Late Drama Secures Koookaburras Win Over Dutch

The Kookaburras have come from behind to record a memorable 6-3 victory over old rivals the Netherlands in their round two match at the 2010 Champions Trophy 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.

Despite controlling most of the match the Kookaburras found themselves a goal down with seven minutes remaining.

In demonstrating their fire power, the Kookaburras were completely dominant in the dying minutes, scoring the last four goals of the match to secure the win.

As he did in the Kookaburras victory the previous day against New Zealand, three time world player of the year Jamie Dwyer ensured that the Kookaburras got off to the perfect start.

His goal in the fifth minute after receiving a pass in the circle caught the Netherlands by surprise, however they remained in the contest and looked very dangerous on several occasions.

Netherlands veteran Teun de Nooijer was a focal point near goal for Holland, however the Kookaburras defence were on their game and ensured their goal remained a fortress in the first half.

The Kookaburras looked dangerous on the counter attack, however the Netherlands had seemingly levelled the score at the 27 minute mark when they were awarded a penalty stroke after the ball hit defender Joel Carroll in the back while on its way to the goals.

However the stroke was saved by goalkeeper Nathan Burgers.

The Netherlands applied a lot of pressure in the early stages of the second half, which eventually paid off after a mistrap in the circle by Chris Ciriello handed the Netherlands a gift in front of goal, with Rogier Hofman making the most of it to tie the game.

The Kookaburras hit the lead once again after Luke Doerner converted a penalty corner, however the Netherlands soon hit back with a field goal to de Nooijer at the 48 minute mark.

When the Netherlands scored their third goal at the 54 minute mark they appeared to have all of the momentum. However a fantastic period of play by the Kookaburras which saw four goals scored in seven minutes saw them run out convincing winners and give them further confidence to win their third Champions Trophy in a row.

The Kookaburras will next play England on Tuesday 3 August.

– Hockey Australia