Hockey: NZ fourth at Junior World Cup

New Zealand have finished fourth at the Junior World Cup hockey championship after going down 1-4 to Australia in the play off for the bronze medal in Malaysia this morning (NZT).

The New Zealand Juniors who were appearing in the medal payoffs for the first time since the world championship began in 1979, were outplayed in the first half when Australia raced to a 3-0 lead.

Timothy Bates scored a double for the Aussies in the 14th and 27th minute and brother, Michael, scored in the 23rd minute off a well-executed penalty-corner.

New Zealand looked listless and unsure especially in defence but they made more of a game in the second-half.

Having weathered three consecutive penalty corners from Australia, the Junior Black Sticks pulled a goal back in the 47th minute through Joseph Bartholomew after a penalty corner.

At this point in time, New Zealand had their tails up and launched waves of attacks.

Australia struggled to contain their attacks and their frustrations boiled over when Tristan White was sent off in the 53rd minute.

Australia went down to nine men when Matt Gohdes was yellow-carded in the 58th minute.

New Zealand again poured men forward but they left themselves vulnerable to Australia's counter-attacks.

Adrian Lockley took full advantage of the space given to him and he lashed home Australia's fourth goal to seal the game for his team.

Germany won the title for the fifth time when they beat the Netherlands 3-1 in the final.

- NZPA