Hockey teams start strong

The Australian men’s and women’s hockey teams have kicked off their FIH Hockey World Cup campaigns with victory in their opening matches.

The men’s team, featuring NSWIS athletes Kieran Govers and Simon Orchard, enjoyed a comfortable 4-0 victory over Malaysia in the opening match of their title defence.

The Kookaburras scored their first after 25 minutes and took a 1-0 lead into the second half, before three goals in four minutes shortly after the break put the result beyond doubt.

The women’s team, featuring five NSWIS athletes, overcame a resilient Korean team to notch a 3-2 win in their opening match.

NSWIS athlete Emily Hurtz scored Australia’s first goal on 12 minutes, which levelled the teams after Korea opened the scoring on seven minutes. Also included in the Hockeyroos team were Hurtz’s fellow NSWIS athletes Casey Eastham, Kate Jenner, Emily Smith and Kellie White.

Following the half-time break Australia scored in the 49th and 57th minute to go 3-1 up, before a 63rd minute goal from the Koreans saw the pressure pile back on the Australians. A strong stand in the final seven minutes saw Australia wrap up victory.

The men’s and women’s team next face Spain and Japan respectively on Monday night, AEST.