Kookaburras and Kavanagh Open Beijing Accounts
The Kookaburras, featuring three West Australians, have commenced their gold medal defence with a comprehensive 6-1 win over Canada at the Olympic Green Hockey Stadium.
WA’s Bevan George wore the Captain’s armband before coming off the field with ankle and rib complaints while fellow WA athletes Kiel Brown and Fergus Kavanagh both came off the bench in their Olympic debuts. Kavanagh also opened his Olympic scoring account, with a goal in the first half.
Kavanagh’s effort was one of six for the Kookaburras on the night, as the Australians outclassed their North American opponents. The team’s only concerns from the comprehensive victory were injuries to George and striker Jamie Dwyer, who both left the field and didn’t return.
The injured duo is expected to be assessed ahead of their next match against South Africa on Wednesday morning.
The positives for the Kookaburras were evident after the loss of two of their veterans with Olympic rookies Des Abbott (three goals), Eddie Ockenden (one goal) and Kavanagh (one goal) all illustrating the depth within the Australian squad.
Abbott was outstanding, scoring Australia’s first two goals in as many minutes (15th and 16th minutes), before snaring his hat trick in the second half (54th minute).
Kavanagh got the green and gold’s third goal in the 22nd minute as they went into half time 3-0 up.
Canada scored their one and only goal after the resumption of play before the Aussies added another three goals in a ten minute spurt midway through the half.
The Kookaburras’ next match is against South Africa, who lost 5-0 to The Netherlands last night, on Wednesday morning. Wednesday’s match is expected to be broadcast on Channel 7 from 9am.