Semis secured for hockey teams

The Australian men’s and women’s hockey teams have both secured semi-final berths at the FIH Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands.

The men’s team has made a strong statement of intent in their title defence, breezing through the group stage undefeated to give themselves the best shot of progressing through to the final. 

Since their opening win over Malaysia, the Kookaburras, featuring NSWIS athletes Kieran Govers and Simon Orchard, have defeated Spain, Belgium, England and India, conceding only one goal in the process.

The women’s team, the Hockeyroos, have also secured a semi-final berth despite losing a key match to the Netherlands in the group stage. The Hockeyroos held on for a 0-0 draw against New Zealand in their final group match while the Netherlands defeated Korea to give the women’s team a spot in the final four. The NSWIS athletes in the team are Casey Eastham, Emily Hurtz, Emily Smith, Kate Jenner and Kellie Smith.

The Kookaburras will play one of the Netherlands, Argentina, New Zealand or Germany in the semi-final, while the Hockeyroos will play one of the USA, Argentina or China.