Kookaburras on Track in Azlan Shah

The Kookaburras have recorded their second victory at the Azlan Shah Cup, defeating Malaysia 2-1 overnight in Ipoh, Malaysia.

With veteran Grant Schubert missing from the team due to injury, youngster Chris Ciriello stepped up to give the Kookaburras an early lead by converting a penalty corner goal at the 3 minute mark.

Malaysia quickly responded, converting a penalty corner of their own, only two minutes later to tie the game.

The Kookaburras eventually broke the deadlock at the 55 minute mark, with Matt Gohdes delivering a paced shot on goal from the top of the circle which beat the goalkeeper and allowed Australia to regain the lead.

Despite walking away with the win the Kookaburras will take note of their lack of conversion, entering the Malaysian circle on 34 occasions to score only two goals.

They will be given an opportunity to improve on this figure when they take on an in form Indian team on Monday 10 May.

Earlier:

The Kookaburras made the best possible start to their Azlan Shah campaign, defeating Egypt 4-0 in Malaysia on the weekend.

Captain Grant Schubert led the way for the Kookaburras early, scoring the opening goal at the 18 minute mark.

Not long after play was abandoned for just under an hour due to a torrential downpour.

Both teams struggled when they returned to the water logged pitch, however as conditions improved the Kookaburras managed to gain the upper hand and scored their second goal via a Chris Ciriello penalty corner at the 49 minute mark.

The result was put beyond doubt thanks to goals to Matt Gohdes and Kieran Govers, while Matthew Swann and Malcolm Kemp were fantastic in defence.

– Hockey Australia