Kookaburras fall short

The Australian men’s hockey team has fallen agonisingly short of victory at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup after a penalty shootout loss to New Zealand.

Featuring NSWIS athletes Matthew Dawson and Tristan White, who made his 50th appearance for the Kookaburras, the Australians found themselves behind after just five minutes as New Zealand went ahead 1-0.

The score remained the same until the 50th minute when the Kookaburras equalised, before a goal from each team during the next 10 minute phase saw scores locked at 2-2 until full time.

The ensuing penalty shootout saw the New Zealanders get the better of the Kookaburras, with the Black Sticks’ goalkeeper making a number of crucial saves to secure the victory.

Elsewhere, the Australian women’s team notched their second consecutive draw at the Hawkes’ Bay Cup following a 2-2 draw with China.

The second stalemate in as many games came after a 1-1 opener against the USA, with the team now facing India in their final pool match.

Four NSWIS athletes are in the women’s team; Emily Smith, Kate Jenner, Georgina Morgan, Mariah Williams.