Kookaburras win first series under Ric Charlesworth

The Kookaburras have made the best possible start to Ric Charlesworth's coaching career with the team, claiming their first series win under the legendary coach after drawing one all with the Netherlands in Perth tonight.

Victories to the Kookaburras in games two and three of the series were enough to secure the series, with the Netherlands' only win of the series coming in game one.

The Netherlands, still stinging from Friday night's heavy 7-3 loss at the hands of the Kookaburras, began tonight's match a more determined team which saw them produce some skillful hockey early in the match.

Needing to win by four goals or more to claim the best of four series, the Netherlands got off to the perfect start with three time World Player of the Year Teun de Nooijer swooping on a save from Kookaburras goalkeeper Ross Meadows to hand them an early lead.

With prolific scorers Eddie Ockenden and Des Abbott missing from the Kookaburras line up the Aussies were forced to find other ways to goal, with Eli Matheson and Russell Ford the key targets up forward.

Midfielder Fergus Kavanagh was also used up forward at various stages however the Netherlands defense proved impenetrable as they flooded the circle, reducing the amount of space the Kookaburras had to work with close to goal.

Simon Orchard used his athleticism well to create movement throughout the midfield and the Kookaburras eventually generated a scoring opportunity via a penalty corner attempt at the 20 minute mark.

Unfortunately Luke Doerner's shot on goal beat the Dutch keeper but hit the crossbar, denying the Kookaburras a chance to draw the match.

When the Dutch were awarded their own penalty corner only minutes later it appeared a distinct possibility that the visitors could further extend their lead. However a brilliant save from Meadows in goal ensured the lead remained only one goal.

Towards the end of the half the Kookaburras began to open up the play and generate more movement in the circle, however they were unable to find a goal in the first half.

The game remained a tight affair early in the second half, a contrast to Friday night's high scoring match which saw a total of 10 goals scored.

However the Kookaburras continued to work hard in search for an equalizer and if not for a brilliant save from the Dutch goalkeeper at the 38 minute mark they would have found it.

Eventually the Kookaburras persistence paid off and Jamie Dwyer equaled the match by converting a penalty stroke at the 44 minute mark.

As the second half continued the match remained tight, with neither team willing to give an inch.

With only minutes remaining the style of the match altered, with both teams attacking at all costs in a bid to secure the win.

Although the Kookaburras came close to scoring on several occasions it wasn't to be, with the scores remaining locked and the Kookaburras claiming the series.

Kookaburras coach Ric Charlesworth said he expected a tough finish to the series and overall he and the team learnt a lot from their first outing together.

'After Friday night's match I expected this one to be tough. Good teams like the Netherlands are capable of playing this style of hockey, and we must now learn how to crack open the game when our opposition shuts us down, which we were unable to do tonight,' said Charlesworth.

'Overall I think some of our younger players have shown that they can play at this level which is exciting for the future of our team,' said Charlesworth.

Australia - Netherlands 1-1 (0-1)
Goals - Ned De Nooijer 11m FG, Aus Dwyer 44m PS

Australia v Netherlands Series Summary

Game 1 - Netherlands - Australia 4-2
Game 2 - Australia - Netherlands 4-2
Game 3 - Australia - Netherlands 7-3
Game 4 - Australia - Netherlands 1-1