Kookaburras defeat Black Sticks in International Challenge

The Trans-Tasman clash at the men’s Hobart International Challenge had the Kookaburras finish atop of the New Zealand Black Sticks 3-0 in their third test match of the challenge.

HOCKEY: The Trans-Tasman clash at the men’s Hobart International Challenge had the Kookaburras finish atop of the New Zealand Black Sticks 3-0 in their third test match of the challenge Tuesday night.

Bouncing back into action after a disappointing loss to the kiwis at the recent 2015 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup final, the Kookaburras were in fine form despite the unlucky weather conditions.

It didn’t take long for the Kookaburras to break onto the scoreboard after Aran Zalewski worked their first penalty corner of the night in the 13th minute. Stepping up to the top of the circle, Chris Ciriello sent an on-target drag flick into the back of the net, setting the Kookaburras up with a 1-0 lead and scoring his 100th international goal.

Ciriello has joined seven past and present Kookaburras who have reached 100 goals within a playing career, which includes current teammate Jamie Dwyer.
“I have been playing a bit of midfield over the past three matches and have had seven or eight shots in the first game and a couple in the second, so it’s great to get the first corner and goal tonight. We have now got so many good flickers and you’re lucky to score 100 goals for Australia. Jamie Dwyer said to me tonight, we have only had seven players to score 100 goals, so I feel privileged to now be a part of that group”, Ciriello said.

It was at the 26th minute mark that Kiel Brown found himself in the right place at the right time. Brown slotted the ball behind the New Zealand Black Sticks goalkeeper Devon Manchester, pushing the Kookaburras in front 2-0.
Dominating the majority of the ball possession, the Kookaburras created themselves valuable attacking chances at the start of the second half.

Nine minutes after halftime, Jamie Dwyer worked the Kookaburras another penalty corner opportunity, offering Australia the chance to break away from their opposition.

Lining the Kookaburras’ firepower up at the top of the circle, Northern Territories Jeremy Hayward netted a fast paced drag flick which could not be denied by goalkeeper George Enersen, earning the Kookaburras a 3-0 victory over the Black Sticks on the final siren.

Speaking after the match, Kookaburras head coach Graham Reid said, “It was a pleasing result tonight, I was especially happy about our defensive work. It has been the first time in a long time we have almost given away no opportunities to the opposition, which was really pleasing.”

Discussing tonight’s competition against the New Zealand Black Sticks, Reid added, “As far as the competition goes, having New Zealand, Korea and Pakistan in Hobart to play is ideal. Each of the teams are learning and becoming stronger as we progress through the challenge and we’re looking forward to the coming matches.”

The Kookaburras’ fourth test match will see them take on Korea for the second time at the Hobart International Challenge on Thursday 7 May at 7pm AEST. The Kookaburras defeated Korea 6-0 in their previous test match of the Challenge last Sunday.

The Hobart International Challenge is supported by the Tasmanian Government through Communities, Sport and Recreation Tasmania.

Please note - There will be no live streaming of the matches at the men's Hobart International Challenge. We apologise for any inconvenience that this may have caused.

Kookaburras squad v New Zealand Black Sticks
Name (Hometown/State) Caps/Goals
Started
Daniel Beale (Brisbane, QLD) 52/9
Kiel Brown (Toowoomba, QLD) 156/6
Christopher Ciriello (Melbourne, VIC) 158/100
Matthew Dawson (Central Coast, NSW) 18/1
Jamie Dwyer (Rockhampton, QLD) 330/215
Jeremy Hayward (Darwin, NT) 35/13
Mark Knowles (C) (Rockhampton, QLD) 254/22
Tyler Lovell (GK) (Perth, WA) 39/0
Eddie Ockenden (Hobart, TAS) 240/60
Simon Orchard (Maitland, NSW) 166/50
Jake Whetton (Brisbane, QLD) 87/37

Used Substitutes
Andrew Charter (GK) (Canberra, ACT) 87/0
Tim Deavin (Launceston, TAS) 103/4
Matt Gohdes (Rockhampton, QLD) 119/35
Trent Mitton (Perth, WA) 70/72
Tristan White (Wollongong, NSW) 52/3
Dylan Wotherspoon (Murwillumbah, QLD) 12/3
Aran Zalewski (Margaret River, WA) 54/4

Match Results - Tuesday 5 May
Pakistan v Korea (4-1)
Australia v New Zealand Black Sticks (3-0)
Match Schedule
Thursday 7 May
New Zealand Black Sticks v Pakistan [5pm AEST], Kookaburras v Korea [7pm AEST]
Saturday 9 May
Pakistan v Korea [4pm AEST], Kookaburras v New Zealand Black Sticks [6pm AEST]
Sunday 10 May
New Zealand Black Sticks v Korea [3pm AEST], Kookaburras v Pakistan [5pm AEST]

HOCKEY AUSTRALIA