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Hockey teams win Super Series

 

Hockey teams win Super Series

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AOC
Hockey teams win Super Series

Australia have claimed both the men's and women's titles in the Super Series nine-a-side international hockey tournament in Perth on Sunday.

Australia have claimed both the men's and women's titles in the Super Series nine-a-side international hockey tournament in Perth on Sunday.

The Kookaburras edged out trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand 5-3 to win the men's final of the inaugural event while the Hockeyroos defeated India 4-1 to take the women's crown.

The Kookaburras, who thrashed New Zealand 7-1 earlier in the tournament, were heavy favourites in the grand final excelling in the the new rules introduced at the tournament which include bigger goals and more relaxed rules on stick and foot violations.

They looked in control taking a 3-1 lead in the first half which included a remarkable goal by four-time world player of the year Jamie Dwyer.

However, the Kiwis lifted to draw level early in the second half when Stephen Jenness added to the two goals Blair Hilton had already scored.

The Australians eventually steadied from a short corner in the 25th minute, with Liam De Young converting to restore their lead before Glenn Turner sealed the title with less than two minutes to go.

Kookaburras captain Eddie Ockenden said the results bode well leading up to next year's London Olympics.

"We played some great hockey and it was very competitive amongst all teams," he said

"We like fast, attacking hockey and hope that we continue to play more hockey like this as we get ready for London in 2012."

The women's final saw Australia recover from a goal down to beat India 4-1.

The Hockeyroos dominated early, but it was India that opened the scoring against the trend of play through Soundarya Yendala in the ninth minute.

However, Australia struck back through Hope Munro and Kellie White in quick succession and led 2-1 at the break.

The home side broke the game open early in the second half with goals to Marnie Hudson and Ashleigh Nelson within 60 seconds.

Hockeyroos coach Adam Commens said he believed the new tournament was a success, with the new rules creating more exciting play.

"They were learning how to play this form of the game and certainly our last performance was our best which is what we like to see, the progression through the tournament and I'm really happy to get a result in the grand final and at 4-1 it was a good performance," he said.

"I think its an exciting form of the game and we need to embrace it. I think that in the future we will see it become very popular with the crowds and that's what we need to promote our sport," said Commens.

AAP

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