April 15, 2015 by admin

Indian women hold Australia

Hastings, After two consecutive defeats, the Indian women’s hockey team put up a much-improved show to hold world No. 2 Australia to a goalless draw in their third match of the Hawke’s Bay Cup here today.
By virtue of this result, the Indian eves opened their account in the points table of the tournament while Australia registered their third consecutive draw.
India, world No. 13, had earlier lost 1-2 to China before going down 2-4 against USA.
But the Indian women looked a motivated lot today as the team’s backline defended stoutly to deny a goal to the mighty Australians. Indian goalkeeper Savita starred under the bar, pulling off numerous saves to leave the Australians frustrated.
Australia had two penalty corners in the opening 15 minutes but on both occasions, Savita kept the score level with brilliant saves.
The Indians continued to play in the same vein in the second quarter and defended in numbers. India wasted a great chance to surge ahead when they were awarded a penalty stroke after Anuradha Thockchom was brought down inside the circle but the opportunity went in vain. After the halftime, India secured their first penalty corner but wasted the opportunity.
In the fourth and final quarter, Australia went on the offensive and attacked in numbers but Savita made another brilliant save to keep a clean slate for her team. India will next play hosts New Zealand on April 16.