HWL warm-up: Australia ease past Netherlands 5-2

File Photo: Russell Ford of Australia prepares to hit the ball during the match between Australia and the Netherlands during day two of the Champions Trophy on December 2, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Getty Images)

The Australian men’s hockey team warmed-up for the upcoming FIH Hockey World League semi-finals beginning in Rotterdam from June 13, with a confident 5-2 romp over the Netherlands.

The Kookaburras, ranked number two in the world, were pushed on the backfoot when the home side struck first in the 16^th minute through Jeroen Herzberger.

The opening goal shook the Aussies from their early loose play as they hit back soon to bring the game on an even kneel.

Aran Zalewski gave the green-and-gold brigade a lot to rejoice about when he scored a fine field goal in the 21^st minute.

With both teams level, the contest had all the trappings on a mouth-watering affair. But it was not to be as Australia controlled possession and soon pulled ahead when Eddie Ockenden converted a penalty corner in the 29^th minute.

The Dutch had not even recovered from the second goal that the Kookaburras commiserated their misery, with Russell Ford, making it 3-1 a minute later – it was Ford’s 50^th international goal.

The Netherlands pressed hard to reduce the margin in the dying moments of the first half but Australia kept them at bay to hold a 3-1 lead at the break.

Herzberger, who turned out for Uttar Pradesh Wizards in the inaugural Hero Hockey India League, reduced the deficit early in the second half.

But Australia nullified all Dutch designs of a fightback when Matthew Swann made the scoreline 4-2 in the 49^th minute.

Trent Mitton put the issue beyond Netherlands six minutes later as the Dutch were resigned to their fate.

Australia have swept the two-match series having won the first Test 3-1.

The Netherlands gave the home crowd plenty to cheer about as they scored the opener in the fourth minute courtesy an own goal let in by Australia.

The Dutch side held on to the lead till the half-time break. The Kookaburras, led by Mark Knowles, showed immense resolve and restored parity in the 38th minute through Ford.

Celebrated striker Jamie Dwyer, playing in his 295th international, gave Australia the lead in the 45th minute.

The gold-and-green brigade nipped out the insurance goal through their drag-flick expert Chris Ciriello, who converted a set-piece in the 57th minute.

The Rotterdam semi-final will feature Australia alongside Belgium, Spain and France in Pool ‘A’. Pool ‘B’ will feature hosts Netherlands, India, New Zealand and Ireland.