PNG lose opening games

By ISAAC LIRI
Hosts Papua New Guinea got off to the wrong start on day one of the Under-18 Hockey Youth Olympic qualifiers after the women’s side were beaten by Australia and Vanuatu.
Australia were clearly a class above PNG, dominating the first period to lead 8-0.
In the second period, PNG put on a brave performance but were unable to hold out Australia who raced out to a 17-0 lead.
Unfortunately for the hosts, it was the same story in the final period, with Australia sealing the match 26-0.
In the earlier match, Vanuatu came from behind to break PNG’s hearts with a 5-3 win.
The visitors had the upper hand in the first period when they shot out to a 2-0 lead through goals by Nerry Tugon and Delilah Aru.
A dominant performance by the home side in the second period saw skipper Georgina Bon score three goals to put PNG in front 3-2.
Trailing after the second quarter, Vanuatu coach Jenny Bowtell told her charges to stay positive and they responded.
The visitors regrouped in the final period to snatch the win thanks to Rosemary Hinge’s goal in the 27th minute and a double to Anna Noal two minutes before full-time.
Bowtell was overjoyed with the win.
“The girls have never played internationally before and they did so well,” Bowtell said.
“We’ve been talking about mental fitness, the ability to come back when you are down.
“I am very proud that they were able to do that.
“For us, this is the first time we beat PNG so it’s a pretty good achievement.
“When we stay positive, we play well.
“When we get a bit negative, we start to fall apart.”
Bowtell said half of her team were students.
“We’ve only been together for six months but we have been training hard,” Bowtell said.
“I think there’s so much more they can improve on.
“They’re still young and they’re naturally talented so with a bit more training, they’re going to be better in the future.”