Press Trust of India
Darwin, June 3: Lilima Minz’s goal went in vain as the Indian women’s team suffered a narrow 1-2 loss against hosts Australia in their final round robin game at the four nations hockey tournament here Friday.
Keeping up with their usual ploy in the tournament, India started off keeping a solid shape in defence, and let Australia maintain possession, hoping to catch them on the break.
The hosts made the most of their possession and took an early lead via Grace Stewart in the ninth minute. The goal galvanised the Indian girls into attack and soon, they were controlling the possession and pushing the Australians deep into their own half.
The hard work paid dividends and India scored the equaliser in the 12th minute. Deep Grace Ekka’s strong drive at the top of the Australian circle caught the Aussie defenders on the wrong foot and Lilima pounced on the stray ball to score with a fierce hit. The Indian eves had an opportunity just before the end of the first quarter to go ahead but were denied by a smart save by Australia’s goalkeeper Rachael Lynch.
In the second quarter, the Aussies had two penalty corners, both of which were saved by Indian custodian Savita. After a fiercely fought third quarter, the Australians got the winning goal through Emily Smith who scored with only three minutes to go for the hooter.
“I think tactically and defensively, this was an ideal performance from the team, our best in the tournament. Savita was great in goal and all the defenders took collective responsibility and worked together brilliantly,” said coach Neil Hawgood.
