Kookaburras Open Series with 3-1 Win Over Japan

The Kookaburras secured a 3-1 victory over Japan last tonight at the National Hockey Centre in Canberra.

The Kookaburras began sluggishly after completing a three match series against China in Wollongong earlier this week.

The Kookaburras opened the scoring in the eighth minute through a field goal to Simon Orchard. A strong circle entry by Keiran Govers collected a deflection from Orchard which skipped past the keeper to get the crowd excited.

Japan implemented a strong flooding strategy, inhibiting the Kookaburras from the free-flowing style of hockey which they try to stick too.

The flooding caused frustration amongst the Kookaburras who failed to penetrate the flood for the rest of the half. Australia’s looseness allowed Japan to latch onto a free ball in the midfield and managed to put the ball in the back of the net, much to Kookaburras goalie Nathan Burgers’ dismay.

A stern half time word from Head Coach Ric Charlesworth was sure to stir the boys on, and to find holes in the Japanese structure. Japan held firm until the 64th minute when Chris Ciriello converted a penalty corner. Charlesworth was disappointed with tonight’s penalty corner conversion rate, only converting one of six chances.

The Kookaburras continued their dominance in the final 10 minutes with Russell Ford scoring a brilliant field goal in the 67th minute. Ford’s miraculous shot on goal closed out the evening’s proceedings. The Kookaburras will be looking to significantly improve on tonight’s performance in game two on Saturday at 2pm at the National Hockey Centre.

-Hockey Australia