The new-look Australian Hockeyroos team, ranked five in the world, staged an amazing comeback from 1–0 down at half time to post a stunning 3–1 win over world number two ranked Argentina on 7 June, claiming the SPAR Cup in Durban, South Africa.

There were six debutantes in the Hockeyroos team, including 16-year-old Melbourne schoolgirl Georgia Nanscawen, playing alongside veterans such as 20-year-old Olympian Casey Eastern, with 50 internationals already to her name.

Luciana Aymar, 2008 World Player of the Year, scored the first goal to give Argentina the lead, but the Hockeyroos came back strongly three minutes into the second half, with Eastern equalising from a penalty corner.

One of the six rookies, Emily Hurtz, then hit a field goal, to surprise the Argentineans. Kate Hollywood scored the final goal from a deflection out of a penalty corner to seal a tremendous win for the Hockeyroos.

Coach Frank Murray praised his players’ determination in winning the SPAR Cup.

‘Argentina have more speed and flair than us at the moment, but it is more than just speed and technical skill that wins matches. Our players continue to develop their hockey knowledge,’ Murray said.

The young Hockeyroos team will now set their sights on preparing for the Samsung Hockey Champions Trophy to be held in Sydney from 11 to 19 July.