Parkes' Mariah Williams has added another chapter to her remarkable tale since returning from injury by netting the winner in the Hockeyroos’ 2-1 win over USA in the FIH Pro League in Sydney last Saturday.
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Now a resident of Newcastle, Williams was representing Australia for the first time in more than two years in her native New South Wales.
Williams popped up for a dramatic last-quarter winner which moves the Hockeyroos into second spot in the FIH Pro League competition.
Williams had endured 18 months on the sidelines with groin and adductor problems, but has returned to sensational effect in the FIH Pro League.
The Parkes-raised forward has netted three goals and won two Player of the Match awards since her return.
“It was pretty exciting to get the goal, especially the goal I got,” Williams said.
“It was 1-1 so to get the winner was great.”
More than 2,000 fans turned out on Saturday, but Williams implored more to get along for the March 16-17 matches against Argentina and New Zealand.
“It was really good,” Williams said.
“There was a lot of supporters out there which was really good.
“We’ve got two more games coming up in Sydney in a few weeks, so hopefully we can get a few more then.”
Speaking about Williams, Hockeyroos coach Paul Gaudoin said: “She’s been really important for us in our attacking group.
“Match-by-match she’s improving," Gaudoin said.
"She’s getting a feel for what we’re doing again.
"She’s looking after herself really diligently as well. Let’s hope it continues.”
The Hockeyroos had trailed 1-0 at three-quarter time and Williams revealed the pep talk Gaudoin delivered which helped turn the game around.
“We said we had to go out there and have a bit more urgency,” Williams said.
“Get on the ball, take our free hits, then when we don’t have the ball, be more sharper moving with our leading.
“It was about picking up our urgency," Williams said of the match tactics.
Tickets are on sale for the March 16-17 matches in Sydney via ticketbooth.com.au.
The Australian side, that also features Orange gun Edwina Bone, have started the pro league in stunning fashion also records wins over the Netherlands 1-0 and a 3-0 shut-out of current Olympic champions Great Britain.
Upcoming matches:
The Hockeyroos and the Kookaburras are in action again at Sydney's Olympic Park on March 16 and 17 against Argentina and New Zealand.
Saturday, October 16
Kookaburras v Argentina, 3pm. Hockeyroos v Argentina – 5pm.
Sunday, October 17
Kookaburras v NZ, 3pm. Hockeyroos v NZ – 5pm.
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