Australia finally came alive in the Sultan of Johor Cup to defeat New Zealand 4-12 in the match to determine 5/6 placing,
They played their best match of the tournament as they completely dominated a match against a team they had lost less then 24 hours earlier.
For coach Ben Bishop, avoiding the ignominy of finishing last was important,
“ We took our chances well today as opposed to last night where we created more chances but could not convert,” said Bishop.
“ This is a great tournament and we hope to be invited again next year.
“ We will bring our best players with a view of the /021 Junior World Cup in mind.”
In the last preliminary pool match, New Zealand had defeated Australia 3-1.
So the Aussies were bent of exacting revenge and not end up last.
And they got their mission off to a great start with two goals in the first quarter.
Danial McBride opened scoring in the 13th minute with skipper Lachlan Busiko doubling the advantage just before the hooter marking the end of the first quarter.
Lachlan scores his second and Australia’s third in the 27th minute for a 3-0 halftime lead.
Charl Ukrich converted a penalty corner in the 36th minute to reduce the deficit to 3-1.
However any prospect of a fight back was quickly sniffed as Australia added a fourth via Danial McBride who converted a penalty corner in the 38th minute.
The Kiwis got their second late in the match through the efforts of Thomas Dylan in the 56th minute.
For New Zealand, the prospect of this tournament moving forward to September suits their plans perfectly.
“ We are more then happy to come if an invite is extended,” said Bryce Collins.
“ Today we were not in the match in the first half and that cost us.
