World number one and London 2012 Olympic Games gold medalists, The Netherlands defeated world number six, the Hockeyroos 6-1 after leading 4-1 at half-time at Hartleyvale Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa Saturday.
The final practice match was a precursor to the opening match of the Investec Challenge starting on Monday in Cape Town.
In a match that saw both teams play some highly skilled hockey, The Netherlands scored in the first half through Carlien Dirkse van den Heuvel, Kelly Jonker, Roos Drost and captain Maartje Paumen, while the Hockeyroos broke the deadlock through London Olympic Games reserve, Emily Hurtz.
The Netherlands scored twice in the second half through Laurien Leurink and Ellen Hoog.
Hockeyroos coach Adam Commens said after the 6-1 loss, “our inexperienced team found it difficult against the more experienced Dutch team”
“With only eight of our Olympic sixteen, we knew it would be a challenge and we learnt a lot from this match.”
“Our second half was full of merit and we were able to create 4 PC’s and numerous goal shots.”
The Hockeyroos will hoping for a more competitive outing on Monday against the world number 1 team in game 1 of the Investec Challenge.
Adam Commens believes “there is still much to do and our new players are growing all the time.
“We are now prepared for our official matches in the Investec Challenge and are looking forward to some improved performances.”
Netherlands Women confirm squad for Investec Cup
In other news, Netherlands coach Max Caldas has confirmed his squad squad for the Investec Cup. Caldas has named a relatively inexperienced line-up to give his talented young stars a chance to shine in the four-nation event.
Debutants Rose Drost, Laura Nunnink, Malou Pheninckx, Mary Verschoor and Xan de Waard have all been selected ahead of their opening match against Australia on Monday.
Netherlands squad: Ireen van den Assem, Maartje Cox (k), Frederique Derkx, Carlien Dirkse van den Heuvel, Roos Drost, Margot van Geffen, Kelly Jonker, Ellen Hoog, Marloes Keetels, Caia van Maasakker, Kitty van Male, Laura Nunnink, Maartje Paumen, Malou Pheninckx, Joyce Sombroek (k), Charlotte Vega, Maria Verschoor, Xan de Waard.
Sources: SA Hockey Association Media Release / KNHB Media Release.
