Kookaburras Hang on Against Fast Finishing England
AIS-WAIS athletes Fergus Kavanagh and Graeme Begbie have helped the Kookaburras remain undefeated at the 2010 Champions Trophy after hanging on against a late surging England to record a 3-2 win in Germany.
After controlling the match the Kookaburras arguably could have recorded a much more comfortable victory, however were unable to make the most of various opportunities near goal throughout the match.
The win is the third straight victory for Australia at the Champions Trophy and sees them remain on top of the points table.
It also goes some way in gaining revenge over England who were the only team able to defeat Australia at the World Cup earlier in the year, while also sending a message to what is likely to be one of Australia’s strongest competition at the 2010 Commonwealth Games
After scoring in the opening five minutes of their first two games at the Champions Trophy the Kookaburras were unable to replicate a dream start against England, however appeared to have the edge from the opening whistle.
Des Abbott was a focal point up forward and the Kookaburras had their first chance at goal when Fergus Kavanagh delivered a pinpoint cross to Russell Ford, however the play was saved by the England goalkeeper who gave away a penalty corner in the process.
With regular penalty corner specialist Luke Doerner not on the field the hit was taken by NSW youngster Kieran Govers, however the shot was missed.
Despite the miss there was no doubt the Kookaburras were looking dangerous, placing England under a lot of pressure and a goal seemed like it would come sooner rather than later.
As he has done so many times during this tournament already, Jamie Dwyer stepped up and proved to be too much of a handful for the English defence, delivering a high ball towards goal which had already beaten the keeper, with Simon Orchard finishing the goal close to the net after the keeper had already stepped out of the goal line.
The Kookaburras extended their lead only minutes later when defender Matthew Swann scored a rare goal, and all of the sudden England looked in real trouble.
Determined to remain in the game England made a strong forward play, drawing a penalty corner from Australia which allowed the talented Ashley Jackson to convert their first goal of the match.
However the Kookaburras weren’t done with yet, having their third penalty corner of the half at the 32 minute mark which after initially being run down by the English defence, eventually found its way back to Luke Doerner who extended Australia’s lead only minutes before half time.
England began the second half with more intensity and controlled much of the play, however it was still Australia who looked more dangerous around goal.
However the Kookaburras had difficulty converting many of their good opportunities, keeping England still in the game.
Knowing another goal would seal the match, the Kookaburras continued to press high up the pitch, however still couldn’t find their allusive fourth goal.
When England scored against the run of play with five minutes remaining the game was far from over. With both teams having opportunities, the dying minutes were quite tense however eventually the Kookaburras were able to hang on.
While obviously pleased with the win, they were forced to do it the hard way and undoubtedly controlled more of the game than the scoreboard suggests with superior circle penetrations and shots on goal.
The Kookaburras will next play tournament host Germany on Thursday 5 August, their first match up since Australia defeated Germany at the 2010 World Cup final.
– Hockey Australia
