New Zealand couldn't capitalise on an early lead as Australia held their nerve to take home the Hawke's Bay Cup 3-2 thanks to a last-minute goal on Sunday night.
New Zealand's Gemma Flynn opened the scoring early on, using a counter attack off an Australian chance within the first minute to power down the right wing and fire the ball into the back of the net.
Australia struggled find a rhythm early on and convert their chances into goals. Youngster Kathryn Slattery hit the post late in the second half and they also had to contend with Black Stick Sam Charlton doing excellent work in the left-half position.
Stacey Michelsen, who had been having issues with her back during the tournament, seemed to have made a full recovery after she produced a stunning run down the centre to the right which began an onslaught of attacking play from New Zealand. It was a great finish to Michelsen's tournament as she provided much of the impetus from the midfield.
With Anita Punt, Flynn and Michelsen all substituted half way through, the pressure from the Kiwi attack eased slightly and Australia capitalised to dominate possession and grab a brace of penalty corners with Emily Smith scoring with a deflected hit from Georgina Morgan at the top of the circle.
It was Smith again who was involved in Australia taking the lead late on in the third quarter, tipping the ball to Brooke Peris who slotted it home to put the Hockeyroos ahead with two minutes left in the quarter.
They didn't stay ahead for long though, Canterbury's Olivia Merry responding instantly after Australia failed to clear the ball out of the circle. The left winger shot home from around the penalty spot to get the Black Sticks back level with 15 minutes to play.
The final quarter was a frenzy of attacks from both sides. Punt made a dash down the left wing in a counter attack, linking up with Michelsen to force two penalty corners, neither of which were converted by Punt, who would have liked a goal to mark her 200th Test for the Black Sticks.
Kiwi goalkeeper Amelia Gibson made a brilliant save with 50 seconds left on the clock to hold off an Australian onslaught, but it was in vain as the visitors capitalised on their sustained pressure when Jodie Kenny scored from a penalty in the final minute to take the match 3-2.
Stuff.co.nz
