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Hockeyroos trail 1-0, win shortened clash

3 minute read

Australia have been awarded all three points in their rain-hit Pro League clash with Great Britain, having trailed 1-0 when the game was abandoned.

The Hockeyroos have stunned defending Olympic champions Great Britain but not in the way they'd like, pinching all three points from a shortened Pro League clash despite trailing 1-0 in Sydney.

Australia, having triumphed 2-1 in Saturday's clash after Grace Stewart scored with just 12 seconds remaining, were essentially awarded the win when Sunday's game was abandoned at halftime because of thunderstorms.

Sunday's match was deemed a cancellation and International Hockey Federation (FIH) rules dictate that, rather than sharing the points, Australia received double the reward for Saturday's victory.

The verdict understandably shocked Great Britain.

Player of the match Anna Toman, who scored what she thought was the match-winning goal in the 17th minute, called on the FIH to take action.

"I don't think it is fair," Toman told reporters.

"For the six points to go to Australia, when in this game they weren't in a position to take those three points, I think we're heavily annoyed.

"We will speak out as a team because we don't want it to happen to anyone else. We could have been 3-0 or 4-0 up and still would have lost.

"It needs to be reviewed."

Play was stopped for 40 minutes during the second quarter because of concerns about nearby lightning.

The match resumed amid torrential downpours and both sides understandably struggled to control the ball as it sloshed through puddles, although Australia created a golden chance to square the ledger in the testing conditions.

The second half was meant to start at approximately 7.10pm (AEDT) but it was delayed and officials gave up hope of a restart at approximately 7.45pm.

"We've now been told if we'd got to the fourth quarter, we would have got the points, but to be honest I'm not really trusting anything," Toman said.

"Because we were told we need to get to halftime.

"I spoke to a couple of the (Australian) girls and I think they thought we were going to get the points as well. Or at least a draw.

"We've come a very long way to play ... we don't understand it at all."

Hockeyroos co-captain Emily Chalker admitted she wasn't aware of the rule regarding mid-match cancellations.

"It's frustrating for both sides that we don't get to finish the game," Chalker said.

"It's out of our control ... the pitch was unplayable.

"We were hoping to get back out there ... everyone was quite fired up."

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