Aran Zalewski scores to help Kookaburras to win over Japan

The Kookaburras survived a scare to defeat Japan, with Captain Aran Zalewski scoring in opening game.

It was a strong start to their Tokyo campaign with dual Commonwealth Games gold medallist Trent Mitton setting up an opportunity for Daniel Beale to see them go 1 up. A second goal was added minutes later when Thomas Craig sent one home to end the first quarter 2-0 up.

An attacking surge from Japan saw Australia on the back foot. Kenta Tanaka put the host nation on the board in what was the first of three gold in six minutes with Yoshiki Kirishita and Kenta Tanaka to take the lead.

Feeling the pressure the Kookaburras returned to the field for the second half and quickly proved why they are the top ranked team in the world with Blake Govers equalizing things before WA’s Aran Zalewski found the back of the next with a tomahawk shot.

A second gold to Daniel Beale put the result beyond doubt with 10 minutes to go.

Head Coach Colin Batch said,” We wanted to get off to a good start, we won the game, there were lesson we learnt so all up it was a good start for us.”