KEY POINTS:
Australia notched a win up against the New Zealand mens hockey team ahead of Sunday's final of the Oceania Olympic hockey qualifying tournament in Buderim, Queensland.
The Kookaburras snuck home 2 - 1 over the Black Sticks, scoring the winning goal with just four minutes to go in a preliminary match last night.
Aaron Hopkins was first to strike for the Australians, scoring from the top of the circle from a corner in the 22nd minute.
The Black Sticks equalised two minutes into the second half when Bryce Collins pushed a ball from the centre midfield past Lambert.
Fifteen minutes later a New Zealand goal was disallowed.
The Australian game sealer came from the stick of Travis Brooks who flicked the ball over Kyle Pontifex.
Coach Shane McLeod was upbeat about the Black Sticks' chances in Sunday's final.
"Both teams are dangerous and can win it. This team is a confident bunch anyway, but this performance will bolster them further. We are not far away and if we can put it together on the day we can do it."
New Zealand's women hockey team also faces Australia in the final on Sunday after beating Fiji 14-1. The Australian women beat Papua New Guinea 17-0 to make the final.
Only the winners on Sunday qualify directly for Beijing - but the losers get other chances next year.
- NZPA
