Hockey: Men's team wrap up the series with fine comeback

The New Zealand men's hockey team came back from a two-goal deficit to beat Canada 3-2 and wrap up their test series in Napier last night.

After wins at Palmerston North (4-1) on Saturday and in Napier (3-1) on Tuesday, New Zealand lead the five-match series 3-0.

The final two tests will be in Levin and Wellington at the weekend.

In a reversal of the opening tests, Canada had the better of the first half last night, with Mike Oliver and Ranjeev Deol capitalising on New Zealand defensive lapses to give their side a 2-0 lead after 13 minutes.

But the New Zealanders struck just before halftime, with fullback Hayden Shaw rifling in the inevitable penalty corner to make it 2-1 at the break. That inspired the home side. Outstanding forward Phil Burrows equalised in the first minute of the second half.

New Zealand dominated the second 35 minutes and it was only a matter of time before the winning goal came.

It came in the 23rd minute in stunning fashion, with Umesh Parag unleashing a sizzling shot from the top of the circle after good buildup work from Dion Gosling and Wayne McIndoe.

- NZPA