Clemons returns to national fold

Bunbury-raised goalkeeper Tristan Clemons has made a successful return to the Australian National Hockey Team, playing all four games in the International Hockey Open against Pakistan in Darwin.

The Kookaburras won all four games of the open which started on March 28 and finished on Sunday.

The series was part of their preparation for the Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia later this month.

Clemons began the series as a substitute in the first game, before starting in the second and last game.

He said Tyler Lovell and himself played a quarter each over the four games.

“Mainly because of the heat up there,” Clemons said.

“With all the gear, it was hot and humid.

“The first day we were up there training I lost 3kg in a session.”

The 29-year-old has now represented Australia 34 times and looks to have made a strong case to be selected to play in the Azlan Shah Cup.

Clemons said he was not sure if he would head to Malaysia.

“It is hard to say,” he said.

“But I enjoyed being back in the fold.”

On Clemons’ selection, Kookaburras head coach Colin Batch said “Tristan has been a regular face at an international level over the last few years and has shown he has the talent to progress to the senior squad”.

The Kookaburras went through the series against Pakistan undefeated, with Clemons playing a significant role.

“We have a young group,” he said. “Pakistan have a very skilful side and they are always a tough team play against.”

Clemons said they played in a range of conditions throughout the four games.