The Kookaburras showed that they are in sensational form ahead of next week’s Oceania Cup tournament in New Zealand by hammering Argentina 8-1 in a clinical performance in Perth on Tuesday.
Seven different scorers made their mark on the score-sheet, with Jason Wilson (2), Liam De Young, Eddie Ockenden, Simon Orchard, Jamie Dwyer, Chris Ciriello and Russell Ford all hitting the target, with Argentina’s only goal coming from penalty corner ace Gonzalo Peillat.
The Australians were Coach Graham Reid led the team, as he will at next week’s Oceania Cup in the absence of Ric Charlesworth who is undergoing hip surgery. After the match Reid was satisfied with his side’s performance, particularly in the first half, but warned against getting carried away, citing a slow start to the second half.
“We took most of the opportunities that came our way in the first half,” said stand-in coach Graham Reid, who will be taking charge of the team at next week’s Oceania Cup in the absence of Ric Charlesworth, who is undergoing hip surgery. “We pressed well, we put pressure on the ball and that worked well. But the second half was a bit disappointing. We were a little sloppy when we emerged for the second half and that’s when they got through us a few times. That’s the part we’ll be working on.”
The Hockeyroos were also winners on Tuesday evening, with Brooke Peris - niece of legendary Australian international Nova Peris – netting her first senior international goal in a 3-0 triumph over Canada. Ashleigh Nelson bagged a brace in the victory, ensuring that the Australian women are also in great shape ahead of their Oceania Cup title bid. More information about these games can be found on the Hockey Australia website by clicking here.
The Oceania Cup starts next Wednesday in the Taranaki region of New Zealand’s North island, with the competition taking place from 30 October - 3 November at the TET Multisports Centre in Stratford. Tickets are selling fast, and can be purchased at www.ticketdirect.co.nz
Hockey New Zealand recently confirmed that selected games from the event will be streamed live through their official website - www.hockeynz.co.nz. The live streaming will feature expert commentary and have no geo-restrictions, ensure that anyone around the world can watch all the action. To read more about this story, click here.
