Hockey: 16-0 waltz into Cup final

It may not be the recommended preparation leading into a hockey final against Australia, but yesterday's 16-0 thumping of Fiji certainly blew out some cobwebs for New Zealand.

The Black Sticks had no problem slotting eight goals past the hapless hosts in each half of their men's Oceania Cup match at Suva, booking a spot in Saturday's final against the Kookaburras.

With ample space to move, New Zealand pulled out an array of tricks.

Striker Phil Burrows was the chief beneficiary, ending with six goals. Dave Kosoof and Hayden Shaw snared hat-tricks while Gareth Brooks scored twice and there was one each to Sean Barnett and Bryce Collins.

Black Sticks coach Kevin Towns said his side pushed too many players forward and overcrowded the circle at times.

Towns was pleased that players such as Mitesh Patel, Simon Towns and Ryan Archibald were able to lift their game leading into Saturday.

- NZPA