Kiwis spoil party in Slattery’s 50th appearance

South Stirling striker Kathryn Slattery celebrated her 50th cap for the Hockeyroos in Saturday night’s gold medal match at the International Hockey Open in Darwin.

But New Zealand spoiled the party in her personal milestone, claiming a 2-0 victory over the home side.

A former Tigers and Manypeaks junior in the Lower Great Southern Hockey Association, Slattery made her Hockeyroos debut in 2014 and has not looked back, becoming a regular member of the forward line.

The Hockeyroos progressed to the gold medal game after defeating Japan 3-1, New Zealand 2-1 and then India 2-1 in their three pool games at the tournament played at the Marrara Hockey Stadium.

The New Zealand Black Sticks proved too strong in the final, however, scoring both goals in the second quarter on their way to a gold medal.

The Hockeyroos had to settle for silver in their final match on home soil before the Olympic Games later this year.

Slattery had a strong tournament without scoring, delivering a number of crucial injections from the set-piece penalty corners.

The 22-year-old has scored 13 goals in her 50 appearances for the national women’s side and is eyeing a maiden Olympic Games berth in Rio de Janeiro.

Slattery and the Hockeyroos will compete at the Champions Trophy in London from June 18-26 before the final Olympic Games squad is announced.