Three first half goals from Casey Eastham, Ashleigh Nelson and Jodie Schulz catapulted the Hockeyroos to a second successive 3-0 victory over Canada in their final preparatory match in Perth ahead of next week’s Oceania Cup.
The first half goal blitz put the Hockeyroos in the driving seat at the break and the margin of victory might have been more but for a steadfast defensive effort from the Canadians in the second half.
After coming off the bench for her international debut on Tuesday night, Mathilda Carmichael began the match while Darwin-born Junior World Cup goalkeeper Elizabeth Duguid replaced Ashlee Wells midway through the second half for only her second appearance for the Hockeyroos.
Two-time Olympian Casey Eastham got the Hockeyroos off to an excellent start with a goal in the sixth minute before the on-form Ashleigh Nelson converted their second goal, her 49th international strike taking her to within one of a half century of goals.
Shortly before half time Jodie Schulz showed her penalty corner prowess to make it 3-0.
The Oceania Cup starts next Wednesday in the Taranaki region of New Zealand’s North island, with the competition taking place from 30 October - 3 November at the TET Multisports Centre in Stratford. Tickets are selling fast, and can be purchased at www.ticketdirect.co.nz
Hockey New Zealand recently confirmed that selected games from the event will be streamed live through their official website - www.hockeynz.co.nz. The live streaming will feature expert commentary and have no geo-restrictions, ensure that anyone around the world can watch all the action. To read more, click here.
Source material: Hockey Australia media release
