By: Hockey Australia

The Australian combined SIS/SAS team produced an encouraging draw against the New Zealand national team in the first match of the SIS/SAS New Zealand Series.

The Australian girls performed very well given the quality of the opposition and limited preparation and time together as a group. The Aussies put New Zealand under considerable pressure throughout the match, particularly towards the end of the second half.  

The first SIS/SAS goal came after a good right side build up involving Emily Hurtz and Danni Schubach, with Catriona Bailey Price finishing off well.  Soft defence just after this resulted in the first New Zealand goal scored by Katie Glynn.  The first half remained quite even with New Zealand forcing a number of Penalty Corners that SIS/SAS defended well.  

SIS/SAS again created some promising opportunities in the second half and the Aussie girls were rewarded by a field goal from Emily Hurtz.  This was followed by several opportunities for the SIS/SAS team to go 2-1 up, including a shot from Hurtz that hit the post.  

However New Zealand continued to press, forcing a number of PCs and after some poor defence from SIS/SAS scored through Samantha Harrison late in the half and concluding with a 2-2 draw.