The Kookaburras maintained their 100% record in game three
of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh on Monday with a resounding 7-0 over
Commonwealth Games opponents South Africa.
Despite being held deadlocked at 0-0 for the first half hour
of the match, the Kookaburras took advantage of three opportunities in quick
succession to go in 3-0 ahead at the break. Trent Mitton opened the scoring
just a day after his 50th appearance for Australia before Jamie
Dwyer fired a powerful tomahawk into the far corner for 2-0. Nick Budgeon
continued his impressive record of at least a goal in every match with a 35th
minute penalty corner taking his tally to five for the tournament.
Dwyer’s commitment at the near post allowed him to steal in
to sweep home for 4-0 after excellent work from fellow Athens 2004 veteran Rob
Hammond down the right before Chris Ciriello announced his return with a low
penalty corner flick.
Daniel Beale added his name to the score sheet in the 58th
minute with a composed upright tomahawk to make it 6-0 and just four minutes
later captain Mark Knowles got in on the act with a thumping drive for 7-0.
The Kookaburras’ next match is against Korea on Thursday. It
begins at 11pm AEDT / 8pm AWST.
