Kookaburras fourth in India

The Australian men’s hockey team, featuring three NSWIS athletes, has finished fourth at the 2014 FIH Hockey World League Finals in India.

Australia was drawn to face India in the quarter-finals after finishing atop pool B, with the Kookaburras continuing their strong form by crushing the hosts 7-2 in the must-win clash, including a goal from NSWIS athlete Simon Orchard.

The semi-final followed against the Netherlands, and despite two goals from NSWIS athlete Kieran Govers, the Kookaburras were knocked out of gold medal contention after a 3-4 loss.

In the bronze medal match Australia faced traditional rivals England, with the match finishing in controversial circumstances. The Kookaburras appeared to level scores in the final minute before the goal was overturned after a video replay, handing England the 1-2 win.

Despite the close loss there was a silver lining for the Australians, with the fourth place finishing take the team to number one in the world rankings.