Kookaburras Remain Undefeated at Sultan Azlan Shah Cup
The Kookaburras remain undefeated through their first four matches of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup tournament in Malaysia after defeating Great Britain 2-1 in their most recent match.
The win over GB consolidates victories over India (3-1) and Malaysia (6-1) after a first up 1-1 draw with New Zealand.
Western Australian hockey athletes Trent Mitton, Tyler Lovell and Tom Wickham have all been in action for the Kookaburras, with Mitton on the scoresheet in the victories over hosts Malaysia and GB, whilst Wickham converted in Australia’s success over India.
Heading into the Great Britain clash with 10 goals from three matches, Australia found the going considerably tougher against GB.
Both sides were well structured defensively and it took a Trent Mitton field goal in the final minute of the third quarter to break the game open.
GB found an equalizer in the 51st minute, but parity was short-lived as Matt Dawson restored Australia’s advantage just a minute later as the Australians held on for victory, with Lovell in goal and the Kookaburras defence repelling three late penalty corner efforts to take the plaudits.
With Thursday a scheduled rest day, Australia will resume duties on Friday, with a match against Japan before the tournament concludes with finals over the weekend.
The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup has been held 25 times since its inaugural hosting in 1983, with Australia having lifted the prize on nine occasions including last year’s final, a 4-0 success over India.