KOOKAS DEBUT x AZLAN SHAH CUP x MITTON

Hi all,

This is my first post so we’ll see how it goes.

The tour so far has been more than I had ever expected from making my debut against Egpyt, playing in front of six thousand screaming Malaysian’s and then scoring my first goal in our game against India.

Being a new kooka in this team is something never to be forgotten with 3 other debutants sharing the experince with me. Although scoring a my first international goal was a great feeling, the highlight of the tournament so far would have to be our 2-1 victory over Malaysia. The crowd was massive and were constantly cheering throughout the 70 minutes making for an unforgettable close match. We were lucky enough to get up with a goal towards the end. You could tell we scored as it was the only time the crowds was dead silent, and our 10 fans were the only ones cheering.

We have a rest day today then play again tomorrow night so heres hoping we have a big win and I knock a couple more in…

Mitts

KOOKABURRAS GO DOWN 4-3 TO INDIA

Keep a watch on this space for more info shortly.

Shuby

KOOKABURRAS 2 x MALAYSIA 1

Hey people,

Due to my lack of activity on the hockey field tonight I’d thought I do something useful and post a score.

This was probably one of the most inexperienced outfits to take the field in the mighty Green and Gold.  I’m guessing the average caps for the team sat around 22 and the young Kookaburras managed to get over the line in a pretty tough encounter.

Things started with a bang from the very first attack with Jason Wilson showing a great bit of skill around the back to earn a PC in the very first minute.  Chris Ciriello made no mistake slotting a hard flick into the bottom corner giving the Kookaburras the start they needed to silence 6000 strong crowd.

The jubilation was short lived however with Malaysia striking back with one of their own.  Also through a PC, the Malaysian’s scored with a variation back to the push out person which was slapped into the net.  Questions about whether the goal should stand could’ve been asked as the ball was raised above the backboard.  It stood and the game went on.

The score stayed 1-1 for some time and chances were had by both teams to break the deadlock.  Australia having the lions share of opportunities.  The scene was set for someone to little bit of brilliance and Matt Gohdes stepped up to the plate.  Receiving the ball on the left side of the field just outside the attacking 25yd line,  he proceeded to find a pathway through the Malaysian defence.  Finally deciding to pull the trigger on a slight angle on the right side of the circle.  This would prove to be a worthy match winner but not before some last minute excitement to end the game.

The Malaysians were pressing hard for an equaliser and managed to win a PC with about a minute to play.  However, Matthew Swann was going not going to settle for anything less than an Aussie win.  Running first, he correctly guessed the Malaysian variation running down the ball and clearing it from trouble.

The Kookaburras now hold second spot on the table with 6 points behind our next opponent India on 7.   India having played an extra game.  They are fast skilful and will be very tough.  A challenge we know we are up for.

All other match up dates can be seen on www.azlanshahcup.com

Later

Shuby

THE UPS AND DOWNS

Hello all.

Firstly let me say, it’s pretty darn hot here in Malaysia.  It was to be expected and after a week of training things are starting to feel a little better.

So, why the title you ask?  The ups and downs.  Well it’s had just that to start off with in the first week and will unfold through this blog.  This tour and team is vastly different to that that went to the world cup just a few months ago.  Only 4 from the world cup team.  The main reason for that is most of the senior guys are over playing in Holland.  Therefore, I have the opportunity to see the next wave of Kookaburras push for selection.  It’s great to see that Australian hockey has such amazing depth that we can pretty much pull in a whole new team and still be competitive with the rest of the world.

Four guys made their debuts in the game vs Egypt on Friday night.  Gryphons own Trent Mitton(WA),  Malcolm Kemp(Vic), Tim Bates(Qld) and Tim Deavin(Tas) all played important roles in the 4-0 win.  Like these four, this will be a match that I will also remember.  A game that I was handed the captains band and ask to lead my country for the first time on the field.  I have done it many times before with club and state teams but never for the Kookaburras.  While I know the bulk of the side is currently away, it’s an honour and something I take great pride in.  It’s an opportunity given to me which I’ve always wanted to do but thought would never happen.

While things were all good something had to put a dampener on the night.  This is the down.  My groin decided again it had had too much just before half time, tightening up and becoming too sore to continue.  Frustrating considering I had felt the best for along time all week physically and on the opposite side that had been plaguing me for the early part of the year.  While the signs are good that I’ll be able to play later on in the week, having to hand the band over and not be able to lead the team for the rest of the match was a great disappointment.  Still, like always, I plan to keep my head up and do all I can to get back on the pitch.  Determined to get another opportunity to lead my country on the field playing the game I love.

Tonight I’ll be watching from the stands as the boys take on Malaysia.  The crowd will probably tip 5000 and will again be a new experience for the young guys.  I have no doubt they’ll be fine and there’s also opportunity for someone else to have the feeling of leading their country.

Till next time,

Shuby

YOUNG GRYPHONS x AZLAN SHAH

The World Champion Kookaburras have no rest in sight with already the next squad being named for the Azlan Shah Cup in May this year.

Ric’s taken a small departure from the full senior squad with only a handful of players carrying over from the WC, including players Kiel Brown and Grant Schubert.

Brent “Disco” Dancer returns since winning gold at the Champions Trophy in Melbourne last year. Joel Carroll will make his return back from injury and with the addition of the youngest of Gryphon Guns Trent Mitton round off a very strong Gryphon representation in the squad.

2010 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup squad
George Bazeley (VIC), Ross Meadows (WA), Chris Ciriello (VIC), Brent Dancer (WA), Joel Carroll (NT), Matthew Swann (QLD), Kiel Brown (WA), Ian Burcher (WA), Glenn Simpson (VIC), Mark Paterson (NSW), Jonathon Charlesworth (WA), Tim Deavin (TAS), Kieran Govers (NSW), Grant Schubert (SA), Jason Wilson (QLD), Russell Ford (VIC), Trent Mitton (WA), Matt Gohdes (QLD)