England Stun Oz in Opener, Pakistan Get Belgium Stick

BHUBANESWAR: The 35th Champions Trophy Hockey Tournament got off to a sensational start with 13-time champions Australia suffering a stunning 1-3 defeat at the hands of England in the opening match at Kalinga Stadium Hockey Complex on Saturday.

Samuel Ward made a dream debut for England, scoring a brace. Alastair Brogdon drew first blood for England early in the sixth minute, while drag-flicker Chris Ciriello reduced the margin for Australia, converting a penalty corner in the 54th minute.

Dominating the first two quarters with relentless attack, England led 2-0 at the half-way stage. They got their first penalty corner, which, went down the drain in the seventh minute. But in the next minute Alastair Brogdon scored a fine field goal, beating an advancing goalkeeper Andew Charter with a reverse hit from the left side of the semi-circle.

Australia got their first penalty corner in the 20th minute but failed to score in three attempts _ twice by Jeremy Hayward and once by Chris Ciriello. Debutant Ward increased the lead in the 27th minute with sharp hit after a strike by David Condon rebounded off the pad of Andrew Charter (2-0). Australia missed another scoring opportunity in the second quarter as their second penalty corner proved abortive.

The third quarter was an evenly-matched contest with Australia fighting back. The last quarter was eventful in which Australia scored their only goal off the third penalty corner, which was converted by Ciriello in the 54th minute.

The Aussies had a chance to equalize through their fourth penalty corner. But England keeper denied them the opportunity, with a good save. Meanwhile, through a quick counter attack, England had third goal through Ward in the 56th minute.

In another match, Belgium defeated Pakistan 2-1. Belgium took lead in 10th minute through Tanguy Cosyns. Pakistan drew level through Muhammad Imran in the 36th minute. But, Belgium went ahead through Thomas Briels seven minutes later.

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