HOCKEY: The Kookaburras suffered their heaviest ever defeat at the hands of Great Britain in Raipur on Sunday, going down 5-2 at the Hockey World League Final.
Jeremy Hayward’s penalty corner goal early in the second period gave the World Champions hope of a comeback at 2-1 behind, as did Matt Gohdes’ tomahawk at 4-2 in the final period, but Great Britain repeatedly responded with goals of their own on each occasion.
The result leaves the Kookaburras third in Pool A, behind GB and Belgium with Canada their third pool match on Wednesday morning (00:00am AEDT). All four teams will progress to the quarter finals regardless, with pool position determining their quarter final opponents.
Kookaburras Head Coach Graham Reid said that missed opportunities made the difference in the end.
“They capitalised on their opportunities and we didn’t. Every time they got in our circle they seemed to score. To their credit, GB came out ready to play but at the end of the day it’s a very disappointing performance. We didn’t play anywhere near our best,” admitted Reid.
“There were patches where things went ok but simple mistakes in defence cost us. Our key stats were not too bad and there will be some positives we can take but you can’t give a team five goals and expect to win. We beat virtually the same side at Bisham Abbey in June; they’re a young side and they came out with a point to prove.
“We certainly have a lot of work to do in the next 24 to 72 hours. We’ll be learning a lot.”
Two goals in the opening quarter put the Kookaburras on the back foot as first Henry Weir, then Chris Grassick found a way past the Australian defence. Weir converted at back post at the second attempt after Tyler Lovell’s reflex save initially denied him, while Grassick stole into the circle and lashed a shot inside the far post for 2-0.
Simon Orchard had the Kookaburras’ best chance of the opening period but was denied by British goalkeeper Harry Gibson from the top of the circle.
Jeremy Hayward halved the deficit from a penalty corner early in the second period with a powerful low drag flick and Dylan Wotherspoon came close before Britain extended their lead from Ian Sloan’s penalty corner, which deflected past Andrew Charter on his 100th appearance in goal for Australia.
Shortly after half time David Condon finished a flowing British move from close range after being set up by Simon Mantell.
The Kookaburras created opportunities from a series of penalty corners and open play chances, including a Jamie Dwyer shot that flew wide.
Early in the final quarter Matt Gohdes fired an unstoppable tomahawk into the roof of the net from the edge of the circle but GB responded immediately through Phil Roper, who restored the three goal lead at 5-2.
Remaining Kookaburras' fixtures at World League Final, Raipur
Wednesday 2 December – 00:00 AEDT: Kookaburras v Canada
Thursday 3 December – tbc: Quarter final
Friday 4 December – tbc: Quarter final
Saturday 5 December – tbc: Semi final / 5-8 playoffs
Sunday 5 December – tbc: Semi final / 5-8 playoffs
Monday 7 December – tbc: Medal matches
Hockey Australia
