Hockey: Champions Trophy spot safe after win

By TERRY MADDAFORD

New Zealand have repeated their effort at last year's Champions Trophy by finishing fifth after beating England 2-0 in a hectic final match in Macau last night.

Up against a determined British side, who finished the competition without a win, New Zealand scored a goal in each half to ensure their place in next year's tournament.

Ahead after 10 minutes when Canterbury striker Amanda Christie scored, New Zealand did not make certain of victory until the last minute when Wellington's Niniwa Roberts-Lang grabbed the goal to the delight of her team-mates.

The English had the better of the match, forcing eight penalty corners to New Zealand's three. They also outshot New Zealand with nine attempts from open play to just four managed by New Zealand.

It was a brave effort from the New Zealand team in the worst conditions of the day.

The mid-afternoon start sapped any remaining energy from the side after a hectic schedule which had seen them play five pool matches for a win, a draw and three hard-fought losses.

They lost 1-0 to defending champions Argentina first up and to China by the same score in their last pool outing in a game in which victory would have had them playing off for third/fourth. New Zealand drew 2-2 with the Netherlands, beat England 5-0 and lost to Australia 3-1 to finish the round-robin with eight goals, second only to the nine scored by Argentina.

After returning home tomorrow, there will be no respite for the players, who face the six-week Lion Foundation-sponsored national league after which the team to travel to Perth in November for the World Cup will be named.