THE Kookaburras have continued their recent dominance over New Zealand with a dominant victory at the Bendigo Hockey Centre on Sunday.
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Jeremy Hayward scored two goals and Josh Pollard and Kiran Arunasalam one each as the Australian defeated the Black Sticks 4-0.
The Kiwis will have a chance to atone with a second international to be played on Monday at 4pm.
Hayward, who scored the game’s second and last goals, continued his love affair with Bendigo.
The 27-year-old forward from the Northern Territory scored twice in the most recent international played in Bendigo last November against India.
It was a dream start to life as a Kookaburra for Corey Weyer, Tim Howard and Jake Harvie, who all made their international debut.
The win followed the Kookaburra’s 6-0 victory over the Black Sticks in last month’s Oceania Cup final in Sydney.
Hayward, one of the stars of the Oceania Cup campaign, praised the side’s performance as convincing.
“We were happy with the three debutants, they were a bit nervous, we were excited to get them off to a good start,” he said.
“They bring a lot of energy and excitement (and) they’re young, which is a good thing to bring into a senior group.”
The Kookaburras controlled the contest throughout and went ahead after seven and a half minutes with a goal to Josh Pollard.
Hayward’s first off a penalty corner in the second quarter ensured a 2-0 lead at half time before Kiran Arunasalam extended the margin to 3-0 in the shadows of the quarter time.
What few chances the Black Sticks had were blanketed by a masterful performance from Kookaburras goalkeeper Tristan Clemons.
“We have got three good keepers and they are all pushing each other hard,” Heyward said.
“That competition is paying off. We can place any one of them out there and they’ll do their best.”
Hayward praise the support of a good-sized Bendigo crowd.
“Bendigo … they do come out in numbers, which is good to see,” he said.
“It feels really good when they are right up on the fence cheering for us.
“Hopefully they are back out tomorrow to cheer us along.”
Monday’s clash against the Kiwis will be followed by a women’s match between the Hockeyroos and United States at 6pm.
