Hockey: Newcomers show style

NZ 3 Malaysia 3

The class of 2005 stood up in style as the New Zealand men's team battled their way to a deserved 3-3 draw with the vastly experienced Malaysians last night.

From the outset of the first of four tests, played at the new-look Crown Stadium on the North Shore, the contrasting styles made for an interesting contest.

New Zealand, with five debutants in their squad and two Sanjay Patel and Jason Bradley in the starting XI, were content to hold the ball often playing square at the back before looking to attack with long balls.

The Malaysians, on the other hand, preferred their short-passing game in their attempt to draw the New Zealand players forward to create space. The first goal came in the 14th minute when Hamish Baron, with one of his first touches in international hockey, pushed forward in support as the ball was played to David Kosoof.

With his back to the Malaysian goal, Kosoof, checked away from his marker before unleashing a reverse stick shot which flew high and wide into the goal.

The visitors hit back within seconds of the restart, catching the New Zealanders napping. The ball was played into the circle and through a sea of legs Azlan Misron fired low to give unsighted goalkeeper Kyle Pontifex little chance.

From their first penalty corner five minutes later, Malaysia went ahead for the first time.

Redzuan Ponisin trapped and captain, and 273-match veteran, Kuhan Shanmuganathan drag-flicked home.

Stung, New Zealand retreated for a time before Blair Hopping split the visitor's defence with a superb long ball which Bradley reached but just failed to control.

Back on attack, the home team continued to press and just before halftime drew level.

Shaun Barnett, on for his first taste at this level and replacing Dharmesh Puna at centre-half, swept a free-hit into the goalmouth. Umpire Colin French signalled, but did not blow for a penalty corner.

Under advantage, Lloyd Stephenson swooped, took the ball away from goalkeeper Mohd Nasihin Nubli Ibrahim and deftly pushed home. The visitors protested but the goal, rightly, stood.

They were back in front 12 minutes into the second spell when, from the second of two penalty corners in as many minutes, Shanmuganathan dragged to ball millimetres under the bar giving Pontifex no hope.

Inspired by the running of newcomers Barron, and Fleming, New Zealand pressed and were rewarded with an equaliser 15 minutes from time by Brad Shaw from their third penalty corner.