[img_assist|nid=3453|title=Hat trick|desc=Kieran Glovers in action vs Japan – Mundo Images|link=node|align=right|width=200|height=133]Australia 7
Japan 1
Australia completed a their hockey series clean sweep over Japan with a 7-1 win in the third test. The previous tests were won 3-1 and 3-0.
The Kookaburras wrapped up the series with a dominant performance at the National Hockey Centre in Canberra on Sunday. Coach Ric Charlesworth said it got tougher after every game to predict who will be chosen to play in the London 2012 Olympics.
“This series is another brick in the wall in the pathway to get to London,” he said. “Bit by bit the group is maturing, they’ve been tested and challenged but physically they’re where I wanted them to be.”
Despite a lack of forced penalty corners once again, Charlesworth was pleased with today’s circle penetrations.”It’s not because we weren’t looking for them, I think we had a lot of good chances,” he said
“I’m happy for them to take their shots the shots just should have been better.”
Kieran Govers ended the series on a high note with a hat trick, while Rob Hammond scored twice and five time world player of the year Jamie Dwyer sent home a screamer. Home town champ Glenn Turner posted a late deflection to round out the assault on the scoreboard.
While Japan once again had few opportunities up front, number 14 Nagasawa Katsuyoshi, made no mistake with a well executed drag flick that found the top corner.
The Kookaburras will now head back to Perth to prepare for the Olympic test event, May 2-6, 2012. Charlesworth said more than twenty players would make the European trip and continue to press for Olympic selection.
