Australia too good for Korea

Australia registered their first victory in the five-nation under-21 men's invitational hockey tournament, beating South Korea 4-2 at National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Monday.

As the scoreline indicates, the Australians were distinctly superior. Their speedy runs on the flanks had the Korean defence always guessing. One such run resulted in a penalty-corner in the ninth minute and Craig Lynn did well to push home past South Korean goalkeeper Kim Jae Young for the opening goal.

But the Koreans, who are known for their never-say-die attitude, restored parity in the 18th minute through Yoon Sung Hoon, who sounded the boards following a goalmouth scramble, and even went ahead a minute later much against the run of play through a penalty-corner conversion by Oh Dae Hun.

A goal down, the Aussies came back strongly in the second-half and got back on level terms through a field goal from Daniel Trigwell in the 40th minute.

Thereafter, it was Australia all the way as they added two more goals to their tally for a convincing victory.

Captain Nathan Erlington paved the way for their third goal, sending across a precise centre for Grant Schubert to complete the finishing touches in the 48th minute before Travis Brooks could complete the rout with a goal in the 56th minute.

In Tuesday's matches Korea play Malaysia, while India take on England in their second matches of the tournament.

Earlier reports:
India rally to hold Australia
Indian juniors to take on Australia