Hockey: Australia bound clear but Kiwis claw back

MANCHESTER - New Zealand mounted a brave rearguard action to stop Australia turning the Commonwealth Games gold medal final into a one-sided rout, fighting back from a four-goal deficit to eventually bow out 2-5 and settle for the silver medal at the Bell Vue Complex here today.

Any designs New Zealand had of staging a repeat of their famous 1976 Olympic gold medal upset over Australia in the Commonwealth Games men's hockey final here today were swiftly shredded when the defending champions ran amok in the 15 minute period leading to halftime.

Despite some outstanding saves from goalkeeper Paul Woolford, some shonky defending gave him little chance of stemming the tide as Australia piled on the pressure from the 20 minute mark.

Troy Elder started the rot when he slapped the ball home after fellow forward Michael McCann's shot cannoned off Woolford.

McCann unselfishly turned provider for Jamie Dwyer who left Woolford stranded from close range before Craig Victory added a third, and Dwyer his second, after a perfect crossfield pass from Brent Livermore again left Woolford exposed.

New Zealand seemed reluctant to return after halftime, keeping Australia waiting for several minutes with coach Kevin Towns admitting "the guys were shell-shocked".

"Australia found a lot space and we were off the pace for most of the first half."

Fearing a repeat of their 1-6 pool match drubbing, Towns was relieved the team fought back in the second half.

Forward Bevan Hari said his team-mates were determined to make up for a poor first spell.

"We let ourselves down, gave them too much space and they carved us up. It was pretty tough to come back but we can take a lot out of the second half, we fought a bit harder."

Midfielder Phillip Burrows got New Zealand on the board after 44 minutes, slotting the ball past Hickman after an incisive angle run eluded defender Bevan George.

However, just as New Zealand were starting to build some momentum midfielder Ryan Archibald was yellow-carded for disputing a penalty corner decision with Malaysian umpire Amarjit Singh and Australia took advantage of the extra man immediately when Dwyer completed his hat-trick.

Tournament top-scorer and penalty corner specialist Hayden Shaw had the final say, with a penalty stroke four minutes from the hooter after Umesh Parag was obstructed.

Towns said the team had exceeded expectations by making the final, after thrashing Pakistan 7-1 in the semifinals.

"We came here with a realistic goal about getting a medal. It was a huge tournament for us, we've come along way but it would have been nice for us to take another step."

New Zealand's next assignment is a three-test Olympic qualifying campaign -- against Australia -- next year, possibly October.

In the bronze medal match, Pakistan salvaged some pride following their semifinal mauling by New Zealand, hitting double figures late in their match against South Africa to run out 10-2 winners.

Australia 5 (Jamie Dwyer 25 32 50, Troy Elder 20, Craig Victory 28), New Zealand 2 (Phillip Burrows 44, Hayden Shaw 66). Halftime 0-4.

- NZPA

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