Kookaburras Defeat Black Sticks 3-0 in Hobart
The Kookaburras have defeated New Zealand 3-0 in their Hobart International Challenge match on Tuesday night.
Bouncing back into action after a disappointing loss to the Kiwis at the recent 2015 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup final, the Kookaburras were in fine form despite the unfortunate weather conditions.
It didn’t take long for the Kookaburras to break through after WAIS athlete Aran Zalewski worked their first penalty corner of the night in the 13th minute. Stepping up to the top of the circle, Chris Ciriello sent an on-target drag flick into the back of the net, setting the Kookaburras up with a 1-0 lead and scoring his 100th international goal in the process.
Ciriello has joined seven past and present Kookaburras who have reached the 100 goal mark, in a list that includes current teammate Jamie Dwyer.
“I have been playing a bit of midfield over the past three matches and have had seven or eight shots in the first game and a couple in the second, so it’s great to get the first corner and goal tonight. We have now got so many good flickers and you’re lucky to score 100 goals for Australia. Jamie Dwyer said to me tonight, we have only had seven players to score 100 goals, so I feel privileged to now be a part of that group”, Ciriello said.
It was at the 26th minute mark that WAIS athlete Kiel Brown found himself in the right place at the right time. Brown slotted the ball behind the New Zealand Black Sticks goalkeeper Devon Manchester, doubling the Kookaburras’ advantage.
Dominating possession, the Kookaburras created themselves valuable attacking chances at the start of the second half.
Nine minutes after the break, Dwyer earned the Kookaburras another penalty corner, offering Australia the chance to break away from their opposition.
Jeremy Hayward netted a fast paced drag flick which could not be stopped by goalkeeper George Enersen, sealing the Kookaburras’ 3-0 victory.
Speaking after the match, Kookaburras head coach Graham Reid said, “It was a pleasing result tonight, I was especially happy about our defensive work. It has been the first time in a long time we have almost given away no opportunities to the opposition, which was really pleasing.”
Discussing tonight’s competition against the New Zealand Black Sticks, Reid added, “As far as the competition goes, having New Zealand, Korea and Pakistan in Hobart to play is ideal. Each of the teams are learning and becoming stronger as we progress through the challenge and we’re looking forward to the coming matches.”
The Kookaburras’ fourth test match will see them take on Korea for the second time at the Hobart International Challenge on Thursday 7 May at 5pm Perth time. The Kookaburras defeated Korea 6-0 in their previous test match last Sunday.
-HockeyAus
