Hockeyroos and Kookaburras Edge New Zealand

Australia has secured two more victories in its Oceania Cup campaign with both the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras defeating New Zealand.

Two goals in the first four minutes helped the Hockeyroos to a 2-1 victory over New Zealand this afternoon in Invercargill, New Zealand.

The first goal was scored after only two minutes with Nicole Arrold making the most of a penalty corner attempt.

WAIS striker Ashleigh Nelson continued her good form at the Oceania Cup, scoring the Hockeyroos second goal only two minutes later to set up a commanding lead.

Nelson’s goal follows her five goal effort yesterday against Samoa.

Determined to work themselves back into the game, New Zealand gained their composure, scoring at the 14 minute mark thanks to a penalty corner conversion.

The remainder of the match was quite even, with neither team able to score, resulting in a 2-1 victory to the Hockeyroos.

While obviously pleased with the win, the Hockeyroos will again be looking to improve their penalty corner conversion rate after generating nine opportunities for one goal today.

The Kookaburras produced a classy second half performance against New Zealand to secure a 5-2 victory at the Oceania Cup in Invercargill, New Zealand.

With the scores level at half time, the Kookaburras proved too good in the second half, scoring three goals to seal the victory.

Despite the end result, New Zealand took it up to the Kookaburras in the first half, scoring at the 19 minute mark thanks to the run of Simon Child and the finishing skill of Phil Burrows.

After the Kookaburras wasted several scoring opportunities in the opening stages of the match, they were eventually able to make their way onto the scoreboard, with Luke Doerner producing a lethal drag flick at the 22 minute mark.

New Zealand regained the lead at the 31 minute mark, however two time world player of the year Jamie Dwyer equalled the score only two minutes later thanks to a fine angled reverse shot.

The Kookaburras continued their momentum in the second half with Des Abbott scoring from a penalty corner at the 43 minute mark.

When Luke Doerner scored his second goal of the match at the 49 minute mark the Kookaburras had set up a commanding 4-2 lead.

Jamie Dwyer ended the match in style, scoring with only seconds to go to confirm the Kookaburras victory.

Dwyer, Mark Knowles and Simon Orchard were amongst the Kookaburras best players.

This match was played as part of the Oceania Cup/ World Cup Qualifier event. The winner of the tournament gains direct access to the Hero Honda FIH 2010 World Cup which will be held in India from 28 February – 13 March, 2010.

– Hockey Australia