Hockey teams fire early

The Australian men’s and women’s hockey teams have made excellent starts to the FIH World League Semi Final in Belgium, with both teams registering big wins.

The Hockeyroos kicked off their campaign with a 9-0 thrashing of Poland, including a goal from NSWIS athlete Emily Smith.

The Australians went into the half-time break leading 4-0 and were never troubled by the Polish outfit, with NSWIS athletes Casey Sablowski and Mariah Williams also taking part in the match.

The Kookaburras then went one goal better to register a 10-0 victory over France in their opening match of the tournament.

NSWIS athletes and brothers Kieran and Blake Govers each scored two goals in the rout, with fellow NSWIS athlete Simon Orchard also getting his name on the scoresheet.

The Hockeyroos and Kookaburras next play Belgium and Pakistan respectively, with both teams looking to finish top three to secure Rio 2016 qualification.