The Australian women are the new leader in the Pro League. After twelve games, the Hockeyroos have collected 24 points, one more than Argentina, the previous number one in the table. In the men’s race, the British rose to second place. The team is still unbeaten in the Pro League in regular time.
At the mini-tournament in Christchurch, the Australian women gained the full pound from three matches after victories over New Zealand (2-1 and 2-1) and Great Britain (3-1). New Zealand seemed to be on their way to their first win over the Hockeyroos in sixteen games in the first head-to-head game, but coach Katrina Powell’s team still pulled off the win.
After the two defeats against Australia, the Black Sticks also lost to Great Britain. After just 63 seconds, the score was opened and the British ladies ran out to 6-1, the team’s biggest win in the Pro League.
The game between Great Britain and New Zealand for the FIH Pro League in Christchurch. Photo: FIH/ Simon Watts
Gentlemen
Like the women, the New Zealand men also had zero points left in their matches at the Nga Puna Wai Hockey Stadium in Christchurch. Australia was twice too strong (3-0 and 4-2) and the game against Great Britain ended in a 6-1 defeat.
After the resounding victory over New Zealand, the British men drew 3-3 with Australia. This means that Great Britain is still unbeaten in the Pro League during regular time. However, the Kookaburras did take the bonus point by winning the subsequent shoot-outs.
Joel Rintala has scored seven goals for Australia in his first four caps. Photo: FIH/Simon Watts
For the Australians, who collected eight points from three games, Joel Rintala played a starring role. The 26-year-old newcomer to the squad scored seven goals in his first four caps for the Kookaburras, including hat-tricks against New Zealand and Great Britain.
The Pro League tournament will continue from May 26 in London with Great Britain, Belgium, China and India.
Ladies
Check out the state of play in the FIH Women’s Pro League
Gentlemen
