Kookaburras Overwhelm the Dutch to Claim Series Win

Published On: 8 February 2018

The Kookaburras have claimed a sensational Test Series win over the Netherlands thanks to a convincing win over the visiting side at Perth Hockey Stadium last Saturday night.

Heading into game four of the Series on Saturday evening the Kookaburras were on the back foot, having already lost once and drawn twice with the Dutch side.

Needing to deliver an outstanding performance to claim victory the Australians did not disappoint, taking the match with a 6-1 victory.

The home side opened the scoring in the 12th minute, Daniel Beale finding the net. 

Five minutes later it seemed it could be dejavu, another close match on the cards, as Dutch youngster Thierry Brinkman fired back for the visitors levelling the scores. 

Australia did not score again until right on half time, giving themselves a one goal buffer as they headed into the main break.

This lead proved to provide them with great confidence as they returned to the pitch with a fire that the Dutch could not extinguish, scoring another three unanswered goals.

Western Australian, Aran Zalewski completed the scoring for the Australians slotting the ball past the goal keeper in the game’s 59th minute.

Kookaburra, Lachlan Sharp spoke of the Series saying “it would’ve been nice to get a few more wins in the Series. We came close a few times but overall we’re happy to get the 6-1 win tonight.”

Game one of the tournament saw the home side draw even with their competition (3-3) before falling by one in game two (2-3).

Game three resulted in a disappointing three all draw for the Australians as they lead 3-0 late in the third quarter.

The Dutch had pushed the Kookaburras throughout the whole game and their immanent pressure came through late in the third and in to the fourth as they pulled the game back to a draw, maintaining their Series lead.

Australia, Flynn Ogilvie said “we started off really well, the first half we dominated. In the second half we got a bit frantic, they put some pressure on us and we didn’t cope with that as well as we wanted, so plenty of work for Saturday.”

Despite a shaky start to the Series, the Kookaburras’ win on Saturday evening was pivotal in their overall win as finishing standings were determined on goals for and against.