The opening day of the International Super Series Hockey 9s in Perth, Australia saw victories for the Kookaburras and England in the men's competition, with the Hockeyroos earning victory in the women's event.
It was a first half double from Jamie Dwyer that set things up for the Kookaburras in their opening game of the International Super Series Hockey 9’s as they defeated Pakistan four goals to two.
The experienced Liam De Young also found his way on the score sheet in the second half as the Kookaburras showed their class to cover the open spaces and score when the opportunity presented.
The Hockeyroos started their title defense in style hitting the back of the net seven times against Australia’s U21 Jillaroos.
It was experience that won out for the Hockeyroos on the opening night, as the young up and coming Jillaroos stars struggled with their compatriots’ high intensity and slick passing game.
The Jillaroos however will be happy with their game one victory over Malaysia, with the talented Anna Flanagan playing a crucial role in defense, but it was young forward Mariah Williams who impressed, scoring the first goal of the tournament and showing there is plenty of depth in Australian hockey.
The final game on day one was a real arm wrestle between England and India, with the scores locked at one a piece in the first half.
A well worked goal by England’s David Condon midway through the second half to open things up. The young Indian side fought hard to the final whistle but it was England who prevailed to win two goals to one.
The International Super Series Hockey 9's is a unique and exciting concept that is played with nine players and a modified game time of 20-minute halves with larger goals to ensure plenty of action.
Game One:
Jillaroos (Australia U21 women’s) 3 - Mariah Williams (1), Anna Flanagan (1), Emily Smith (1)
Malaysia 2 - Kannagi Arumugam (1), Baini Nor Hashim (1)
Game Two:
Hockeyroos 7 – Jill Dwyer (1), Georgie Parker (1), Fiona Boyce (1), Kandice Olivieri (1), Teneal Attard (1), Claire Messent (1), Kary Chau (1)
Jillaroos - 0
Game Three:
Kookaburras 4 - Jamie Dwyer (2), Daniel Beale (1), Liam De Young (1)
Pakistan 2 – Muhammad Rizwan (1), Haseem Abdul Khan (1)
Game Four:
England 2 – Dan Fox (1), David Condon (1)
India 1 – Singh Gurwinder Chandi (1)
