The Hockeyroos and Kookaburras are both just one win away from qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Each team beat New Zealand in their first games at the Oceania Cup Olympic qualifiers.

The Hockeyroos won 3-0 in their opening game in a dominant display against the Black Sticks. The team had their chances in the first half to score some goals but didn’t capitalise. It took until the last 45 seconds of the first half before teenager Claire Colwill scored a goal from a penalty.

The Hockeyroos then scored twice inside four minutes to start the second half to put the game completely out of reach from New Zealand.

In an interview with Channel 7 after the game captain Jane Claxton said the victory was “sweeter” due to the rivalry between the two nations.

“With the rivalry between us it always makes it sweeter but there are two games to go, and we know we have a grind ahead of us,” she said.

The Kookaburras then played after the Hockeyroos and started the game in sensational fashion with Jake Whetton scoring in the first 26 seconds of the game. The goal was the fastest ever recorded in the Oceania Cup’s history.

Blake Govers then scored just eight minutes later to extend the lead to 2-0. New Zealand then answered with a goal just before the end of the first quarter. Tom Craig scored with four minutes left in the game to make it 3-1.

After the match, captain Aran Zalewski said in a Channel 7 interview that there were some good signs from the team, but they can’t get too far ahead of themselves.

“Tonight, was a tough match. The Kiwis had a few chances to level it, so I’m sure the matches on the weekend will be close again.”

Photo: FIH Men’s Junior World Cup 2009: Finals by whyohgee singapore 2010 available HERE and used under a Creative Commons license. This image has not been modified.