Tambellup defender Penny Squibb stars with brace in Australia’s commanding win over South Africa at Games

Tambellup’s Penny Squibb helped the Hockeyroos maintain their perfect start to the Commonwealth Games, scoring twice in their emphatic win over South Africa on Sunday.

The Hockeyroos thumped Kenya 8-0 in their opening match of the tournament on Saturday and then backed that up with a 5-0 triumph over South Africa ahead of a showdown with fellow unbeaten team New Zealand on Tuesday.

Squibb was part of the national women’s team that won bronze at the World Cup last month and is playing in her first Commonwealth Games.

The 29-year-old scored two superb goals from penalty corners against South Africa.

A terrific drag flick that snuck inside the right post from Squibb’s stick opened the scoring for Australia in the third minute of the game.

Renae Taylor doubled the advantage in the 32nd minute and soon after Steph Kershaw found the back of the net.

In her 100th game, Kaitlin Nobbs stepped up to score the Hockeyroos’ fourth goal and then Squibb sealed the result in the last quarter as she produced another drag flick into the top of the net.

The Hockeyroos beat Kenya 8-0 in their opening match as Nobbs finished with a hat-trick.

The side featuring 12 Commonwealth Games debutantes, including Squibb, proved far too strong.

Shanea Tonkin finished with a brace while Kershaw, Grace Stewart and Claire Colwill also found the back of the net to get their side off to a winning start.

The Hockeyroos sit second in pool B after two games, with six points and a goal difference of 13 which is just under New Zealand who sit on top with six points and a goal difference of 17.

The two sides clash on Tuesday at 4pm WA time before Australia round out their pool games against Scotland at 4pm on Wednesday.