AUSTRALIA’S Kookaburras broke their losing streak with a win over Great Britain this morning, keeping their Rio Olympics finals hopes alive.
A close game with scoring opportunities from both sides, the Australians won 2-1, with all three goals scored in an exciting fourth quarter.
Queens Park resident Blake Govers did not convert a penalty corner into a goal in the third quarter, with a deflection from the Great Britain goalie.
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READ NOWAfter another short corner for Australia, Great Britain stole the ball quickly and almost scored, but for a save from goalie Andrew Charter.
Not long after, Australia’s Eddie Ockenden passed into the goal circle and Glenn Turner’s shot was too high.
Great Britain’s Barry Middleton made an impressive dive along sideline to keep the ball in and create a scoring chance .
Australia then hit the post from a penalty corner.
East Fremantle resident Aran Zalewski scored for the Kookaburras five minutes into the fourth quarter after neat play from Simon Orchard and Daniel Beale.
Zalewski missed out on making the original Olympics squad, but was called up due to injury.
Soon after, Turner stole the ball and headed goalwards when Great Britain’s Michael Hoare tackled to stop his effort, earning him a yellow card.
Australia’s second goal was achieved after a team effort, with Jake Whetton making the final touch to get the ball over the line.
Ashley Jackson then scored from a penalty corner for Great Britain, which made the score 2-1.
The Brits then took their goalie off to have 11 on-field players in an unsuccessful final effort to equalise .
The Kookaburras play Brazil on Saturday.