World champions Belgium caused a major shock inflicting a 4-2 defeat over the reigning FIH Pro league champions Australia at the Sydney Olympic hockey centre on Sunday evening.
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It was a double blow for the Kookaburras who on Saturday just lost on a penalty shootout to the Red Lions after a 2-2 draw in this opening round of the Pro league.
Illawarra's only sole representative was Flynn Ogilvie with Blake Govers sidelined with injury and Jack Hayes now relegated to the national development squad.
Ogilvie said that the air was really oppressive on the field, making it difficult to adjust with the early season atmosphere on Saturday. The Belgians on the other hand are in the middle of their season and busy with their club hockey in Europe.
It saw Belgium take the early lead 2-0 in the second quarter through Alexander Hendricks before Lithgow player Lachlan Sharpe pulled one back in the third quarter.
With the Kookaburras pulling out their goalkeeper in the final five minutes to go on the offensive, the Lions took advantage of this and went further ahead 4-1.
The final minute saw Jeremy Hayward reducing the deficit to 4-2 from a terrific drag flick.The Kookaburras now face Great Britain in the second round this weekend.
"Yesterday's game was pretty tough, we didn't perform to our usual standards and they performed very well," Ogilvie said.
"They were very good at possessing the ball and we were too passive defensively. We have a lot to learn but are confident we will improve for bigger games coming this year."
