Australian men dominate South Africa in field hockey

Last Updated: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 | 10:53 PM ET

 

South Africa's keeper fails to stop a goal by Australia's Eli Matheson (#19) during a men's field hockey match on August 13, 2008 at the Beijing Games. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Defending Olympic champions Australia routed South Africa 10-0 in men's field hockey action on Day 5 of the Beijing Games.

The group B match took place at the Olympic Green Hockey Stadium.

Netting a hat trick for the Aussies was Eli Matheson, while singles went to Grant Schubert, Fergus Kavanagh and Des Abbott.

David Guest scored twice on two penalty corners and Jamie Dwyer added another pair.

Along with winning gold at the 2004 Athens Games, Australia came first in the 2007 and 2005 Oceania Cup.

The Aussies also boast 12 top-six Olympic finishes, including seven medals.

South Africa made its Olympic debut in men's field hockey at the 1996 Atlanta Games, roughly four years after the country's apartheid system ended. While it's not contending for a medal, South Africa hopes to improve its overall Olympic standing. The team came 10th at both the 2004 and 1996 Olympics.