Eddie Ockenden

Game 4 of the series ended in a 1 all draw at the Perth Hockey Stadium Sunday night. Unfortunately it was my turn to miss a game because we had 21 players in our squad for the series and only 16 playing each day. It was hard to watch the game from the stands especially when it was such a close game.

The draw meant that the Kookaburras wrapped up the series with 2 wins to 1. Which was a good result for the team early on in the year with some new players coming into the team.

Monday – Australia Day – was a great day for the team to be able to relax. A group of us found a park near the beach and played some cricket and listened to the hottest 100. The Dutch team also came for a few hours during the day, it was nice to be able to socialise after such a tough series. They head to India to compete in a series there today.

For now, its back to the training track all week before we meet up in Canberra for a series against Belgium. Keep you posted.

Cheers

We are back in Perth now after playing our first two games in Busselton and Bunbury against the Dutch team.

I had a great stay in Busselton even though it was pretty brief. I could easily spend a week down south exploring the beaches and scenery but we have more pressing matters with another game in Perth on Friday night.

We went down 2 – 4 in the first game in Busselton. The game was going well early in the first half but 3 goals in 5 minutes put us 0 – 3 behind going into the break. We had a few opportunites and a few short corners where we should have converted some goals or at least better chances. After the break we were able to claw back to 2 – 3, with goals to Des Abbott and a stroke to Rob Hammond. However, a quick reply from the Dutch put the game out of reach. Congratulations to debutantes Ian Burcher, Matthew Butturini and Ross Meadows.

Backing up the next day in Bunbury was always going to be tough, but we prepared well and put in a better performance. The Netherlands scored in the first minute from a PC, but after that I thought we pretty much controlled the game and had more chances, even though the score was 1 – 1 at half time and 2 – 2 with with 20 minutes to go. Personally the second game was a lot better and I was able to get a couple of goals which is always nice. A great first win for debutantes (my room mate) Joel Carroll,  Matthew Butturini and Ross Meadows.

Overall we had two really tough games and playing back to back is always difficult. We had really good support from the crowds down south and I think they would have enjoyed the games. I am sure the next two games on friday and sunday night will be just as hard fought and hope we get some support from the Perth hockey community.

Cheers.

P.S – Here are some of the photos from the series

Netherlands spoil Charlesworth’s Kookaburra coaching debut.

The Netherlands have gained some revenge from the Beijing Olympics and spoiled Ric Charlesworth’s debut as Kookaburras coach, defeating the Kookaburras 4-2 tonight in Busselton,WA.

Read the full story

The Kookaburras v Netherlands Summer Series is coming up soon.

Here are the event details:

Game 1: Tuesday, January 20th Busselton Hockey Stadium, 7.00pm
Game 2: Wednesday, January 21st Bunbury Hockey Stadium 6.30pm
Game 3: Friday, January 23rd Perth Hockey Stadium, 7.00pm
Game 4: Sunday, January 25th Perth Hockey Stadium, 7.00pm

For more information, check out the Hockey Australia website.

Or check out the commercial (links to .mov file)