WITH the chance for a strong start in a tough pool, against the country’s traditional rival across all sporting contests, the Perth-based Hockeyroos will rue missed opportunities in their 2-1 loss to Great Britain.
Things were looking bright for Australia early, with the side’s skill and speed always looking like favouring them against the more tradeswomanlike opposition.
But GB’s strength and physicality, and the ability to take their chances, proved decisive.
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Despite numerous attacking forays from the Hockeyroos, it was Great Britain who struck in the dying minutes of the second term, through a deft finish on the counterattack.
Georgina Morgan rattled the post from a penalty corner for Australia soon after, but the Aussies went into the break 1-0 down.
But Morgan was not to be denied halfway through the third period, her stunning penalty corner effort leaving the Great Britain defence no chance.
At 1-1, the Hockeyroos would have fancied their chances.
However, a yellow card to Edwina Bone late in the third term tipped the scales back towards the GB side.
Again, it was their ability to make the most of opportunities that got them ahead, this time from a more complex and clinical build-up with two minutes left in the quarter.
Bone was again carded early in the fourth and despite Australia having its fair share of the play and compiling six penalty corners, a lack of deftness and decision making in and around the circle gave the Hockeyroos plenty to think about for their next match.
The Hockeyroos next play the USA on Monday night. (9pm)