Kookaburras Claim IFOH Title with Victory over NZ
Goals to Trent Mitton and Chris Bausor have helped Australia to a 3-1 win over New Zealand in the final of the inaugural International Festival of Hockey in Melbourne.
The Western Australian duo put the Kookaburras 2-0 up and on course for victory as the hosts over powered their regional rivals to lift the trophy in the competition decider.
The match was scoreless in the opening quarter before Trent Mitton – celebrating his 100th cap for his country – converted a neat team attack with a well taken reverse flick goal in the 24th minute.
In the 37th minute, Bausor doubled Australia’s lead when he slid in to finish from close range following another slick move from the Kookaburras.
The Black Sticks ensured a tense finale when Kane Russell netted from a 48thminute penalty corner, however the title was secured in the closing moments, with Jeremy Hayward converting Australia’s third field goal for the match in the 59th minute.
Kookaburras interim head coach Paul Gaudoin said the teams’ title had been hard fought and would be one for the group to savour.
“It was a pleasing win at the end of a pretty tough tournament. I think we’ve learned an awful lot over the last two or three weeks as a young developing group and to be able to play in a final, with the pressure of a final, and perform and win was excellent for the group.
“There are a couple of changes that will be made in the squad for Bendigo, but we’re looking forward to another opportunity to grow and have a look at some young players.”
The Kookaburras Dylan Wotherspoon was announced as the Player of the Tournament, while India’s Rupinder Pal Singh was the leading goal scorer.
The Kookaburras wore ‘Fair go, sport!’ rainbow coloured socks during the match to support equality in sport, and to promote safe and inclusive sporting environments by promoting awareness and understanding of sexuality and gender diversity.
Earlier in the day, India defeated Malaysia 4 -1 to take out third place, with goals from Rupinder Pal Singh, Raghunath Vokkaliga, Talwinder Singh and Akashdeep Singh.
The Kookaburras and India now head to Bendigo for a two-game test which takes place on Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 November.
The Kookaburras’ IFOH squad also contained WA athletes Tristan Clemons, Aran Zalewski and Tyler Lovell.
-with HockeyAus