Hockey: NZ have 2-0 lead over Canadians

New Zealand maintained their first-half dominance to beat Canada 3-1 in the second test of a five-match hockey series in Napier last night.

New Zealand also controlled the first 35 minutes of the opening test in Palmerston North on Saturday before going on to a 4-1 victory.

But, as with the first test, the home team dropped off after leading 3-0 at halftime.

Canada came out firing after the break and pulled a goal back, with defender Steve Davis scoring from a penalty corner. But that was Canada's only success from six second-half penalty corners.

"Yet again, play in the two circles determined the outcome," Canada coach Gene Muller said in reference to New Zealand fullback Hayden Shaw's stunning penalty corner hat-trick in the first test.

With three key players injured for the two Napier tests (the third match is tonight), Muller is facing a battle to coach Canada to a first-ever win over New Zealand in a series.

"But I'm really happy with our second-half performance. I'm happy we're getting closer to where we want to be," he said.

New Zealand coach Kevin Towns was happy with his team's progress after a disappointing performance in the first test in which the 4-1 scoreline was flattering.

"The first half tonight was far better than anything we produced at Palmerston North," he said.

New Zealand had a blistering start with Phil Burrows scoring after six minutes and Shaw banging in a penalty corner three minutes later.



It was 3-0 after 25 minutes when Umesh Parag intercepted a Wayne McIndoe hit into the circle.

New Zealand 3 (Phil Burrows, Hayden Shaw, Umesh Parag) Canada 1 (Steve Davis). Halftime: 3-0.