PERTH: A spirited Indian women's team gave fancied Australia a scare by taking an early lead but eventually lost 1-4 in the final of the Lanco International Super Series Hockey 9s here today.
India fought gallantly against the home team and proved themselves a worthy contender for the gold medal. They were in the match till the breather with the scoreline 1-2 in Australia's favour.
But, the second half proved to be the difference as the Hockeyroos slammed two unanswered goals as the game opened up.
Australia dominated the early period but could not force a goal. India opened scoring against the run of play through Soundarya Yendala in the ninth minute.
Despite conceding an early goal, the Hockeyroos continued to dominate possession and they struck back through Hope Munro (10th minute) and Kellie White (14th) in quick succession and led 2-1 at the break.
White scored with an exceptional reverse stick shot of Australia's long corner.
The home side broke the game open early in the second half with goals to Marnie Hudson (20th) and Ashleigh Nelson (21st) within 60 seconds.