The Kookaburras and Hockeyroos have continued to excel under the new rules introduced at the Lanco International Super Series, with both teams recording impressive wins on day 3 of the tournament held in Perth.
With new rules introduced including 9 players per side, bigger goals and relaxed rules on foot and stick violations, the Australian teams have seemingly adapted the best to date, particularly the Kookaburras.
After last night’s impressive 7-1 win over New Zealand the Kookaburras started things in the same fashion today against India, and if not for some brilliant saves from the Indian goalkeeper the score could have been significantly different.
After a dominate first half where the Kookaburras scored three goals, things became slightly more difficult after half time, with Australia coming close on many occasions however the Indian defence held first.
A brilliant set play late in the game saw Jamie Dwyer convert the Kookaburras 4th goal, giving the fans value for money and demonstrating exactly why he is regarded as the best player in the world.
Kookaburras coach Ric Charlesworth said he is pleased that the new rules introduced at the tournament are having their desired effect.
“I think more space on the field is proving to open things up a bit, a larger goal makes it a bit more interesting when you get in the circle your chances are better. I think the goal keeper is brought into the game more which is not a bad thing at all. I think the other thing is that the long corner allows a reward for territorial possession and it stops teams from just pushing the ball over the backline which is happening all the time in International hokey now. So I think a range of the rules are working quite well.
I think it looks pretty good to me, of course you can always improve it, so maybe we need to look at ways we can finesse it a bit. In general I am pleased with it, and I think the teams have played with a very positive attitude, players are getting on with it, corner takes about 20 secs now and the long corner opens up the game as I said, rewards you for possession,” said Charlesworth.
Earlier in the day the Hockeyroos gained a psychological edge into tomorrow’s Lanco International Super Series grand final against India after defeating them 3-2 today in Perth.
After three days of play the Hockeyroos have seemingly begun to find their rhythm in the tournament which introduces all new rules. With only 9 players per side, bigger goals and one player required to stay in the forward half at all time, the Hockeyroos were able to use their pace and superior skill to produce their best game to date at the tournament.
After their frustrating 1-1 draw yesterday against India where India played defensively for the full 30 minutes (halves have been reduced to 30 minutes at this tournament) the Hockeyroos took it right up to India today, continuing to make the most of the new rules and attack at all costs.
Jade Close got things started early for the Hockeyroos, scoring the first goal of the game to give the Hockeyroos a vital half time lead.
After the half-time break, it was all the Hockeyroos as their passes stuck and shots on goal increased with great effect. Quick goals to Emily Smith and Marnie Hudson kept the scoreboard ticking over. India responded with a goal of their own off a long corner, the ball unfortunately deflecting of Aussie captain Madonna Blyth on the way to the net.
With the crowd behind them the Hockeyroos defended well, keeping the Indians from finding goals again before full-time.
The Hockeyroos will now face India again in tomorrow final at 2.10pm WST while the Kookaburras will play New Zealand in the men’s final from 3.10pm WST.
More information about the Lanco International Super Series tournament can be found at the following link:http://hockey.org.au/index.php?id=481
Lanco International Super Series
Day 3
Hockeyroos 3 def India 2
IND Vandana Katariya PC 10m, AUS Jade Close PC 11, Emily Smith FG 18m, Marnie Hudson FG 20m, IND Deepika FG 24m
Kookaburras 4 India 1
Goal scorers: AUS Jamie Dwyer FG 2m PC 29m Russell Ford FG 6m, IND Sardar Singh PC 13m, Des Abbott FG 16m
Source: Hockey Australia Media Release
