Kookaburras make winning return

There may have been 446 days since their last international but the Kookaburras resumed where they left off, defeating New Zealand 3-1 in the opening match of the Trans-Tasman Series in Palmerston North.

In what was their first match since beating Argentina on 7 March 2020, the Kookaburras’ class eventually shone out in a tight contest against the Blacksticks.

After a scoreless first half, Tim Brand gave Australia a 39th minute lead before Sean Findlay equalised for the hosts in the 54th minute to set up an intriguing finale.

But goals in the final four minutes from Trent Mitton and then Tom Wickham ensured Dylan Martin’s debut and Lachlan Sharp’s 50th Kookaburras appearance would end in style.

The Kookaburras had the better of the opening 30 minutes, forcing Blacksticks goalkeeper Leon Hayward (brother of Kookaburras defender Jeremy) into several reflex saves.

The Blacksticks lost their captain Blair Tarrant early in the piece when the ball from a thunderous Wickham reverse stick shot struck his cheek, forcing him from the field.

Both defences were managing to do their job as it remained goaless at the main break.

Daniel Beale was influential in midfield and his no look pass allowed Brand to capitalise and break the deadlock.

However, the Black Sticks responded when 19 year old Findlay pounced to square it up at 1-1.

With minutes ticking away to full time, a Mitton tap in and a clinical finish from Wickham sealed a 3-1 victory.

"We're just pleased to be here. It was awesome to be back on the field," said Kookaburras co-captain Eddie Ockenden post match.

"We did OK in the second half, so a good start. We've been training for a long time, so to play an international match is good. The tempo was a big step up from training which is why we're here."

Match 2 of the series is tomorrow.

Match Details
Kookaburras 3 (Brand 39’, Mitton 57’, Wickham 60’)
New Zealand 1 (Findlay 54’)
@ Massey University Turf

Kookaburras: 1.Lachlan Sharp, 4.Jake Harvie, 5.Tom Wickham, 6.Matthew Dawson, 10.Josh Beltz, 11.Eddie Ockenden (c), 12.Jake Whetton, 13.Blake Govers, 14.Dylan Martin, 15.Josh Simmonds, 22.Flynn Ogilvie, 23.Daniel Beale, 25.Trent Mitton, 29.Tim Brand, 30.Andrew Charter (gk), 32.Jeremy Hayward
Unused Substitutes: 7.Nathan Ephraums, 24.Tyler Lovell (gk)

New Zealand: 2.Oliver MacIntyre, 4.Dane Lett, 7.Nick Ross, 9.Sam Hiha, 10.Steve Edwards, 11.Jake Smith, 15.George Enersen (gk), 17.Nic Woods, 21.Kane Russell, 22.Blair Tarrant (c), 23.Dylan Thomas, 24.Sean Findlay, 25.Shea McAleese, 27.Stephen Jenness, 29.Hugo Inglis, 30.George Muir, 32.Nick Wilson, 34.Leon Hayward (gk)