The Indian women’s hockey team suffered back-to-back defeats to kickstart their tour Down Under, as they fell short against Australia A on Sunday. But the scoreline was closer this time as they went down 2-3 in their second game at the Perth Hockey Stadium on Sunday. On Saturday, in their tour opener, India had lost a high-scoring match 3-5.
India took the lead through Jyoti Singh (13’), after which Australia A came back from a goal down with Evie Stansby (17’), Dayle Dolkens (48’), and Jamie-Lee Surha (52’) finding the back of the net. India’s second goal came in the dying minutes of the match courtesy of fast-rising teen talent Sunelita Toppo (59’).
India were out of the blocks faster than Australia A, showing intent and control in their attacking forays. The early pressure was on the hosts, as India attacked at pace. However, Australia A were able to hold their own, and made India work hard. The pressure eventually paid off as India won a PC in the final phase of the first quarter, and Jyoti Singh (13’) wasted no time in give her side the 1-0 lead.
Under pressure, Australia A fought back in the second quarter, and were awarded a Penalty Stroke which was converted by Stansby. After that, India continued to attack the hosts, who however held on for the rest of the quarter. At the half-time break, both teams were locked at 1-1.
After the break, both Australia A and India were going for the second goal, resulting in a flurry of attacks at both ends. While it was Australia A that did most of the attacking in the initial phases of the quarter, India counter-attacked and closed out the third quarter strongly. With 15 minutes to go, the teams were still level at 1-1.
Early in the final quarter, however, Australia A edged ahead as Dolkens (48’) scored for the hosts, to make it 2-1, and soon after Surha (52’) added another. The hosts led 3-1, but India fought back as Toppo (59’) found the back of the net. However, India could not find an equaliser as Australia A walked away with the win.
India will face Australia’s main team in the first of a three-match leg of the tour on 1 May, Thursday. The match will start at 14:40 Hrs IST.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
