The Aussie Stingers are one step closer to securing an Olympic berth for Paris 2024 after thrashing New Zealand 17-3 in the opening match of the Oceania Olympic qualifiers in Auckland.
New Zealand 3 – 17 Australia (0-5, 0-3, 1-5, 2-4)
The Aussie Stingers came out firing, outscoring their trans Tasman rivals 5-0 in the first quarter, and a strong defensive showing helped the Aussues take a 8-0 lead into the half time break. In the third quarter, the Aussies added another five goals to the board, with New Zealand sneaking one into the back of the net late in the third quarter. Australia put their foot down in the fourth quarter to extend their lead out to 14 goals, the end score 17-3.
Aussie captain Zoe Arancini played her 300th match, while New Zealand’s Katie McKenty reached 50 caps.
The two teams meet again tomorrow; a win for Australia guarantees the Stinger’s place in the Paris Olympics.
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