Latest news with #BlakeGovers
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Kookaburras cruise to fourth straight Pro League win
The Kookaburras have continued their hot form in Belgium with a convincing win over Ireland in hockey's Pro League. In a week where they had already twice defeated India 3-2 in Antwerp, the Australians proved too strong on Tuesday night against the bottom-placed Europeans, winning 6-1. The defending champions surged up to second in the standings after their fourth straight win, sitting on 21 points from their 11 matches, trailing only the Netherlands (32) and sitting just above Argentina (20), with games in hand on both. Up 2-1 at halftime, thanks to Jeremy Hayward's 123rd career goal and a Blake Govers penalty stroke, the Aussies scored three times in a blistering third quarter to put the contest beyond doubt en route to their biggest win of the season. "They knocked off Belgium yesterday, and we knew they would've wanted to come out hard and get another win so I'm proud of the boys to come out the way they did and put on a good performance," Cooper Burns said. Burns was joined on the scoresheet after the main break by Connar Otterbach, his maiden international goal, and Jack Welch, while Govers got his second. The two sides face off again at the same venue on Wednesday (11.30pm AEST) before heading to London for back-to-back contests against England. "We will make a few tweaks, we'll take a look at what we can do better and we know Ireland will come out strong again, they'll want to win and play hard hockey so we'll come back with a plan and we'll stick to that," Cooper added. The Kookaburras have continued their hot form in Belgium with a convincing win over Ireland in hockey's Pro League. In a week where they had already twice defeated India 3-2 in Antwerp, the Australians proved too strong on Tuesday night against the bottom-placed Europeans, winning 6-1. The defending champions surged up to second in the standings after their fourth straight win, sitting on 21 points from their 11 matches, trailing only the Netherlands (32) and sitting just above Argentina (20), with games in hand on both. Up 2-1 at halftime, thanks to Jeremy Hayward's 123rd career goal and a Blake Govers penalty stroke, the Aussies scored three times in a blistering third quarter to put the contest beyond doubt en route to their biggest win of the season. "They knocked off Belgium yesterday, and we knew they would've wanted to come out hard and get another win so I'm proud of the boys to come out the way they did and put on a good performance," Cooper Burns said. Burns was joined on the scoresheet after the main break by Connar Otterbach, his maiden international goal, and Jack Welch, while Govers got his second. The two sides face off again at the same venue on Wednesday (11.30pm AEST) before heading to London for back-to-back contests against England. "We will make a few tweaks, we'll take a look at what we can do better and we know Ireland will come out strong again, they'll want to win and play hard hockey so we'll come back with a plan and we'll stick to that," Cooper added. The Kookaburras have continued their hot form in Belgium with a convincing win over Ireland in hockey's Pro League. In a week where they had already twice defeated India 3-2 in Antwerp, the Australians proved too strong on Tuesday night against the bottom-placed Europeans, winning 6-1. The defending champions surged up to second in the standings after their fourth straight win, sitting on 21 points from their 11 matches, trailing only the Netherlands (32) and sitting just above Argentina (20), with games in hand on both. Up 2-1 at halftime, thanks to Jeremy Hayward's 123rd career goal and a Blake Govers penalty stroke, the Aussies scored three times in a blistering third quarter to put the contest beyond doubt en route to their biggest win of the season. "They knocked off Belgium yesterday, and we knew they would've wanted to come out hard and get another win so I'm proud of the boys to come out the way they did and put on a good performance," Cooper Burns said. Burns was joined on the scoresheet after the main break by Connar Otterbach, his maiden international goal, and Jack Welch, while Govers got his second. The two sides face off again at the same venue on Wednesday (11.30pm AEST) before heading to London for back-to-back contests against England. "We will make a few tweaks, we'll take a look at what we can do better and we know Ireland will come out strong again, they'll want to win and play hard hockey so we'll come back with a plan and we'll stick to that," Cooper added. The Kookaburras have continued their hot form in Belgium with a convincing win over Ireland in hockey's Pro League. In a week where they had already twice defeated India 3-2 in Antwerp, the Australians proved too strong on Tuesday night against the bottom-placed Europeans, winning 6-1. The defending champions surged up to second in the standings after their fourth straight win, sitting on 21 points from their 11 matches, trailing only the Netherlands (32) and sitting just above Argentina (20), with games in hand on both. Up 2-1 at halftime, thanks to Jeremy Hayward's 123rd career goal and a Blake Govers penalty stroke, the Aussies scored three times in a blistering third quarter to put the contest beyond doubt en route to their biggest win of the season. "They knocked off Belgium yesterday, and we knew they would've wanted to come out hard and get another win so I'm proud of the boys to come out the way they did and put on a good performance," Cooper Burns said. Burns was joined on the scoresheet after the main break by Connar Otterbach, his maiden international goal, and Jack Welch, while Govers got his second. The two sides face off again at the same venue on Wednesday (11.30pm AEST) before heading to London for back-to-back contests against England. "We will make a few tweaks, we'll take a look at what we can do better and we know Ireland will come out strong again, they'll want to win and play hard hockey so we'll come back with a plan and we'll stick to that," Cooper added.
Perth Now
4 days ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Kookaburras cruise to fourth straight Pro League win
The Kookaburras have continued their hot form in Belgium with a convincing win over Ireland in hockey's Pro League. In a week where they had already twice defeated India 3-2 in Antwerp, the Australians proved too strong on Tuesday night against the bottom-placed Europeans, winning 6-1. The defending champions surged up to second in the standings after their fourth straight win, sitting on 21 points from their 11 matches, trailing only the Netherlands (32) and sitting just above Argentina (20), with games in hand on both. Up 2-1 at halftime, thanks to Jeremy Hayward's 123rd career goal and a Blake Govers penalty stroke, the Aussies scored three times in a blistering third quarter to put the contest beyond doubt en route to their biggest win of the season. "They knocked off Belgium yesterday, and we knew they would've wanted to come out hard and get another win so I'm proud of the boys to come out the way they did and put on a good performance," Cooper Burns said. Burns was joined on the scoresheet after the main break by Connar Otterbach, his maiden international goal, and Jack Welch, while Govers got his second. The two sides face off again at the same venue on Wednesday (11.30pm AEST) before heading to London for back-to-back contests against England. "We will make a few tweaks, we'll take a look at what we can do better and we know Ireland will come out strong again, they'll want to win and play hard hockey so we'll come back with a plan and we'll stick to that," Cooper added.
Belfast Telegraph
4 days ago
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Australia hit Ireland for six in Antwerp: ‘They are world class'
The two teams clash once more in the FIH Pro League on Wednesday, with pushback in Belgium at 2.30pm. Cole said: 'I think we struggled to keep up with the pace in the second half, and I think we went a little bit flat and into our shells which is never a good thing to do against Australia. 'They are a world class outfit, they have always been. I think everyone in this league is and that's the real challenge. Stringing performances together is where we need to improve. 'We have another chance tomorrow to bounce back. In an ideal world, if we don't bounce back, we get one good performance and back it up with another. 'That is the plan now, a big game tomorrow and then back it up with two good performances in our final games over the weekend.' Jeremy Hayward opened the scoring for Australia only for Ireland to level before the end of the first quarter. Johnny McKee stepped forward in the press to win the ball and release Banbridge's Peter Brown down the right flank. Brown weaved his way into the circle, offloaded to Ben Walker who found McKee free to flick into the top corner. At the start of the second half, a stick tackle on Nathan Ephraums inside the circle resulted in a penalty stroke, which Blake Govers dispatched to restore Australia's lead. Cooper Burns added a third at the start of the third quarter, before Connar Otterbach penalty corner deflected into the roof of the net for four. Jack Welch hit a fifth just before the end of the third quarter. Blake Govers scored his second and Australia's sixth in the final quarter of the game. The two teams will clash against in Antwerp on Wednesday afternoon. Ireland's FIH Pro League campaign will close this weekend with a double header against Spain.
RTÉ News
4 days ago
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Australia fire six past Ireland in FIH Pro League
Australia 6-1 Ireland Ireland suffered another Men's FIH Pro League defeat on Tuesday, as reigning FIH Pro League champions Australia showed their class in a 6-1 victory. Following a tight first half in Antwerp, three quick goals in the third quarter saw Australia pull away, before a final effort in the closing stages put the game out of reach for Ireland. After playing so well to earn their first win of the 2024/25 Men's FIH Pro League against world No 2-ranked Belgium on Sunday, Ireland came into this encounter on a real high. However the Aussies, ranked No 5 in the world, had too much firepower. Australia set out their stall early on, pressing Ireland high and winning a penalty corner inside the first three minutes. Jeremy Hayward was the go-to option, making no mistake in flicking the ball past Luke Roleston to break the deadlock. Australia continued to apply the pressure, a ball across goal providing Blake Govers the chance to double their lead. A number of shots tested Roleston in the Irish net, but the keeper was on song to keep the scoreline at 1-0. Ireland responded. Johnny McKee stepped forward in the press to win the ball and release Banbridge Peter Brown down the right flank. Brown weaved his way into the circle, offloaded to Ben Walker who found McKee free to flick into the top corner, drawing Ireland level going into the end of the first quarter. The intensity carried into the second quarter, this time with attacking phases coming early for both teams. It was Australia's turn to put their press to work, picking the pocket of Louis Rowe, and working the ball into the circle. The initial chance was stopped but a stick tackle on Nathan Ephraums inside the circle resulted in a penalty stroke, which Blake Govers dispatched to restore Australia's lead. Australia asked further questions of Ireland throughout the second quarter, but the Green Machine's defence provided the answers to go into the break trailing by just a single goal. The second half began as the first ended, with Australia winning the ball in the press and forcing Roleston into a series of saves. Cooper Burns eventually made use of the Hockeyroos attacking options, pulling the ball off the baseline onto his reverse stick and lifting over the onrushing Roleston to score Australia's third. Australia added a fourth and fifth in quick succession before the end of the third quarter, the first coming from a penalty corner which Connar Otterbach deflected into the roof of the net, followed by a Jack Welch strike after an Irish defensive error. Govers grabbed his second - and Australia's sixth - to put the cherry on the cake. "I think we struggled to keep up with the pace in the second half, and I think we went a little bit flat and into our shells which is never a good thing to do against Australia," Ireland captain Lee Cole reflected. "They are a world-class outfit, they have always been. I think everyone in this league is and that's the real challenge. Stringing performances together is where we need to improve."
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Kookaburras down India 3-2 to go fourth in Pro League
The Kookaburras have surged to fourth on the FIH Pro League standings, after a clinical, high-pressure 3-2 defeat of India to remain unbeaten as they continue their FIH Pro League title defence in Europe. Less than 24 hours after their dramatic come-from-behind win over the same foes, the Kookaburras unleashed more firepower in Antwerp, as prolific goalscorer Blake Govers marked his return to international competition for the first time since the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. It took the NSW striker just five minutes to find the back of the net with a trademark rocketing strike to score his 155th goal in 168 appearances. "It's awesome to be back. The boys got around me and to get that first clutch, first goal was pretty nice," Govers said. "I would've liked to have gotten a few more. But it's been a disjointed year and it's just good to be back playing. "Everything's behind me, the body's feeling a hundred percent, and I'm looking forward to the rest of this tournament." Govers' goal came at a pivotal moment for Australia, as they answered to India's early lead with aggressive pace. Reeling from five consecutive FIH Pro League defeats, India opened with fury through Sanjay, who struck early from a penalty corner to claim a 1-0 lead inside three minutes. But the Kookaburras answered immediately, with Tim Brand deftly deflecting a sublime Ky Willott strike before Govers' solo effort flipped the match. After three goals in three minutes, Australia were in full control with a 2-1 lead, applying relentless first-half pressure, and earning repeated penalty corners, which soon led to their third goal. Showing their versatility at the penalty corner, Victoria's Cooper Burns rifled home a strike to score his fourth goal in just 10 international outings, since his debut in February earlier this year. India clawed a goal back in the third quarter through Dilpreet Singh, sparking hopes of a comeback. But despite a late surge and even pulling their goalkeeper in a final desperate push, they couldn't find the equaliser. "We're really pleased with that, it was an intense match, and that's what we expect in a game against India, it's always back and forth, and we've played them a lot over the last few years," Player of the Match Nathan Ephraums told 7plus. The Kookaburras' European campaign has gained serious momentum. They sit in fourth on the FIH Pro League standings with 18 points, just one point behind third-placed Belgium. The Kookaburras have surged to fourth on the FIH Pro League standings, after a clinical, high-pressure 3-2 defeat of India to remain unbeaten as they continue their FIH Pro League title defence in Europe. Less than 24 hours after their dramatic come-from-behind win over the same foes, the Kookaburras unleashed more firepower in Antwerp, as prolific goalscorer Blake Govers marked his return to international competition for the first time since the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. It took the NSW striker just five minutes to find the back of the net with a trademark rocketing strike to score his 155th goal in 168 appearances. "It's awesome to be back. The boys got around me and to get that first clutch, first goal was pretty nice," Govers said. "I would've liked to have gotten a few more. But it's been a disjointed year and it's just good to be back playing. "Everything's behind me, the body's feeling a hundred percent, and I'm looking forward to the rest of this tournament." Govers' goal came at a pivotal moment for Australia, as they answered to India's early lead with aggressive pace. Reeling from five consecutive FIH Pro League defeats, India opened with fury through Sanjay, who struck early from a penalty corner to claim a 1-0 lead inside three minutes. But the Kookaburras answered immediately, with Tim Brand deftly deflecting a sublime Ky Willott strike before Govers' solo effort flipped the match. After three goals in three minutes, Australia were in full control with a 2-1 lead, applying relentless first-half pressure, and earning repeated penalty corners, which soon led to their third goal. Showing their versatility at the penalty corner, Victoria's Cooper Burns rifled home a strike to score his fourth goal in just 10 international outings, since his debut in February earlier this year. India clawed a goal back in the third quarter through Dilpreet Singh, sparking hopes of a comeback. But despite a late surge and even pulling their goalkeeper in a final desperate push, they couldn't find the equaliser. "We're really pleased with that, it was an intense match, and that's what we expect in a game against India, it's always back and forth, and we've played them a lot over the last few years," Player of the Match Nathan Ephraums told 7plus. The Kookaburras' European campaign has gained serious momentum. They sit in fourth on the FIH Pro League standings with 