Hockey France push Kookaburras in Game 1
28 May 2009
Montrouge, Paris - 26 May 2009
Goal Scorers: Russell Ford (12min, FG), Simon Orchard (19min, FG), Luke Doerner (43min, PC), Mark Paterson (52min, FG)
The Kookaburras have overcome a scare against France (ranked 17th in the world) to score three second half goals and claim victory in the first game of their European tour.
While the Kookaburras appeared dominant on paper, the French team had a point to prove in front of their home crowd at Montrouge, and came out the stronger side, opening the scoring at the 7 minute mark.
Victorian striker Russell Ford answered only minutes later to draw level, and when Simon Orchard scored the Kookaburras second goal at the 19 minute mark it appeared as though the Kookaburras would take control as expected.
However three goals to France within seven minutes just prior to half time took the Kookaburras and the crowd by surprise, setting up a two goal lead heading into the half time break.
Determined to start their European campaign off on a positive note, the Kookaburras responded in the second half.
A Luke Doerner penalty corner at the 43 minute mark brought the Kookaburras back within striking distance, and when youngster Mark Paterson converted the Kookaburras fourth goal at the 52 minute mark the game was level once again.
Desperate to hold on, the French team continued to work hard, however eventually the class of the Kookaburras proved too strong, scoring with only five minutes to go to secure the win.
The Kookaburras will play France again on Wednesday 27th May before taking on Germany for the second leg of their European tour.
