India draws consolation from last match win of Aussie tour

The Indian women’s hockey team on a tour of Australia drew some consolation as it won its last game against Australia to end the tour with three losses, one win and a drawn game.

 The visitors put up a spirited show in their fifth and final game of their tour defeating Australia ‘A’ 2-1 in a closely-fought tie in Adelaide on Saturday. Navneet Kaur (10′) and Deep Grace Ekka (25′) were scorers for India. Abigail Wilson (22′) scored the lone goal for Australia ‘A’.

Having won the previous encounter 3-2, Australia ‘A’ started with confidence, maintaining possession early on. Defender Gurjit Kaur, who was extra vigilant in her area, not allowing the opposition entry inside the circle. Earning three quick penalty corners, India put pressure on ‘Australia A’ defence and Navneet Kaur (10′) scored the first goal with a reverse hit to give visitors the lead.

The second quarter started with India continuing to build momentum from the backward line. But Australia ‘A’ managed to get a shot on target from a quick counter-attack, only for skipper Savita to execute a save. Australia ‘A’ earned its first penalty corner of the game in the second quarter. Abigail Wilson (22′) struck the back of the nets with a drag flick to level the score line. But minutes later, Deep Grace Ekka (25′) put India back in the lead with a drag flick from a penalty corner.

With Vandana Katariya building an attack from the left flank at the start of the second half, India earned another penalty corner. But this time, Australia ‘A’ defence managed to avert the danger. Controlling the midfield, Neha Goyal set up penetrating runs for Indian attackers as Australia ‘A’ defence felt the pressure. India managed to maintain its 2-1 lead as the third quarter came to a close.

Vandana continued to put pressure on Australia ‘A’, at the start of the final quarter, with a dribbling run inside the circle. With 15 minutes left on the clock, both the teams started showcasing urgency. India earned a late penalty corner to create another chance to increase its lead. But Australia’s defence managed to save the set-piece to keep itself in the contest. India kept possession in the final few minutes to prevent Australia ‘A’ from creating an attacking opportunity and won the thrilling encounter 2-1.

Prabhjot Singh