New Zealand breaks Kookaburras’ winning streak after 13 years: 3-0
In an unexpected and unprecedented move, the men’s hockey team of New Zealand emerged victorious over Australia in the first test of the three-match Oceania Cup being played at the Tasmania Hockey Center in the Australian city of Hobart
It is vital to mention here that the Black Sticks turned the table after thirteen years, as they last defeated Kookaburras back in 1998.
It was a game worth watching as New Zealand managed to change history with a stunning victory.
The Australians were in a state of ultimate shock as the number one team lost to Black Sticks, the team sitting at number seven in the world rankings.
The victory not only flattered the hockey fans in New Zealand but also boosted the morale of the players ahead of the home-ground Champions Trophy and London Olympics.
However, the Black Sticks will have to work really hard in order to maintain their winning streak, as the opponents will make a more aggressive comeback in the second fixture.
Shane McLeod, Black Sticks Men’s coach, while interacting with media said that the boys played the game really impressively to keep the Australians at bay in the seventy-minute of play.
He further stated that he had asked the boys to maintain the pressure in the second half in order to whitewash the Kookaburras.
McLeod added, “I asked them for the same effort in the second half as they had given in the first and they produced it”.
At the same time, the Kiwi trainer warned his players to be ready for the next game as it will be a lot tougher as compared to the one they just played.
The Australians held the ball most of the time under their sticks throughout the match. However, they failed to avail all of their chances.
In comparison, the Kiwi team availed all the chances they earned during the two halves.
Hugo Inglis drew the first blood for the Black Sticks in the 8th minute of the mark. It was the only goal of the first period.
With 22 minutes into the second half, Andy Hayward notched a goal and doubled the tally.
In the 62nd minute of the mark, Hayward scored his second goal of the day through a drag flicking shot that put Black Sticks ahead at 3-0.
Kyle Pontifex, the real hero of the historic victory, managed to safeguard against numerous attacks from Kookaburras including ten short corners.
However, efforts of Dean Couzins, Brad Shaw and Blair Hopping cannot be ruled out. They demonstrated brilliant performance at the defense line.
The second match between the two teams will be played on Saturday at the Tasmania Hockey Center in Hobart.
Tags: