Hockey: Aussies take lead in Bay

Support Please: United States captain Melissa Gonzalez seeks support as the Aussie defence zooms in. Photo/Duncan Brown

Discount the Hockeyroos chances of winning the Hawke's Bay Cup at your peril.

Australia proved they are building well towards Sunday's final when they took the lead in the four-team comp with a 3-1 win against Australia in last night's curtainraiser at Unison Stadium. The two teams had drawn 1-all in their previous encounter on Friday.

"Put that win down to the scouting we did on them and the knowledge we gained since that draw which we weren't happy with," a smiling Hockeyroos captain Mariah Williams said after the victory.

"We had the right game plan for these wet conditions. We knew we had to lift the ball and not keep it on the deck and that worked well for us."

After today's rest day the Aussies take on the second placed Kiwis tomorrow, another team they drew 1-all with earlier in the Vantage Festival of Hockey at the Hawke's Bay Regional Sports Park.

"We have to be hitting our straps going into that game against New Zealand. We have to play smart and not be frantic when we're holding possession," Williams added.

In-form USA midfielder Michelle Vittese said her team, which remains winless and at the bottom of the table after four rounds, was a bit soft and didn't convert.

"Not getting three cards, like we did, will help us too. We have to manage that."

Australia took a 1-0 lead courtesy of a field goal from midfielder Jane-Anne Claxton seven minutes into the first quarter. It followed a scramble in front of the goal mouth.

The second quarter was more even territory wise. Aussie failed with a penalty corner attempt in the second minute.

The United States were unlucky not have an own goal awarded in their favour with five minutes remaining. Some superb saves from Aussie goal keeper Ashlee Wells saw the score remain 1-0 to her team at the halftime whistle.

The United States had two players, Michelle Vittese and Taylor West, green carded at the same time during the third quarter but still managed to keep the Aussies out with keeper Lauren Blaxing having some memorale patches. The United States equalised when Kathleen Sharkey converted a penalty corner with two minutes remaining in the third quarter.

The Aussies appeared to be tiring in the fourth quarter but took the lead with 12 minutes remaining with a field goal from Emily Smith. Two minutes later Ashlea Fey converted a penalty corner to extend the lead.