AIS-WAIS defender Kobie McGurk has helped Australia secure a narrow victory over Japan in the Hockeyroos’ first match of the FIH Hockey World Cup in Rosario, Argentina.
The game was played in cold and wet conditions, but that did not stop the Hockeyroos from claiming all three points in the final match of day two action.
Australia started the match with a clear intent of scoring the first goal, but the match quickly descended into a battle for possession in midfield. Eventually though, Australia found a breakthrough when Kobie McGurk fired into the net with a direct penalty corner strike from the top of the circle. The goal swung the match in Australia’s favour, but despite large spells of possession could not increase their advantage in the first half.
The Hockeyroos scored what proved to be the winning goal through team captain Madonna Blyth, who turned well before sending a low shot into the net via the left post in the 61st minute. However, Japan hit back almost immediately when Kaori Chiba brilliantly guided a cross from the right into the goal with her reverse stick. Japan went in search of an equaliser, but Australia defended well to secure their victory.
The win was enough to move Australia level on points with The Netherlands and Germany, who were also victorious on the first day of action in Pool A. All of the Pool A teams return to the field of play on Wednesday, with Tuesday’s action consisting of matches from Pool B.
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The WA Thundersticks have finished fourth in the 2010 Australian Hockey League, after suffering a 6-0 defeat at the hands of a rampant Queensland over the weekend.
The young WA team – who were defending champions from 2009 – proved no match for a Queensland side, brimming with Kookaburra internationals, with last year’s runners up, going one better to take the AHL crown.
WA entered the play-off for third place against Victoria but was edged out 2-1 in a tense encounter.
