Kookaburras Begin Champions Trophy With Big Win

The second match of the ABN AMRO Hockey Champions Trophy between host nation Australia and Korea was set to be an interesting match-up, with Korea pressing for international recognition against a formidable opposition who had the added advantage of crowd support.

The Kookaburra’s were on top of the match from the beginning of the first half, and applied constant pressure to the Korean defence with forward momentum through the midfield. They were rewarded for their efforts in the 18th minute with a classic team goal that was finished off by Desmond Abbott who was arguably the Kookaburras best player.

The home side was able to cement a firm lead in the 23rd minute with a field goal by Robert Hammond, which left Korea with some ground to make up for the rest of the half.

Korea needed to start the second half strongly if they were going to work their way back into the game, but Australian superstar Jamie Dwyer made sure that didn’t happen, scoring the Kookaburras third goal just after half time.

The Kookaburras continued to impress throughout the match with fast movement from one end of the pitch to the other.

With 10 minutes remaining the game was put beyond doubt, with Eddie Ockenden scoring Australia’s fourth goal.

The win sets the team on the right course to defend their 2008 championship.

Kookaburras coach Ric Charlesworth said he was satisfied with his teams form but there was still much room for improvement.

“A range of the new players did well but the momentum in the midfield sea-sawed a bit and the last 15 minutes was pretty sloppy,” he said.

– Hockey Australia