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Kookaburras down GB in Pro League hockey

3 minute read

The Australian men's hockey team has shut out the previously unbeaten Great Britain 2-0 in Perth to register their second win in the FIH Pro League.

The Kookaburras jumped into the top four of the new FIH Pro League for the first time thanks to a solid 2-0 win over Great Britain in Perth on Saturday.

Australia's first half goals by Trent Mitton and rookie Jacob Anderson came despite Great Britain having 65 per cent of possession, but after the long break the home team held the ball and held firm to record back-to-back wins.

Australia now has seven points from four games while Great Britain, who put away 12 goals in their opening two tournament victories, have six points from three games.

It was Australia's first clean sheet of the tournament, which pleased veteran and man of the match Eddie Ockenden.

"On the first weekend we conceded a lot of goals, and two in the first half last week, so to go a game and half without letting any in is great," he said.

"That's where we want to be, and while the back four carry the burden, it's the whole team that must defend."

Mitton put Australia one up just before quarter time when he tapped in a diving backstick cross from Ockenden, and Anderson hammered home a second phase shot in the second quarter.

Grant Whetton could have made it three just before the break but shot wide on Australia's most fluent attacking movement of the half.

The visitors' best chance was a penalty corner flicked just wide but for all their first-half dominance they only had three shots on goal for the match.

"You don't get too many chances against a team like Australia and you need to take them," lamented GB captain Adam Dixon.

The Pro League has a weekly home-and-away format featuring the world's top eight teams. Australia next hosts Spain in Sydney in a fortnight, while Great Britain have seven weeks off before playing in Argentina.

The top four teams play finals in Holland in June.

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