Hockey: NZ men fall at last hurdle

New Zealand's 3-1 loss in the final of the Oceania Cup will see them take the long route to reach next year's world cup in India. Photo / Getty Images

A disappointing end for the New Zealand's men's side in the final of the Oceania Cup in Invercargill has left them with only one chance of advancing to next year's World Cup.

The Black Sticks went down to the Kookaburras 3-1, in what was a titanic tussle between the two trans-tasman rivals.

Earlier in the day the New Zealand's women's side stunned their Australian counterparts with a 4-3 victory on penalties after the score was locked at 2-2 after extra time.

Grant Schubert belted home two penalty corner flicks to give Australia a 2-1 lead at halftime. New Zealand's goal, in between Schubert's efforts, was scored by promising youngster Nick Wilson after a nice breakaway.

The Kookaburras controlled the tempo of the second half, but missed a couple of opportunities to add to their one goal lead.

New Zealand's Blair Hopping was a standout on defence and goalkeeper Kyle Pontifex made some excellent saves.

New Zealand were unlucky when the umpire disallowed a Phil Burrows effort from a close range scramble and with just over a minute to play, drag flick expert Hayden Shaw put the ball just wide of the left post.

Jamie Dwyer clinched the match for Australia off the final play of the match with a cracking shot from a penalty corner.

The Black Sticks will return to Invercargill in three months time for their second chance to advance to the World Cup in India which will see them go through a longer qualifying route via a six-team qualifying tournament.

- NZ HERALD STAFF and NZPA