Australia

THE Hockeyroos made some unwelcome history as they were thumped 5-1 by host Argentina at the Champions Trophy women's hockey tournament today.

It marked the first time in the 17-year history of the annual Trophy tournament for the world's top six teams that six-time winner Australia had lost three straight games, following earlier losses to Olympic champion Germany and runner-up The Netherlands.

A noisy crowd of 8000 saw home strikers Agustina Garcia and Vanina Oneto bag two goals each, with Oneto celebrating her 200th international in style.

Suzie Faulkner got the inexperienced Hockeyroos onto the scoreboard in the 46th minute, with her team trailing 4-0, when she dived to deflect Nikki Hudson's pass from a penalty corner.

Australia's losses have been to the three teams now left in the running to make the final but it's fortunate it is hosting the next Champions Trophy tournament - in Canberra in November 2005 - otherwise it would in danger of losing its spot as the last-placed team.

The next game is against China on Thursday and the Hockeyroos must win to have any chance of playing for the bronze medal.

Hockey Australia executive director Linden Adamson said the results were disappointing but "not entirely unexpected" because of the policy decision to leave many seasoned Olympians behind and blood youngsters at the start of a new four-year Olympic cycle.

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