18 points, just one point behind third-placed Belgium. The Kookaburras have surged to fourth on the FIH Pro League standings, after a clinical, high-pressure 3-2 defeat of India to remain unbeaten as they continue their FIH Pro League title defence in Europe. Less than 24 hours after their dramatic come-from-behind win over the same foes, the Kookaburras unleashed more firepower in Antwerp, as prolific goalscorer Blake Govers marked his return to international competition for the first time since the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. It took the NSW striker just five minutes to find the back of the net with a trademark rocketing strike to score his 155th goal in 168 appearances. "It's awesome to be back. The boys got around me and to get that first clutch, first goal was pretty nice," Govers said. "I would've liked to have gotten a few more. But it's been a disjointed year and it's just good to be back playing. "Everything's behind me, the body's feeling a hundred percent, and I'm looking forward to the rest of this tournament." Govers' goal came at a pivotal moment for Australia, as they answered to India's early lead with aggressive pace. Reeling from five consecutive FIH Pro League defeats, India opened with fury through Sanjay, who struck early from a penalty corner to claim a 1-0 lead inside three minutes. But the Kookaburras answered immediately, with Tim Brand deftly deflecting a sublime Ky Willott strike before Govers' solo effort flipped the match. After three goals in three minutes, Australia were in full control with a 2-1 lead, applying relentless first-half pressure, and earning repeated penalty corners, which soon led to their third goal. Showing their versatility at the penalty corner, Victoria's Cooper Burns rifled home a strike to score his fourth goal in just 10 international outings, since his debut in February earlier this year. India clawed a goal back in the third quarter through Dilpreet Singh, sparking hopes of a comeback. But despite a late surge and even pulling their goalkeeper in a final desperate push, they couldn't find the equaliser. "We're really pleased with that, it was an intense match, and that's what we expect in a game against India, it's always back and forth, and we've played them a lot over the last few years," Player of the Match Nathan Ephraums told 7plus. The Kookaburras' European campaign has gained serious momentum. They sit in fourth on the FIH Pro League standings with 18 points, just one point behind third-placed Belgium. The Kookaburras have surged to fourth on the FIH Pro League standings, after a clinical, high-pressure 3-2 defeat of India to remain unbeaten as they continue their FIH Pro League title defence in Europe. Less than 24 hours after their dramatic come-from-behind win over the same foes, the Kookaburras unleashed more firepower in Antwerp, as prolific goalscorer Blake Govers marked his return to international competition for the first time since the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. It took the NSW striker just five minutes to find the back of the net with a trademark rocketing strike to score his 155th goal in 168 appearances. "It's awesome to be back. The boys got around me and to get that first clutch, first goal was pretty nice," Govers said. "I would've liked to have gotten a few more. But it's been a disjointed year and it's just good to be back playing. "Everything's behind me, the body's feeling a hundred percent, and I'm looking forward to the rest of this tournament." Govers' goal came at a pivotal moment for Australia, as they answered to India's early lead with aggressive pace. Reeling from five consecutive FIH Pro League defeats, India opened with fury through Sanjay, who struck early from a penalty corner to claim a 1-0 lead inside three minutes. But the Kookaburras answered immediately, with Tim Brand deftly deflecting a sublime Ky Willott strike before Govers' solo effort flipped the match. After three goals in three minutes, Australia were in full control with a 2-1 lead, applying relentless first-half pressure, and earning repeated penalty corners, which soon led to their third goal. Showing their versatility at the penalty corner, Victoria's Cooper Burns rifled home a strike to score his fourth goal in just 10 international outings, since his debut in February earlier this year. India clawed a goal back in the third quarter through Dilpreet Singh, sparking hopes of a comeback. But despite a late surge and even pulling their goalkeeper in a final desperate push, they couldn't find the equaliser. "We're really pleased with that, it was an intense match, and that's what we expect in a game against India, it's always back and forth, and we've played them a lot over the last few years," Player of the Match Nathan Ephraums told 7plus. The Kookaburras' European campaign has gained serious momentum. They sit in fourth on the FIH Pro League standings with 18 points, just one point behind third-placed Belgium.
