Hockey: Flattering score, but first-up win

By TERRY MADDAFORD

The New Zealand men's team got the start they were looking for to their three-test series against Poland when they beat the visitors 3-1 in the opening match in Whangarei last night.

New Zealand coach Kevin Towns was happy with the result, but disappointed with some phases of the team's performance.

"There were periods when it was pretty scratchy," Towns said. "We started okay, but then fell away. We gave the ball away too easily at times.


"Given the way the game went, we couldn't have complained if there had only been a goal in it."

After a fairly even start, there was an air of inevitability about New Zealand's first goal.

They forced a penalty corner in the 10th minute and defender Hayden Shaw responded with the obligatory drag flick.

Lloyd Stephenson added the second 15 minutes later when his deflection beat the defence.

Skipper Artur Mikula got one back for Poland just before halftime.


Paul Woolford in the New Zealand goal was not overworked, but when called on, he responded well and was named man of the match.

Inside-forwards Ryan Archibald and Mitesh Patel provided solid links between the halves and the front runners, but poor finishing marred the New Zealand effort.

The Polish were up against it early in the second half when three players were yellow-carded. At one stage they were reduced to nine players.

Patel was rewarded for his good work when he scored the third goal five minutes from time.