New Zealand’s Secondary Schoolgirls squad was held to a 2-2 draw at the Runaway Bay Sports Centre by their Australian counterparts in trying conditions on 17 December, in the second match of the three-game series for the Deane Low Trophy. The result means the Kiwis remain in the box seat to claim the silverware for the first time, simply by avoiding defeat in the final match of the series, which takes place twenty-four hours after this stalemate, a lunchtime encounter which was played in stifling humidity and thirty degree heat. New Zealand got off to a bright start and were rewarded for their enterprise in the thirteenth minute. Holly Patterson, one of three changes to the starting line-up, raced down the left to the by-line, from where she whipped in a cross to the near post. Ghosting in across the defence to meet it was Olivia Chance, and her deft finish meant the Australians were staring down the barrel of a series defeat, with New Zealand having won the opening game of the series on Wednesday. The visitors retained their advantage until five minutes after the half-time break, when an Australian set-piece led to some defensive confusion. Kate Carlton and goalkeeper Jessica Reddaway collided as both attempted to deal with the dropping ball, and a simple tap-in squared the scoreline. Not for long, however. Stung by conceding, Paul Temple’s charges rallied quickly, and were rewarded in the 59th minute when Patterson’s corner to the far post found Tessa Berger soaring above all-comers to gleefully head the Kiwis back in front. Their advantage, this time, was short-lived, Australia redressing the balance from the penalty spot in the 67th minute after the luckless Carlton was harshly adjudged to have handled the ball as her attempted volleyed clearance struck her outstretched forearm. "Once again, we showed quite a lot of character as we took it to them after that goal, just as we had after their first equaliser", said Temple afterwards. "We were all over them in the final twenty-five minutes, and their ‘keeper made a couple of world class saves as we gave it a good go … "We’re very disappointed with the result. When you lead twice, you expect to go on and win. But they were poor goals to concede, and easily preventable. We worked really hard and played well, but not to our potential". Despite not scoring in this match, the dynamic Rosie White was the best player on the pitch. "She showed her class today - I was very pleased with her", said Temple. "Evie Millynn was really good upon taking to the field in the second half, while Tessa Berger also played well, and took her goal well". Although the outcome wasn’t what it could have been, it’s put in perspective by where things stand series-wise. "It’s a measure of where we are that we’re a bit disappointed, this despite being unbeaten in two matches - a win and a draw", reflects Temple. "It’s not easy playing Australia in Australia at any time, but particularly in this heat. But we’re on track, and still really positive. After all, we can win the series tomorrow". That match kicks off at 2pm on Saturday, NZ time, while the final game of the tour sees the NZ Secondary Schoolgirls taking on local club Runaway Bay on Monday from 10pm, NZ time. Line-up:     Reddaway; Carlton, Boyce (Head, 46), Berger, Ward; Carlsen (Millynn, 46), Loye (Skilton, 75), Pearl; Chance, White, Patterson (Rood, 62)

Holly Patterson - set up both goals Kate Carlton - luckless day at the office Sivitha Boyce - subbed at half-time Rachel Head - half-time replacement Background:  Tessa Berger