Kookaburras Gain Revenge with 5-0 Spanish Romp

The World number one men’s hockey team has blown away its opposition, defeating Spain 5-0, in a comprehensive display at Riverbank Arena today.

The Kookaburras fired from the outset and never looked like being challenged for the entire match.

Simon Orchard was best on field and had an impact right from the get go, executing skilful forward forays and setting up plenty of opportunities.

Victorian Russell Ford sent home the first goal with a brilliant deflection, 9 minutes in, after a great build up from co-captain Mark Knowles.

It was a great moment for the man they call Rusty, as it was his first goal at his first Olympics, all the more sweet after missing selection for Beijing four years ago.

Australia’s Matthew Butturini scored the second goal but it did not come without controversy when the Spaniards appeal for the video referral was rejected, as it was deemed they took too long to ask the question.

Amongst the heated debate one of the umpires pushed a Spanish player before play resumed.

Tim Deavin had a solid match controlling midfield and setting up plenty of opportunities and the Kookaburras continued to fire the ball into the circle all game, putting the Spaniards on the back foot.

After lining up without their captain Santi Frexia, who broke his arm in his opening match, Spain suffered another blow when another of its stars, Pol Amat was ruled out with a shoulder injury.

But despite Spain’s woes the Kookaburras did not let up and went to the break 3-0 up after Simon Orchard netted a great ball from Matt Gohdes.

A well-executed pass from Chris Ciriello found Glenn Turner one on one with the Keeper and the star striker made it look easy, slipping the ball past the keeper to seal Australia’s fourth goal.

Eddie Ockenden rounded out the conversions with a brilliant deflection off Joel Carroll’s penalty corner strike, leaving Spain shell-shocked at the Kookaburra’s dominance

AIS-WAIS athlete Fergus Kavanagh again had little trouble in defence, with the Australians in complete control through the match.