Kookaburras Book Azlan Shah Final Spot
The Kookaburras booked themselves a place in the final of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup after they defeated Great Britain 2-1 in Malaysia on Thursday evening.The match was a top of the table clash between the Kookaburras and Great Britain, and certainly lived up to all expectations.
The kookaburras dominated the first half, attacking the Great Britain goal and scoring on two occasions. A fight back in the second half by Great Britain saw the scoreline reach 2-1 with only 13 minutes remaining. A dogged Kookaburra outfit held on to remain undefeated in the tournament.
The kookaburras now have 13 points from five matches atop the points table, with Great Britain in second spot on nine points. Pakistan is also on nine points and have to play Malaysia in their final game on Sunday. India can move into second spot on the point table tonight if they defeat New Zealand tonight.
Therefore, the battle to play the Kookaburras in the final is wideopen.
In this match, the Kookaburras took the lead in the eighth minute via their first penalty corner. AIS-WAIS scholarship holder Brent Dancer’s drag flick sailed into goal despite Great Britain keeper James Fair getting a foot to it.
In the 29th minute, the Kookaburras went 2-0 up, courtesy of another penalty corner goal, this time via Christopher Ciriello.
Great Britain showed fight in the second half, punishing Australia in the 57th minute through a Richard Mantell penalty corner. This set the scene for a frantic last 13 minutes. However, Great Britain failed to find a second goal and the Kookaburras held on to a third consecutive win.
The Kookaburras have now secured themselves a spot in the Final of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup for 2011.
The Kookaburrashave one final round match against their trans-tasman rival, New Zealand, this Saturday evening 14 May at 10.05pm.
– Hockey Australia
