Australia dominated length periods of the match but were unable to break down their trans-Tasman rivals in a scoreless first half at the Novotel Pacific Bay training ground.

Prolific Australian striker Sarah Walsh broke the deadlock soon after the interval scoring a brace of goals within a thirteen minute period.

Walsh’s first was a solid angled shot from the right, with the second a close range header after attacking fullback Heather Garriock had fired a fierce long-range shot onto the underside of the crossbar.

Substitute Lana Harch concluded the scoring eight minutes from time with a left footed strike from inside the penalty area that deflected off a New Zealand defender en-route to goal.

“I am largely pleased with the match and we had some good passages of play in a game that was an excellent hit-out against international opposition as we continue our preparations for September,” said Australian coach Tom Sermanni.

Australia will meet New Zealand in a second match on Sunday 22 July (1pm) at the Novotel Pacific Bay training ground, Coffs Harbour.


Match Details:
Australia 3 (Sarah Walsh 57’, 70’, Lana Harch 82’)
New Zealand 0

Australia Line Up: Emma Wirkus (GK); Rhian Davies, Kate McShea, Cheryl Salisbury (C), Heather Garriock, Joanne Peters, Collette McCallum, Sally Shipard, Danielle Small (Lana Harch 25’), Caitlin Munoz, Sarah Walsh

Cautions: nil