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The Hockeyroos have started their Champions Trophy campaign with a 2-0 win over Germany in their first pool match of the tournament at Sydney Olympic Park.
Striker Emily Hurtz and captain Madonna Blyth each scored in the second half to help the youthful Hockeyroos side to claim the all-important three competition points on Saturday.
Hurtz scored her first Champions Trophy goal when she pounced on a loose ball in the German circle, showing good skill as she dribbled the ball through two players to find the net, just 45 seconds into the second half.
The Hockeyroos made it 2-0 in the 44th minute when exciting midfielder Casey Eastham crossed to skipper Blyth who made a sliding backstick deflection to score a high-quality goal.
Glamorous midfielder Kate Hollywood could have made it 3-0 in the 63rd minute but she failed to control the ball alone deep in the circle then Hurtz fluffed a one-on-one with the keeper soon after.
The Germans looked dangerous on the counter attack but turned the ball over too often at the back to mount any sustained challenge.
Fortunately for the visitors, the Australian attack lacked the poise at times inside the circle and the 2-0 score line was flattering.
The Hockeyroos went into halftime 0-0 after failing to convert three good chances.
Eastham, who was one of the Hockeyroos best, couldn't find the goal from a penalty corner, Hurtz was denied in the 15th minute and Germany goalie Yvonne Frank made a great save.
Seven Hockeyroos made their Champions Trophy debut with star 17-year Georgia Nanscawen drawing big cheers from the healthy crowd when she made a handful of breaks from the German defence and took off down field.
Nanscawen had two-second half opportunities in the German circle but elected to pass to a teammate instead of taking a shot on goal.
Australia continued their dominance over the Germans after a win and a draw in warm -up matches last week.
