The Kookaburras have honored veteran Brent Livermore in his 300th international match, defeating England in the second test match in Nottingham, England (4-1). Australia also won the first match 5-4.

The match ends what was an overall successful European tour for the Kookaburras, which saw them defeat France in a two test series, push Germany in two tests, win the Hamburg Masters tournament in Germany and defeat England in a two test series.

In what was a fairly even first half, the Kookaburras gained the edge in the closing stages with Chris Ciriello continuing his good recent form over England to give Australia the lead. Glenn Turner followed this with another goal only minutes later to set up a two goal lead at half time.

Jamie Dwyer could have made it three before the break, but his reverse stick hit was saved by England goalkeeper Nick Brothers.

Whilst the first half was fairly even, the same could not be said for the second as the Kookaburras turned up the heat and put in a dominant display for the final 35 minutes.  Their intensity forced England into making a number of errors and possession was given away too easily by the home side.

In the 40th minute the English defense made a brave diving tackle to put a stop to a dangerous Australian attack, but the inevitable happened seven minutes later with a goal which started from a four versus three attack.  The initial shot was cleared by Brothers, but the rebound was cleared up by Glenn Simpson to make it 3-0.

The onslaught continued with their fourth just two minutes later when Dwyer was on target after sliding in on the right post.

Australia’s final attack of the match saw Liam De Young supply Fergus Kavanagh.  In turn he found Jamie Dwyer who opened his shoulders to unleash a powerful shot from close range, but it went straight into the goalkeeper’s pads.

England netted a consolation goal four minutes from time, but the goal will have done little to please the team.

Source: Hockey Australia