Kookaburras Start Title Defence in Style

The Kookaburras have made the best possible start to their Champions Trophy title defence, defeating New Zealand 9-1 in Germany.

Three AIS-WAIS athletes are in Germany with the Kookaburras, with Fergus Kavanagh, Graeme Begbie and Trent Mitton all in the 19 man squad.

After winning the 2009 Champions Trophy and the 2010 World Cup, the Kookaburras brought a young squad to the 2010 Champions Trophy in order to allow some younger players to gain experience ahead of the 2012 London Olympics.

However the team hardly looked inexperienced as they dismantled New Zealand (world rank 7) in an impressive display, justifying Australia’s number 1 world ranking and one of the favourites at the 2010 Champions Trophy.

It was no surprise when three time world player of the year, Jamie Dwyer opened the scoring for the Kookaburras after just three minutes.

Despite the fast start the scoring dried up over the next few minutes, but Australia remained well in control.

After a video referral by Australia which showed the ball had hit the foot of the New Zealand defender in the circle, Luke Doerner extended Australia’s lead after converting a penalty corner at the 26 minute mark.

Now well on top the Kookaburras showed no mercy and continued to put the New Zealand defence under extreme pressure.

A goal to Jason Wilson at the very next play saw the Kookaburras’ lead extend to 3-0.

Australia’s fourth goal came when Simon Orchard was left unmarked at the top of the circle, giving him a one on one with the goalkeeper which he took advantage of to give the Kookaburras total control.

New Zealand was given something to cheer about when Nick Wilson scored an impressive goal at the 34 minute mark.

However their celebration was short lived, with striker Glenn Turner scoring Australia’s fifth goal with only seconds remaining in the half.

Goals were harder to come by in the second half. Although two Australian goals were disallowed due to video referrals, the Kookaburras were always on top.

After almost 20 minutes of play in the second half the deadlock was eventually broken by Jason Wilson who scored a spectacular goal across the baseline to make the score 6-1.

Australia’s momentum continued only minutes later when Russell Ford and Luke Doerner scored twice more for the Kookaburras, making it 8-1 with just under ten minutes remaining.

Ford scored again with only two minutes remaining, finishing Australia’s performance on a positive note and sending a warning to the other teams at the Champions Trophy.

– Hockey Australia