Kookaburras Set Champions Trophy Record

Published On: 5 December 2009

WAIS athlete Fergus Kavanagh was on target against Spain

Australia set a new record in international hockey in the final round robin clash – scoring the most goals in a single match at the Champions Trophy – beating Spain 10-3 at the 2009 ABN AMRO Hockey Champions Trophy in Melbourne. The historic victory secured the Kookaburras a place in Sunday’s gold medal match.

The Aussies began their assault intent on controlling every area of the pitch and quickly hit the front when Grant Schubert finished off an Eddie Ockenden pass at the 21st minute.

Spain was lethal in its response as it attacked and scored the next two goals in quick succession in the 24th and 26th minutes courtesy of Eddie Tubau and Captain Pol Amat.

The Kookaburras managed to penetrate the Spanish defence but all efforts were fruitless until a piece of magic from Luke Doerner’s in the 35th minute tied the match leading into the second half.

After half time a missed scoring opportunity from Spain sparked an Aussie counter-attack and Grant Schubert scored at point blank, bringing his personal tally to six for the tournament.

The atmosphere was electric and with 20 minutes to play Kookaburra Luke Doerner took charge for his second goal of the match to put Australia ahead 4-3.

Sloppy defence from Spain saw it concede its fifth goal of the match and consequently opened the floodgates for a whitewash.

Kookaburra Fergus Kavanagh scored two consecutive goals within four minutes, extending the Aussie lead to 8-3 and putting the win beyond doubt.

It became a Spanish annihilation as Eddie Ockenden scored the ninth goal, and a piece of brilliance by Glenn Turner secured a record 10th goal for the match.

Despite scoreboard reflecting a demolition of their opposition, Australian coach Ric Charlesworth was keen to point out at the post-match press conference that it didn’t demonstrate how close it was for 45-50 minutes of the match.

“I think Spain has some of the most skilful players in the game and I think its good for our younger players to play against them”, he said.

– Hockey Australia