner 34m FG, Nicole Arrold 39m PS, Fiona Boyce 64m FG
Source: Hockey Australia
