Mixed start for Kookaburras

The Australian men’s hockey team, the Kookaburras, have kicked off the 2011 Azlan Shah Cup with some mixed results, defeating Malaysia 2-1 in the first match before drawing 1-1 with India.

The Kookaburras’ first match against Malaysia was tougher than expected, with the world number 15 team going up 0-1 after 23 minutes. The Australians didn’t level until the 59th minute when NSWIS athlete Simon Orchard slotted a goal home, before Jason Wilson scored in the dying seconds to give the Australians a 2-1 victory.

Australia’s second match against India was just as tough; both goals in the 1-1 draw were scored inside 23 minutes. With plenty of strikepower out through injury or club committments, the Kookaburras were unable to capitalise on a number of chances even though they dominated possession.

Three NSWIS athletes (Orchard, Matthew Butturini and Mark Paterson) are in the team that will next play Pakistan tonight.