SYDNEY, 8 December 2003 — Three goals in the first 16 minutes proved enough for Australia to secure the women’s Champions Trophy field hockey tournament 3-2 yesterday but they still had to see off a late charge by China.
A goal in the first minute set the tone for a rampant Australia to establish an apparently unassailable lead but a second-half rally by the Chinese after a dreadful opening period set up an exciting finish.
The victory was revenge for the Australians who last Tuesday were beaten by China during the round robin stage.
The 6,000-strong partisan Australian crowd was cheering within seconds of the push-back. Peta Gallagher robbed Chinas midfield at the half way line before firing a pass to Katrina Powell at the top of the circle. Powell, who finished tournament top scorer with four goals, deflected the ball to the right post which China’s goalkeeper Nie Yali failed to clear and Julie Towers scored.
The Netherlands clinched the bronze medal by defeating world number one Argentina 3-2, a day after they drew 3-3 in a physical and sometimes spiteful round robin match.
The Netherlands came from a goal down to secure their victory, the winner coming eleven minutes after the break. Argentina goalkeeper Paola Vukojicic misjudged a soft shot from Minke Smabers and let it bounce past her into the goal. The consolation for Argentina was that Luciana Aymar was voted player of the tournament.
In the first match of the day, England took fifth place after winning a penalty shoot-out at the end of a 2-2 draw against South Korea.
