Australia’s U21 team the Burras have turned a 2-0 halftime deficit into a thrilling 4-3 victory at the Sultan Johor Cup in Malaysia.
New Zealand’s Nick Woods started the match strongly, scoring inside the first three minutes of the contest. The Kiwis continued their push, with another penalty corner and field goal at the 35th and 41st through Daniel Panchia and Kim Kingstone respectively.
Trailing 3-0 and staring down the barrel of a heavy defeat, the Burras turned their fortunes within the space of 10 second half minutes. Two penalty corners complimented by two field goals, and the Australian juniors were all of a sudden back on target and leading by a goal.
Andrew Scanlon and Joshua Bretherton were on target through penalty corners in the 51st and 54th minute, before field goals to Oliver Crane and Max Hendry earned Australia a famous 4-3 victory.
WAIS was represented by twin brothers James and Simon Benetti and Hayden Walker.
Australian U21 men’s Head Coach Ben Bishop praised his team’s second half performance following the match.
“It was a pleasing second half, with the Burras stepping up their performance after not executing the first half to a high enough standard, which unfortunately resulted in two goals scored against us.”
Talking about the competition and the opportunities it provides our younger Australian athletes, Bishop added, “This tournament is about providing and exposing our younger generation of athletes with an experience of International hockey, and tonight the Burras showed a lot of character and potential in a tough situation.”
Australia’s next match is against Great Britain on Thursday.
– with Hockey Australia
