Hockeyroos claim 2-0 win in Trans-Tasman series over New Zealand as Squibb misses final two games with illness

The Hockeyroos have made a successful return to international competition, winning the Trans-Tasman series against New Zealand.

Tambellup defender Penny Squibb was part of the new-look Australian national women’s team that faced the Blacksticks in Auckland in the four-game series that started on May 10.

The series ended a nine-month hiatus from playing international hockey for the Hockeyroos.

However, after playing an impressive role in last Tuesday’s draw and then the 2-1 win on Thursday, Squibb was struck down by illness along with a number of her teammates.

Squibb and two other players missed the third match on Saturday and Squibb also did not feature in the fourth and final game on Sunday.

A first international goal from WA’s Shanea Tonkin helped the Hockeyroos to a 1-1 draw with the Blacksticks on Saturday.

The Hockeyroos rounded out the series with a 2-1 win on Sunday.

Goals from Rebecca Greiner and Brooke Peris put the stamp on a dominant performance.

The result helped the Hockeyroos claim a 2-0 series victory, a strong start to their competitive return as they build towards this year’s World Cup and Commonwealth Games.

Hockeyroos head coach Katrina Powell was pleased with the results.

“I’m really pleased with those who played their first internationals here,” Powell said.

“We also have a bundle who haven’t played many (internationals) at all, so I’m really pleased with what we put out on the pitch this week considering our level of inexperience.”