Hockeyroos re-ignite Pro League campaign with commanding 3-0 win over England

The Hockeyroos have delivered a comprehensive 3-0 victory over England in blistering conditions in London to claim a vital three points in their FIH Pro League campaign.

On a sweltering UK summer evening, with temperatures nearing 36°C at pushback, Australia set out to answer to their 1-0 defeat against the hosts just 24 hours earlier.

Both sides came out with intensity in a tightly contested opening quarter, but it was the Hockeyroos who broke the deadlock in the second, with Moreton Bay's Jade Smith lashing home a blistering finish to put Australia in front.

Well placed to receive a fine ball from WA's Courtney Schonell, Smith bagged her fifth goal from just 12 appearances in green and gold since her debut in February.

Up 1-0 at halftime, the Hockeyroos emerged with renewed purpose in the third quarter. England threatened to equalise, but the Hockeyroos had done their homework overnight and held strong on defence to reduce their chances in the circle.

The defensive unit would soon be rewarded, as the Hockeyroos doubled their advantage through a trademark counterattack. 

Mariah Williams forced a turnover in midfield and surged forward, threading a well-timed ball through for Grace Stewart, who slotted home her 38th international goal to give Australia a two-goal cushion heading into the final quarter.

With momentum firmly in their favour, Australia put the result beyond doubt in the final 15 minutes, as Alice Arnott sparked another sweeping move with a penetrating run, linking with Grace Stewart, who delivered a perfect assist for Greta Hayes, as she dived to secure the third goal of the night.
      
England fought hard to claw back late, earning a penalty corner and forcing multiple saves, but the Hockeyroos’ defence held firm to record a clean sheet.

"The team has been putting in a lot of effort behind closed doors, so to come out here and get the win is a huge result," Player of the Match Tatum Stewart told 7plus.

"[It's especially nice to receive Player of the Match] as a defender, it comes down to a lot of grit and determination, but this one today is a team award, it was a huge team effort out there today, we turned it around and we all deserve it."

Just two games against Germany remain in the Hockeyroos 2024/25 FIH Pro League campaign. The first gets underway on Saturday night at 9.00pm AWST / 11.00pm AEST, live and free on 7plus.

The Hockeyroos sit in fourth on the standings, eight points shy of world number three Belgium in third.
                                     
Full FIH Pro League fixtures & results

Hockeyroos v England
Hockeyroos: 3 (Jade Smith 26" (FG), Grace Stewart 44" (FG), Greta Hayes 50" (FG))
England: 0
Lee Valley Hockey Stadium, London

Hockeyroos: 1. Claire Colwill (c), 3. Morgan Mathison, 4. Amy Lawton, 5. Grace Young, 7. Aleisha Power (gk), 9. Maddi Smith, 11. Alice Arnott, 12. Greta Hayes, 15. Kaitlin Nobbs, 16. Courtney Schonell, 17. Lucy Sharman, 20. Karri Somerville, 21. Jade Smith, 22. Tatum Stewart, 24. Mariah Williams, 25. Zoe Newman (gk), 30. Grace Stewart, 45. Jesse Reid

Hockeyroos FIH Pro League UK/Europe Tour Schedule

Berlin, Germany
Sunday, 22 June – 12.30am AEST / 10.30pm AWST (Saturday, 21 June) – Germany v Hockeyroos
Sunday, 22 June – 10.00pm AEST / 8.00pm AWST – Germany v Hockeyroos