Kookaburras Win International Super Series in Perth
The Kookaburras have capped off a fantastic end to the Lanco International Super Series Hockey 9s tournament, defeating rivals New Zealand 5-3 in the grand final in Perth.
With the Hockeyroos winning the women’s grand final earlier in the day, the results could have not gone any better for Australia, with both teams proving to be the superior teams throughout the tournament.
As they have done all tournament, the Kookaburras excelled under the new rules introduced at the tournament including only having nine players per side, bigger goals and more relaxed rules on foot and stick violations.
With the rules in place, the stage was set for a fast and exciting game, and the two teams didn’t disappoint.
New Zealand came out in full attack mode, not taking a defensive role in this final, which suited Australia who wanted a good content to finish year’s Series. After an action packed first half the Kookaburras took an early lead, including yet another remarkable goal by four time world player of the year Jamie Dwyer. However New Zealand struck back on every occasion, staying closeto the Kookaburras who knew they had a battle on their hands to win the first ever LISS championship.
New Zealand gained the upper hand early in the second half and when they scored to draw level, they had all the momentum.
However the Kookaburras had one more phase of attack left in them, scoring two goals in the dying minutes including a sealer to Glenn Turner to claim the win.
Eddie Ockenden, captain in the final, looks forward to more matches like this in the future. “We played some great hockey and it was very competitive amongst all teams.
“We like fast, attacking hockey and hope that we continue to play more hockey like this as we get ready for London in 2012,” Ockenden said.
Simon Orchard, named male Player of the Series,was keen to see the tournament return in the future. “We really enjoyed this week’s competition, it was tough but we like the fast pace.”
Kookaburras coach Ric Charlesworth he is pleased the rules introduced allowed for a more open and attacking style of play, dubbing the tournament a success.
“I think it has been a success and enjoyable to play. The players have enjoyed it. The goalkeepers have been brought more into the play which is a good thing. If you look at the stats, we are generating the same amount of chances in this form of the game than what we would usually get in a full 70 minutes in a regular game so there is a lot of action,” said Charlesworth.
-Hockey Australia
