Hockey: Australians snatch back test victory

By SUZANNE MCFADDEN

It should have been Sandy Bennett's big day in world hockey - but the smarting Australians took all the fun out of the party.

The steady defender was made captain of the New Zealand side yesterday to celebrate her 100th test.

But Bennett had no chance to soak it up - run ragged on the Olympic turf by the world champion Australians in their 4-0 revenge win over the Kiwis.

It was a complete reversal of fortune from New Zealand's shock 3-0 victory over Australia, the Olympic favourites, two days before.

But it was by no means unexpected.

"We knew we were going to come under pressure - we knew they wanted to change what happened to them last time," said New Zealand coach Jan Borren.

"But we gave them two totally soft goals and that was the end of u."

It left the New Zealanders, ranked No 5 in the world, out of tomorrow's final.

Australia will play world No 3 Germany, while the Kiwis play a consolation match against Australia B - the players who won't have made the Olympic side.

Borren was disheartened by yesterday's hammering, but could still see plenty of good from the intense week in Sydney.

"We had a win and a draw from four games against two of the world's top three teams," he said. "It was a very tough assignment for any team.

"No one can take away the fact we beat Australia on Olympic turf for the first time in a long time. That was a huge psychological step for us.

"But in the end we know we made mistakes. We're not exactly where we want to be, but then we don't want to be there for a couple of months yet."

Borren praised Bennett for her defensive efforts against Australia yesterday, even though she was disappointed in her centenary match.

New Zealand spent 80 per cent of the match inside their own half, did not have a shot at goal until the second half, and did not earn a penalty corner until the final minute.

The Australians were relentless on attack, and had 13 corners, scoring from four.

There was good long-term news for the New Zealanders when defender Jenny Duck, recovering from back surgery, managed to stay on the field for three-quarters of the game. She is likely to be cleared to play at the Olympics, after facing a fitness deadline.

The New Zealanders will return to their camp in Wellington on Sunday to continue their final Olympic preparations.

They will play a test series against Argentina before going to Sydney.