Hockey: Women's team on course for semis

By DAVID LEGGAT

The New Zealand women got a thumbs-up for the result but fell short of a pass mark for performance from coach Jan Borren after beating India 3-1 last night.

The win, which followed an entertaining 2-2 draw with their toughest pool two rivals England on Saturday, should mean progressing to the semifinals is assured.

The format has the pool winners advancing automatically, with the second and third placegetters in each group playing crossover games to find the other semifinalists.

The key point for New Zealand, who are seeded second, is whether they win the group, thereby avoiding defending champions Australia in the semifinal, or finish runners-up.

It is likely that won't be finalised until after their final pool game against Canada tomorrow.

New Zealand will need a convincing win because the pool placings are likely to boil down to who has the superior goal difference.

India took an early lead through Jyoti Kullu, with a deft scoop over goalkeeper Helen Clarke.

A classy reverse stick shot by midfielder Suzie Pearce got New Zealand level.

The second goal by Colleen Gubb-Suddaby five minutes into the second spell seemed to put the game safe as India's challenge appeared to be fading.

However, it required strong keeping midway through the half from captain Clarke, twice in the space of a minute, to maintain that lead as the defence was opened up.

Moira Senior's strong shot three minutes from the end made sure of the win.

"We didn't play at all well," Borren said. "I don't think our performance was particularly good.

"This game was an important one for us. To get away with a 3-1 win, we'll take that any day.

"We never like India because I think we are not direct enough, not physical enough and allow them to play their game."

In Saturday's match, New Zealand were trailing England 1-0 at halftime.

But a superb solo effort by forward Niniwa Roberts-Lang, followed by a goal to Michelle Turner, put the New Zealanders ahead.

England equalised late in the game.

As for the New Zealand men, they received a rough old welcome to the tournament from defending champions Australia when they were on the receiving end of a 6-1 towelling on Saturday night.

Things were all rosy for the New Zealanders when they seized a 1-0 lead midway through the first half, thanks to giant defender Hayden Shaw.

But in a flash the Kookaburras drew level and it was all over as they closed out a clinical victory with a flood of late goals.

Australia led 2-1 at halftime, but New Zealand goalkeeper Paul Woolford, after an excellent first half, watched another four goals fly past him in the last 20 minutes.

Australia predictably made much of the play in the first half, but New Zealand hung in, scrambled their way out of trouble and remarkably got on the scoreboard first in the 19th minute.

Woolford made consecutive sharp saves, then suddenly New Zealand made a rare foray into Australian territory.

Workhorse Darren Smith went close, the penalty corner was called, and 1.94m defender Shaw drilled a high shot into the left corner.

New Zealand's jubilation lasted only a couple of minutes as Australia raced back.

- NZPA

Full coverage:
nzherald.co.nz/manchester2002

Commonwealth Games info and related links