Hockey teams Rio bound

The Australian men’s hockey team has highlighted the FIH World League Semi Finals with gold as both the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos secured 2016 Olympic Games qualification.

The Kookaburras claimed honours in the men’s competition after a closely fought 1-0 victory over hosts Belgium in the final.

Featuring four NSWIS athletes, the Kookaburras scored in the 60th minute to secure the victory, with Blake Govers being named the tournament’s Best Junior Player and Top Scorer after seven goals during the tournament. Govers was joined by fellow NSWIS athletes Simon Orchard, Tristan White and brother Kieran Govers.

The Hockeyroos were also in the medal mix after defeating New Zealand 4-1 for bronze.

NSWIS athlete Emily Smith scored the game’s opening goal in just the third minute, with fellow NSWIS athlete Mariah Williams adding Australia’s third in the 15th minute en route to victory.

The medal winning results for the men’s and women’s teams ensured automatic qualification to the 2016 Olympic Games, just over one year away.