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Kookas aim for sweep

Craig Ross

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

© The Cairns Post

 

KOOKABURRAS goalkeeper Stephen Lambert is keen to help his side build on the momentum created in the first two Tests when the world champions take on Korea at the Cairns Hockey Centre today.

Kookaburras coach Barry Dancer rested Lambert in Monday's second Test as Stephen Mowlam played a full match, but he is set to return to the team today.

He said Australia was eager to secure a series clean sweep and take an important step towards Beijing gold.

"I think, for our team, it's about continuing our momentum leading into Beijing," he said.

"At the moment, we've done well in one-and-a-half games. We didn't have the best first half in the second game but if we can consolidate what we've done well in the first two games, we'll take the series (3-0)."

Lambert said cool weather had sidetracked the Kookaburras' aim to play and train in warm Cairns conditions before Beijing but the series had still proved a good preparation.

"We've all played a lot in hot conditions in the last two years and our fitness level and preparations are adequate," he said.

"It's more about time on the field and we've had great competition from Korea which has put us in good stead leading into Beijing."

Lambert backed his captain, Bevan George, who said after the second Test, when Australia recovered from 3-0 down to win 4-3, that battling back from a slow start would eventually serve the side well.

Meanwhile, it has been revealed Korean star Eun Seong Hong, who was hit in the face by the ball in Monday's match, suffered a broken nose and is unlikely to play a part in the Koreans' bid to end Australia’s domination today.

Today's third and final Test match will be played at 2pm.

 


<strong>Playing for keeps:</strong> Goalie Stephen Mowlam will make way for No. 1 choice Stephen Lambert today.

Playing for keeps: Goalie Stephen Mowlam will make way for No. 1 choice Stephen Lambert today.


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