Hockey: NZ disappoint with draw

New Zealand disappointed with a 1-1 draw in their match overnight against Egypt in hockey's Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia.

Team manager John Christensen said the Black Sticks struggled to get free from tight man-to-man marking and, with the Egyptians spoiling play effectively, the first half was scoreless.

Things didn't improve in the second spell, with Egypt scoring through Ahmed Abd El Hakeim eight minutes in. However the New Zealanders fought back and were eventually rewarded 12 minutes later through a fine individual effort by Steve Edwards.

Christensen said Joseph Bartholomew made a useful contribution on debut, while Blair Hopping, Dean Couzins, Nick Wilson and Dave Kosoof all performed strongly.

However, he said the side will have to combine more effectively in the next match against India late tonight. New Zealand met India recently in a four-test series played in Wellington and Auckland, losing 2-0.

In their previous match, New Zealand - ranked seventh in the world - snatched a late 3-2 win over former world champions Pakistan.

New Zealand has taken a largely developmental side to Malaysia, including a number of younger players being groomed to take the next step up in international hockey.

- NZPA