AITKEN SHUT OUT AND ALLAN HAT TRICK SEAL A SEMI FINAL PLACE FOR AUSTRALIA

Australia recorded its first clean sheet since 2001 and an opening goal in 18 seconds from Joanne Allan – also her first in internationals and first of 3 in the match – sealed Italys fate to stay at the bottom of Group C at the womens World Floorball Championships in Vasteras, Sweden.

Everyone knows Australia comes to play and tries their hearts out in every match, no matter the opposition. However, the results haven’t always gone their way in previous tournaments. The Aussie Angels set out to prove their strengths and maturity in todays match by showing they have the ability, and the depth, to score, defend and show everyone that their semi finals berth was well earned.

Joanne Allan had her first start and her first touch from an Andrea Staubli pass gave Australia the lead after only 18 seconds. Amazing stuff and the bench were immediately out on the court to celebrate. Australia dominated possession for the remainder of the first period, but was not sharp enough to add to the scoreboard, thanks to some good reflexes from the Italian goalkeeper.

The second period took a while to gain some momentum, but the Aussies continued to dominate possession. After 6 minutes, Narelle Roediger collected a quick pass from Ash Bourke and sent a delightful wrist shot into the top corner and it was 2-0. Just a couple of minutes later and it was Ash Bourke again, making the smart decision to camp in front of the throwing goalkeeper, as the ball landed at her feet and she made no mistake in taking the score to 3-0. Just over a minute later, Jemima Kanerva set up Jill Roberts for a shot in front and it was 4-0.

The Aussies had now shifted into top gear and the passes were played wonderfully, with controlled possession and seemingly a lot of time to make decisions and find the right shot. Power play time as the Italians had 6 on the court. Mel Cathie took the court for the first time in the game and almost scored within seconds of the 5 on 4 situation. Again, controlled possession and patience as Australia waited for the chance to convert their advantage. 9 seconds left in the penalty and Jemima Kanerva set up her other forward teammate, Tash Glass to make it 5-0 going into the second break.

5 goals and 5 goal scorers so far for Australia, a fabulous effort already, and still 20 minutes remaining in the match. Barely had the supporters settled back in their seats with their hot dogs and coffee, were they jumping out of them again for Jo Allans 2nd goal in just 46 seconds from the restart. Again, Andrea Staubli providing the pass. 6-0.

The period slowed a little in pace as the Aussies were content in controlling possession and protecting Jayne Aitkens clean sheet. Italy did make a few forays into attack, but were thwarted by a hard working defence and some sharp saves by Aitken. 8 minutes remaining and Italy got their substitutions wrong again. Another Australian powerplay, but this time killed by Italy as the Aussies were happy to hold onto the ball and pass it around amongst themselves.

The last bit of Aussie action saw Jo Allan clip another Andrea Staubli pass into the net for her third! What a great effort, coming on after almost no court time in the previous matches and showing all how to find the back of the net. Super effort. 7-0, and the Australians protected the ball, and their advantage to record a clean sheet and their second biggest victory in WFC matches.

Great effort by the girls in a match which was to have no impact on the group placings. They showed great maturity and fought for each other for the entire 60 minutes. Stand outs were Jo Allan and Andrea Staubli in setting up Australia for the big win and the great work by Jayne Aitken, in her first International match, with good reflexes and good positioning, and communicating superbly from the goals to help Australia record the clean sheet.

Final score: Australia 7 defeated Italy 0 (1-0, 4-0, 2-0) [Joanne Allan 3+0, Andrea Staubli 0+3, Ashleigh Bourke 1+1, Jemima Kanerva 0+2, Narelle Roediger 1+0, Jill Roberts 1+0 and Tash Glass 1+0]

Player of the Match AUSTRALIA – Narelle Roediger

Kevan Lyons - Team Manager