More Medal Success for WAIS Hockey Athletes
WAIS hockey athletes have claimed medals at the 2009 Australian Youth Olympic Festival in Sydney with the men’s team winning gold over India and the women’s team taking silver after defeat to Great Britain.
Leeming resident Trent Mitton was part of the Australian men’s AYOF team that earned a 2-1 win over a strong Indian team, which had defeated Australia in the group stages earlier.
The Australian men made their mark early in the gold medal match against India, with Kieren Govers scoring in the third minute.
India was unsuccessful in several penalty corners awarded in the first 20 minutes, and the Australian attack kept them moving around.
Australia forced an error in the 29th minute to be awarded a penalty corner, but a desperate save from India’s goal keeper Mrinal Chaubey kept the Aussies from scoring.
The young Australian men had the height advantage, but the speed of the Indian players was a challenge throughout the first half.
There was a close call for Australia in the 43rd minute, but some excellent defence, and a bit of luck, kept India at bay.
Govers was a force in the Australian forward line, showing exceptional ball control and speed with several intercepts to break the Indian defence.
But Indian Pramod Kumar evened the score in the 55th minute, coming out on top with a one-on-one confrontation with the Australian goal keeper.
With a score of 1-1 at full time, the game went into two periods of extra time and it was Jason Donohoe of Australia who stepped up in the 76th minute with a goal that thrilled the crowd.
“I’m really proud to be an Australian at the moment”, said Josh White, “and more so to be with this group of guys.”
There was disappointment for the WAIS contingent of Steph Andrews, Jemma Buckley and Paige Collins however after Australia twice surrendered leads in losing 3-2 against Great Britain.
Steph Andrews scored the first match of the game in the 27th minute finishing skilfully after a well constructed penalty corner move by the Australians.
The two sides traded goals which led to extra time where Great Britain’s Sophie Bray stole in to win the gold medal for her team.
For Australia it was disappointment having defeated Great Britain in the last match of the group stage.