Delhi2010 – Kookaburras Start Campaign with a Win

The Kookaburras has started its Commonwealth Games campaign with a solid 9-0 win over international minnows Scotland today.

AIS-WAIS athletes Fergus Kavanagh and Trent Mitton both featured for the World Championship outfit, with Mitton finding his way onto the score sheet in the one-sided affair.

With a world ranking of 23, the Scots appeared content to soak up the Australian pressure, whilst the Australians attempted to shake the rust or travel and avoid complacency.

After an early phase of resolute Scottish defence, the deadlock was broken via a penalty corner goal to Luke Doerner (three goals), and was swiftly followed by the first of Chris Cirello’s two strikes with only 20 minutes played – and with those goals went any prospect of a major upset.

Without breaking into the kind of form that has seen coach Ric Charlesworth’s men win both the World Cup and Champions Trophy this year, the Kookaburras maintained possession well and found themselves with regular scoring opportunities.

The Kookaburras rotated their playing stocks in the second half and with it their intensity waned, but they showed enough to suggest they are well worth their title favourites tag.

The Kookaburras next match is against India on Thursday evening from 8pm (Perth time).