Hockey Hockeyroo debutants shine against South Africa
29 May 2009
Hockeyroos 4 South Africa 0
The Hockeyroos have started their new Olympic era on a positive note, defeating South Africa (ranked 12th in the world) overnight in Durban, South Africa.
The victory was particularly sweet for debutant Georgia Nanscawen, with the Victorian school girl scoring a goal in her first international match, one day after her 17th birthday.
All six Hockeyroo debutants, (Nanscawen, Alison Bruce, Emily Hurtz, Stacia Joseph, Heather Langham, Danielle Schubach) played well, showing good signs for the future of the Hockeyroos following the retirements of several veterans, including Nikki Hudson, after the Beijing Olympics.
The Hockeyroos will face South Africa again on Saturday 30 May before playing India on Sunday 31 May.
These matches are preparation for the Spar Cup, held in South Africa from 2 – 6 June against South Africa, India and Argentina.
The Spar Cup will give the young Hockeyroos a taste of international hockey prior to the Samsung Hockey Champions Trophy – Women 2009 held in Sydney from July 11-19.
