Despite this the Benalla players were excited and enthusiastic, looking forward to the Kookaburras taking on Belgium in the gold medal match.
The Olympics has offered a great distraction from the COVID-19 pandemic.
It has also offered all players of all skill levels the opportunity to watch how the professionals use the many skills and tactics that we practice each week at training.
There was plenty of conversation around how these movements and set plays could be used within both the juniors and senior teams’ games, with “jinking” the ball over an opponent's stick a clear favourite. It was lovely to see many of the more experienced team members sharing their knowledge and experience at training.
Thursday’s training was over in plenty of time to settle in to watch the green-and-gold in their gold medal match. Tension was high with the two best teams in the world playing each other in the Olympic final.
Both Belgium and Australia were undefeated in their pool rounds. The score was deadlocked at one-all at the end of the fourth quarter, with Australia’s goal showing off their teamwork and quick skills.
The game was ultimately decided with a one-on-one penalty shoot-out in a best of five scenario. Belgium won the gold when they finished 3-2 ahead of Australia at the end of four shots on goal.
The Kookaburras demonstrated to all players great sportsmanship in accepting defeat with a silver lining, taking home the silver medal.
With lockdown lifting ahead of schedule, there will be training this Thursday. Follow Benalla Hockey Club’s Facebook page for updates: www.facebook.com/BenallaHockey/
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