Birsa munda international stadium

FIH Hockey Pro League: The Netherlands and Australia, the top two sides in the men’s standings in this cluster of the FIH Hockey Pro League, recorded contrasting wins at the Birsa Munda International Stadium in Rourkela on Thursday. The table-topping Dutch side saw off a late comeback from Spain to claim a 4-3 victory after dominating much of the encounter while Australia extended their winning record even further with a 4-1 victory over Ireland.

Australia took the field first and found the going easy against Ireland. The Kookaburras took a long time to find their accuracy but ultimately emerged as comfortable 4-1 winners over an always-improving Ireland.

The first half was goalless, with the Irish making some positive forays into the Australian circle without really getting off a shot. Meanwhile, the Australians were uncharacteristically off target from their numerous opportunities. Ultimately it was the Irish defence with a lively James Milliken in goal that kept the scores locked at 0-0 at half-time.