The Dutch women’s hockey team once again defeated Australia in the Pro League on Sunday. The team of national coach Raoul Ehren was too strong for ‘The Hockeyroos’ in Amstelveen with 5-1.
Oranje fell behind early in the Wagener Stadium due to a goal by Alice Arnott. But before the end of the first quarter, Marijn Veen equalized after being put alone in front of the keeper by Yibbi Jansen.
With debutants Jip Dicke, Maud van den Heuvel and Danique van der Veerdonk in the team, the Netherlands then went in search of the 2-1. That fell early in the second quarter, when keeper Aleisha Power worked a cross from Van den Heuvel into her own goal.
Just before halftime, Jansen increased the lead from a penalty corner. After the break, she struck again. Felice Albers provided the final chord after a nice one-two with Emma Reijnen.
On Saturday, the Netherlands had already won 8-1 against Australia. Thanks to the two victories, Oranje has strengthened its leading position in the Pro League. The lead over number two Argentina is five points.
The summer for the Dutch women’s hockey players is dominated by the European Championship, which will be held from 9 to 17 August in Mönchengladbach, Germany. In the run-up to the European title fight, Ehren’s team will play eight matches in the Pro League.