Kookaburras Take Series Lead Over Korea
The Kookaburras have started 2010 with a bang, defeating Korea 5-1 in the first of a three Test series in Tasmania.
WAIS has five representatives in the Test squad and whilst Australia secured a strong win, coach Ric Charlesworth still sees room for improvement.
After winning the 2009 Champions Trophy on home soil in Melbourne last December, the Kookaburras entered this series with form on their side.
With the 2010 World Cup only a month away, Kookaburras coach Ric Charlesworth was keen to put his team through their paces against a quality opposition in Korea.
Despite Korea being ranked fifth in he world, the Kookaburras controlled the match from beginning to end, sending ominous warning signs to their opposition at next month’s World Cup in New Delhi, India.
In what was the Kookaburras first match in Tasmania since 2005, the team didn’t disappoint the home crowd, controlling the tempo in their half for most of the match.
With the Korean defence holding tight, the Kookaburras patiently worked the ball around their circle, eventually finding the dangerous Des Abbott alone at the top of the circle. Abbott made no mistake, making Korea pay for giving him so much room and scored the Kookaburras first goal at the 17 minute mark.
Australia’s defence also proved solid, cutting off several fast break attempts by the Koreans in the first half, with WAIS goalkeeper Ross Meadows keeping a clean sheet in the first half.
Abbott continued to be a presence near goal yet for all the Kookaburras dominance, they were unable to score another goal in the first half.
Determined to transfer their dominance to the scoreboard, the Kookaburras showed no mercy in the early stages of the second half; with regular flicker Luke Doerner missing from the squad due to injury, fellow Victorian Chris Ciriello stepped up to take a penalty corner at the 40 minute mark, giving the Kookaburras their second goal.
The Kookaburras further extended their lead only minutes later, with three time World Player of the Year Jamie Dwyer scoring the simplest of goals after youngster Glenn Simpson caused a turnover further up the field.
From here the flood gates had opened, with Eddie Ockenden and Russell Ford scoring to extend the Kookaburras dominance to 5-0.
A late goal to Korea at the 69 minute mark gave them some reward for their effort.
Kookaburras coach Ric Charlesworth praised his team, although conceded that he was unhappy to have allowed Korea to score so late in the game.
“I think it was a solid performance, although I obviously don’t like it when any team scores against us. I think the match was actually much closer than the scoreboard will show. I was pleased that we debuted yet another player in Kieran Govers and that he played well,” said Charlesworth.
The Kookaburras will face Korea again in game two of the series on Saturday 30 January.
-Hockey Australia
