Korea push Kookaburras in game 2
By Hockey Australia
[Saturday, January 30, 2010]
Korea have pushed the Kookaburras in the second game of the 3 test series in Hobart, with the Kookaburras coming back from behind twice to emerge 3-2 winners.
Kookaburras 3 Korea 2 (1-2 half time) - Goals – Kor Nam 4m PC, Aus Turner 20m FG, Kor Yoon 24m FG, Aus Ford 38m FG, Aus Orchard 57m FG
Determined to make amends for their 5-1 defend from game 1, Korea took an early lead after converting a penalty corner attempt only four minutes into the match.
Despite trailing the Kookaburras remained focused in defence, with Matthew Swann and Chris Ciriello setting up the majority of the Kookaburras play from their back half.
In what was a fairly even opening 15 minutes the Kookaburras controlled their fair share of the ball, however were unable to penetrate the circle with any real precision, due in part to the tight Korean defence.
As the game continued the Kookaburras begun to look more dangerous around goal, with veteran Grant Schubert setting up team mate Glenn Turner in the circle who produced a diving deflection to equal the score.
The celebrations were only short lived, with a long pass into the Korean circle beating the Kookaburra defenders and drawing goalkeeper George Bazeley, giving Sung Hoon Yoon an open net and Korea the lead once again.
The Kookaburras emerged more focused in the second half with results coming immediately thanks to a field goal to Russell Ford.
Continuing to apply the pressure, the Kookaburras produced several more close calls around goal, but were unable to convert.
Rob Hammond was a stand out for the home team throughout the midfield, as was Glenn Turner who was a focal point for the Kookaburras in the circle, working the ball to Simon Orchard who gave the Kookaburras their first lead of the match at the 57 minute mark to claim the victory.
The third and final match of the series will be played in Hobart tomorrow at 7.00pm