Kookaburras Defeat Ireland in Five Nations Clash

The Kookaburras have made a good start at the Five Nations Challenge, defeating Ireland 4-2 overnight in Paris, France.

Although Ireland are ranked 19th in the world, the Kookaburras made a point of not underestimating them after they watched Ireland defeat world number six team Korea 5-1 on Wednesday and as expected, they were given a tough contest.

Australia made the best possible start when NSW striker Mark Paterson opened the scoring in the fourth minute and extended their lead after a good build up from Matthew Butturini saw highly rated youngster Jacob Whetton deflect the ball past the Irish goalkeeper in the 21st minute.

After failing to convert their many chances in their previous game against Spain, the Kookaburras remained focused in the second half and were determined to add to the scoreboard, with Chris Ciriello giving them a 3-0 lead following a successful penalty corner conversion.

Ireland continued to take it up to the Kookaburras, but another Ciriello penalty corner goal in the 50th minute sealed the game.

To Ireland’s credit they continued to fight hard and were able to score two late goals, however the match was already well over.

The Kookaburras will be looking to back up this win with another good performance against Argentina when they play at 11.30pm EST on Thursday 28 July.

In other hockey news:

While the Hockeyroos are working hard to prepare for the 2012 London Olympics, the next crop of talented youngsters are already being identified, with Hockey Australia announcing the 2011/2012 National Junior Squad.

Included in that squad are WAIS athletes Penny Squibb and Katy Symons.

– Hockey Australia