 | The Kookaburras have booked their spot at the Hero Honda FIH 2010 World Cup by defeating New Zealand 3-1 today at Invercargill, New Zealand to win the Oceania Cup.
After watching the Hockeyroos go down to New Zealand earlier in the day for the women’s division of the Oceania Cup, the Kookaburras were determined to begin the match well.
Unfortunately New Zealand had plans of their own, with Nick Wilson scoring the first goal of the match after a nice breakaway.
Veteran and Olympic gold medallists Grant Schubert provided the spark needed for the Kookaburras, scoring two first half goals, the second coming just moments before half time.
Continuing their momentum, the Kookaburras controlled the tempo after half time, but were unable to make the most of their various opportunities and further extend their one goal lead.
With this New Zealand continued to grow in confidence as they remained within striking distance.
A sustained period of New Zealand possession followed but the Black Sticks were unable to peg back the much needed goal.
With just over a minute to play New Zealand forced their first penalty corner of the match but Hayden Shaw’s drag flick attempt was wide of the left post.
Jamie Dwyer hammered the final nail into New Zealand’s coffin in the final play of the match, a cracking shot from a penalty corner.
The Kookaburras will now plan their program towards the 2010 World Cup which will be played in New Delhi, India from February 28 – March 13, 2010.
However their focus for the remainder of the year will be towards the ABN AMRO Hockey Champions Trophy which will be played in Melbourne from November 28 – December 6. |
