Hockey: Australia apply blowtorch in big win

AMSTERDAM - World and Olympic champions Australia outclassed New Zealand in their opening match at the Champions Trophy tournament in Amsterdam yesterday.

The Black Sticks went down 1-5, with the only standout being a commanding performance from goalkeeper Helen Clarke, which prevented the scoreline being more lopsided.

Australia were ahead 3-0 at halftime after goals in the first, 26th and 30th minutes, two from Karen Smith and one from Julie Towers.

They continued to dominate in the second spell, with Towers taking her second goal and her sister Kristen popping in the fifth.

Mandy Smith put New Zealand on the scoreboard five minutes from fulltime with a penalty corner goal. New Zealand coach Jan Borren said the Australians thoroughly outplayed his team and he suggested the gap between the two sides was much bigger than during the recent home series, won 3-0 by Australia.

In other games yesterday, Argentina beat China 2-0 and hosts Holland were 2-1 winners over Spain. New Zealand play Spain today.

- NZPA