A goal to Hockeyroos striker Ashleigh Nelson with only 10 seconds remaining has seen Australia draw with Germany and win the 4 nations tournament in Essen, Germany.
Needing at least a draw to win the tournament after dominating Ireland and India in earlier matches, the result was justified for the Hockeyroos who had numerous scoring opportunities throughout the match, including 10 penalty corners, but left it until the dying stages to convert.
Fittingly it was Nelson who scored the tournament winning goal for the Hockeyroos, with the West Australian striker under an injury cloud entering the tournament due to an ankle injury. It was her second goal of the tournament in which she was arguably the Hockeyroos most consistent performer.
With neither team able to score in the first half, it was Germany who opened the scoring eight minutes after half time via a penalty corner to Catherine Otte.
The Hockeyroos remained in the match and had their share of opportunities to score, but in the dying stages it appeared that Germany would hold onto their 1-0 lead.
However a lapse in concentration saw Nelson made the most of her opportunity, scoring with only 10 seconds remaining to level the match and hand the Hockeyroos a much deserved tournament victory, made even more significant given key players Kate Hollywood and Casey Eastham did not compete due to injury which could derail their World Cup and Commonwealth Games campaigns.
Captain Madonna Blyth, Kate Jenner, Kobie McGurk and Jayde Taylor were amongst Australia's best players.
The Hockeyroos will now travel to Ireland to play three test matches and continue their preparations for the World Cup and Commonwealth Games later in the year.
Australia-Germany 1-1 (0-0)
Goals - Ger Catherine Otte 43m PC, Aus Ashleigh Nelson 70m FG
Australia-Ireland 4-0 (2-0)
Goals - Nicole Arrold 27m PC/ 56m PC/ 64m PC, Ashleigh Nelson 31m FG
Australia-India 6-2 (3-1)
Goals - Aus Nicole Arrold 7m PC, Ind 17m PC, Aus Megan Rivers 20m PC/ 22m FG/ 37m FG/ 51m FG, Ind 45m FG, Madonna Blyth 51m FG
Source: Hockey Australia
