Australia Women's Hockey team forced into shootout against Ireland

Ireland’s women threw everything at hosts Australia in Hobart, but ultimately couldn’t find the back of the net, drawing 0-0 and then losing out on the bonus point in the ensuing shootout.

(Women’s) Australia 0 – 0 Ireland (SO: 4-2)

The Irish created better chances in a fairly even opening quarter, which ended with the sides still deadlocked. They raised the intensity in the second period and, by half-time, had racked up 11 circle penetrations compared with just three for Australia. But they were unable to capitalise, flashing another golden opportunity across the face of the goal and then plugging a penalty-corner effort well wide of the target. As a result, the teams remained locked at 0–0 at the half-time break.

After a third quarter that also failed to produce a goal, the pressure intensified in the final period as Australian goalkeeper Zoe Newman was repeatedly called into action, standing firm to deny a determined Irish attack. Australia’s best chance came with three minutes remaining when Greta Hayes launched herself across the face of goal, but her desperate dive couldn’t make the crucial connection. With neither side able to find a breakthrough in the closing stages, the match was forced into a shootout, which was won by Australia for the extra point.

Australia’s Amy Lawton was named player of the match and said: “You can't underestimate them. They're a strong team, and obviously coming into Pro League this season, you can't really look past anyone in the league. So, it was always going to be tough, and we thought about that before the game, but they really kind of put it out to us early.”