Kookaburras claim International Hockey Open

The Australian men’s hockey team has claimed the International Hockey Open with a clean sweep of Pakistan in their three-test series.

The Kookaburras secured 6-1 and 3-0 wins in the first two matches before securing the trophy with a 5-3 win in the third match of the series.

Despite losing the opening two matches Pakistan came out firing in the third, scoring the first goal before heading into the main break at 3-3.

However, the Kookaburras were eventually too strong, with NSWIS athlete Flynn Ogilvie scoring the final goal to seal the sweep.

“I think tonight was the best game of the series, Pakistan certainly brought the game alive with their attacking structure which they’re renowned for. They had a lot of run in their legs which challenged us in deep defence,” Kookaburras coach Colin Batch said to Hockey Australia following the win.

“Twice we had to come from behind tonight, so there are some good lessons for us there. We’ve grown a lot, we’ve tried some different things and we take all of that forward to Azlan Shah, but I’m very pleased with our progress in these four matches.”

Also included in the team were NSWIS athletes Matt Dawson, Ben Craig, Tom Craig and Matt Willis.

The Kookaburras will now prepare for the Azlan Shah Cup which takes place at the end of April.