Kookaburras fall narrowly short against England in FIH Pro League opener

The Kookaburras have suffered a narrow 4-3 defeat to England in their opening FIH Pro League match in London, despite a spirited late comeback and a memorable milestone performance from Nathan Ephraums.

A tightly contested opening quarter saw both sides create opportunities without troubling the scoreboard, before Australia struck first late in the first quarter to break the deadlock. A pinpoint ball from outside the 25 by Tim Howard found milestone man Nathan Ephraums, who marked his 100th international appearance in style with a classy deflection from a powerful slap pass that beat England goalkeeper James Mazarelo and gave the Kookaburras a 1-0 lead.

The remainder of the first half was an arm wrestle, with both teams exchanging possession and attacking opportunities but unable to find another breakthrough. Australia took its slender 1-0 advantage into the main break.

England responded strongly after halftime, turning the match on its head with two quick goals in the third quarter. Will Calnan levelled the scores in the 40th minute before David Goodfield struck just two minutes later to hand the hosts a 2-1 lead heading into the final break.

The momentum remained with England in the fourth quarter as Thomas Sorsby extended the lead with a reverse-stick finish before Samuel Hooper added a fourth goal to put the hosts firmly in control at 4-1.

The Kookaburras refused to surrender with Ephraums producing another moment of quality, creating a scoring opportunity out of seemingly nothing to net his second goal of the match and reduce the deficit.

Australia continued to press and found another goal through Ky Willott, who finished off a well-worked penalty corner variation to bring the visitors within one goal.

Despite the late surge, England held firm in the closing minutes to secure the victory and claim the FIH Pro League points on home soil.

The Kookaburras will now look to bounce back in their next outing against Argentina on Wednesday, the 17th June (2:00am AEST, Thursday 18 June) as they continue their European Pro League campaign in London.

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Final Score: England 4, Australia 3

England Goal Scorers:

Will Calnan (40th Minute), David Goodfield (42nd Minute), Thomas Sorsby (48th Minute), Samuel Hooper (55th Minute).

Australia Goal Scorers:

Nathan Ephraums (13th & 57th Minute), Ky Willott (58th Minute).