Burras finish fifth

The Australian men’s under-21 hockey team, the Burras, has finished fifth at the 2013 Junior Men’s Hockey World Cup in India after a tense win over Belgium.

The Burras, featuring four NSWIS athletes, missed out on the opportunity to compete for medals following a tough 4-3 loss to defending champions Germany earlier in the competition, but found themselves in a playoff for fifth and sixth against Belgium after defeating New Zealand 2-1.

With fifth place on the line the Burras twice came from behind during the match, initially down 1-0, then down 2-1, before levelling the scores prior to the full time whistle.

Drama followed in the penalty shootout as the Australians went ahead 3-2 after four shots each. When the Burras’ fifth shot sailed wide of the goals the Belgians had a chance to equalise, however the shot-clock expired before Belgium’s next shot crossed the line, sparking scenes of celebration for Australia as they secured the win.

The NSWIS athletes in the squad were Matthew Dawson, Aaron kershaw, Flynn Ogilvie and Luke Noblett.