Mitton Strike Helps Aussies to Series Cleansweep Over Pakistan in Darwin
Trent Mitton has goaled for the Kookaburras as they rounded out their Test series with Pakistan in Darwin with a 5-3 win.
The Australians claimed a clean sweep of the four-test series, but were made to earn their final win against a determined and hard-working Pakistani outfit.
Twice the Australians fell-behind and were forced to play catch up, with the half time score reading three goals apiece.
A field goal to Western Australian Trent Mitton ensured the Kookaburras would reach the break at parity, converting from close range with only seconds remaining in the half.
The Australians edged ahead in the 42nd minute through an Aaron Kleinschmidt strike, before Flynn Ogilvie secured the home side’s win in the final minute of play.
Kookaburras coach Colin Batch said his side had had to work hard to earn the victory, suggesting his squad would benefit ahead of the Azlan Shah Cup set to commence in Malaysia at the end of the month.
“I think tonight was the best game of the series, Pakistan certainly brought the game alive with their attacking structure which they’re renowned for. They had a lot of run in their legs which challenged us in deep defence.
“Twice we had to come from behind tonight, so there are some good lessons for us there. We’ve grown a lot, we’ve tried some different things and we take all of that forward to Azlan Shah, but I’m very pleased with our progress in these four matches.”
Mitton was joined in action for the Kookaburras by fellow Western Australian athletes Tristan Clemons, Tom Wickham and Tyler Lovell.
KOOKABURRAS5 (3)
Kiran Arunasalam 4 (PC)
Mark Knowles 10 (PS)
Trent Mitton 30 (FG)
Aaron Kleinschmidt 42 (FG)
Flynn Ogilvie 60 (FG)
PAKISTAN3 (3)
Abu Mahmood 4, 23 (FG, FG)
Muhammad Umar Bhutta 21 (FG)